2017/18 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

COMM1850 Photographic Histories

20 creditsClass Size: 30

Module manager: Dr Simon Popple
Email: s.e.popple@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2017/18

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module explores social, cultural and technological histories of photography between its commercial launch in 1839 and the present. It will do so through the use of a range of historical case studies and archival materials that illustrate the centrality of photography within the mass media. During the course of the module you will study how photography developed as a means of mass communication, a medium for the representation of society, a witness to war and social upheaval and as a growing social practice. You will learn through the study and research of key bodies of historical materials and focus on a particular area of interest through an extended project.

Objectives

On completion of this module, students should be able to ...
To enable students to develop an understanding of the development of photography as a form of mass communication.

To enable students to understand key issues in the interpretation of the history of photography.

To enable students to develop independent research and interpretive skills.

To enable students to develop independent working and time management skills.

To encourage students to develop reflective thinking and online presentational skills.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the key elements of the development of photographic history.
2. Demonstrate understanding of the social, cultural and technological importance of photography as a form of mass communication.
3. Complete a simple research project that demonstrates an understanding photographic research – including an awareness of the nature of research and the importance of evidence and critical reflection.
4. Communicate research findings in a range of different forms.

Syllabus

Indicative content which may vary year to year: The idea of photography, Photographic histories and interpretations, Photography as communication, Researching photographs, The cultural value of photography, The importance of technology, The Photographic Archive

Field-work:
1. Research visit to the National Media Museum, Bradford.
2. Research visit to UOL Special Collections
3. Research visit to Leeds City Archives.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Fieldwork	3	4.00	12.00
Lecture	8	1.00	8.00
Tutorial	10	1.00	10.00
Private study hours			170.00
Total Contact hours			30.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Private study

Students should devote private study time to reading and preparation for lectures (50 hours), poster (20 hours) and research portfolio preparation (100 hours).

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Student progress will be monitored through weekly seminars, assessment progress and tutorials.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Portfolio	Research Portfolio 2,500 - 3,000 words	60.00
Research Proposal	Online reflective research diary 1,000 - 1,250 words	40.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Resit arrangements: In each case a repeat/re-submission of the outlined task will be requested.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 16/02/2017

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