2017/18 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
FREN3585 Camera Lucida: Theory, Practice and Writing of Photography
20 creditsClass Size: 12
Module manager: Dr Andrew Stafford
Email: A.J.Stafford@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2017/18
Pre-requisite qualifications
Successful completion of level 2 French or an equivalent level of competence.This module is mutually exclusive with
FREN3580 | Camera Lucida: Theory, Practice and Writing of Photography |
Module replaces
FREN3582 Camera LucidaThis module is not approved as a discovery module
Module summary
An exploration of photographers, of the theory of the photograph, and of writings about photography, in French and Francophone culture, this course is open to all Level 3 students in French Studies. It considers Photography as a contradictory form - both art and (re-?) presentation of reality -, from its origins to the present day. In order for French photography's full historical and cultural significance to be understood, it will be studied within all three of the following paradigms: window, mirror and immediated reality. The course also introduces techniques of reading photographs (including semiology, aesthetics, phenomenology, etc.).Objectives
Students will:- become familiar with the history of French photography
- consider the aesthetic, political, and technological aspects of the photographic process
- relate 'texts' to written comment and context
- relate the 'photographic' to a range of critical theoretical debates
Learning outcomes
Students will be able to:
- relate 'texts' to historical, political and cultural moments
- identify a particular photographic 'style'
- write critical appreciations in French (eg journalistic, personal) of a range of photographs, exhibitions, etc.
Skills outcomes
Students will be able to:
- analyze a photograph for its plurality of uses and meanings
- manipulate computer-generated photographs
- comment, discursively in French, on photography
Syllabus
Set texts:
Raymond Depardon, Errance (Seuil 2000)
Gisèle Freund, Photographie et société (Seuil 1974)
Patrick Modiano, Chien de printemps (Seuil 1992)
Teaching methods
Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
Seminar | 10 | 2.00 | 20.00 |
Private study hours | 180.00 | ||
Total Contact hours | 20.00 | ||
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200.00 |
Private study
Since this is a 20-credit module, it is expected that the students read and know other material outside of the set texts, usually given as photocopy, and that they use this material in their answers in the exam. This change is reflected in the fact that the assessment involves now a 3-hour exam, requiring 2 answers.Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Students write a non-assessed essay (chosen from any previous exam paper, including writing a photo-essay if they wish), across the Easter vacation. Feedback given in final, 'exam and essay technique' seminar just before the exams.Methods of assessment
Exams
Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 3 hr 00 mins | 100.00 |
Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 100.00 |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 02/03/2018 17:22:50
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- Undergraduate module catalogue
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