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MODULE DESCRIPTOR
Module Title
Critical and Contextual Studies (Photography Context)
Reference AA3104 Version 3
Created March 2023 SCQF Level SCQF 9
Approved July 2019 SCQF Points 15
Amended July 2023 ECTS Points 7.5

Aims of Module
To encourage the initial development of a personal, critical and contextual framework through increasingly self-directed study, developing research skills and increasing critical awareness of contemporary photographic practice.

Learning Outcomes for Module
On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:
1 Explore critical and contextual themes relating to contemporary photographic practice within a broad cultural framework.
2 Identify and develop self-directed critical research themes in relation to personal interests and practice.
3 Develop research skills and methods in relation to a wide cultural framework and self-directed study using appropriate infomation retrieval methods.
4 Develop appropriate methods to document evidence of research activity.

Indicative Module Content
The module will develop theoretical core skills essential to underpin the individual student's developing personal interests and photographic practice. The module is not specifically about photographic images themselves but is aimed more at an understanding of different theories and concepts about images, cultural forms and processes. Students will be expected to use appropriate information retrieval and networked communication systems to research and submit work. Introduction to methods of visualisation and documentation of research analysis: referencing, academic writing. Completed theoretical project work should evidence an awareness and consideration of sustainable themes in a manner appropriate to the context of the discipline.

Module Delivery
The module is seminar based with an increasing emphasis on self-directed study. Tutorial support, both group and individual, will form part of this module.

Indicative Student Workload Full Time Part Time
Contact Hours 50 N/A
Non-Contact Hours 100 N/A
Placement/Work-Based Learning Experience [Notional] Hours N/A N/A
TOTAL 150 N/A
Actual Placement hours for professional, statutory or regulatory body    

ASSESSMENT PLAN
If a major/minor model is used and box is ticked, % weightings below are indicative only.
Component 1
Type: Coursework Weighting: 100% Outcomes Assessed: 1, 2, 3, 4
Description: Final written reflective essay (3000 words).

MODULE PERFORMANCE DESCRIPTOR
Explanatory Text
In order to pass the module you need to achieve an overall grade D or above.
Module Grade Minimum Requirements to achieve Module Grade:
A A in Component 1.
B B in Component 1.
C C in Component 1.
D D in Component 1.
E E in Component 1.
F F in Component 1.
NS Non-submission of work by published deadline or non-attendance for examination

Module Requirements
Prerequisites for Module Successful completion of HND Photography.
Corequisites for module None.
Precluded Modules None.

ADDITIONAL NOTES
Students will be also guided towards particular readings relevant to their individual projects and should keep abreast of current professional outcomes in the areas undertaken.

INDICATIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 BARTHES, R., 2020. Camera Lucida: Reflections on Photography. New York: Vintage Classics.
2 BATE, D., 2016. Photography (The Key Concepts). 2nd ed. London: Bloomsbury.
3 BERGER, J., 2008. Ways of Seeing. London: Penguin.
4 COTTON, C., 2020. The Photograph as Contemporary Art. World of Art Series: 1. London: Thames and Hudson.
5 HOWELLS, R., 2012. Visual Culture: An Introduction. 2nd ed. Polity Press.
6 LA GRANGE, A., 2015. Basic Critical Theory for Photographers. London: Routledge.
7 SONTAG, S., 2010. On Photography. London: Penguin.
8 WELLS, L., 2021. Photography: A Critical Introduction. 6th ed. Oxon: Routledge.

Robert Gordon University, Garthdee House, Aberdeen, AB10 7QB, Scotland, UK: a Scottish charity, registration No. SC013781