AGM61 Contemporary Debates Module Specification

The following is the full module specification for the Contemporary Debates module:

Description:

This module will:

• Provide me with a theoretical underpinning for the development of practice work
• Enable me to consider a range of theoretical issues and debates in photography delivered through a series of seminars reflecting upon critical developments in the medium
• Introduce me to several key theoretical texts that have contributed to contemporary debate in the field of contemporary photography
• Provide a range of conceptual tools that will enable my practice work to become securely embedded within that field

 

Aims:

This module aims to:

• Introduce me to key debates underpinning contemporary photographic practice
• Enable my development of critical and analytical skills in the reading of academic texts
• Support my development of academic writing skills

 

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of the module, I will be able to:

• Demonstrate a broad understanding of key theoretical debates related to contemporary photographic practice (LO1)
• Research a theoretical topic (LO2)
• Articulate an independent argument in the form of a written essay (LO3)

 

Content:

This module:

• Considers a range of theoretical issues and debates that informed contemporary practice in photography
• Is designed to encourage my reflection upon:
  • Fundamental aspects of the photographic medium
  • The relationship between technology and art practice
  • Different ways of thinking about photographic meaning and communication

• Introduces me to several key theoretical texts that have contributed to contemporary debate in the field of photographic practice

 

Topics may vary in response to new debates in the field, but an indicative list might include:

• • Stillness
  • Temporality
  • The Index
  • Materiality
  • Repetition
  • The Archive
  • The Accidental
  • The Performative
  • The Tableau
  • Agency

 

Module seminars are designed for me to:

• Explore innovative responses to traditional genres of photographic practice
• Engage with contemporary issues in the modern world

 

Learning Support:

Reading List:

Bate, D., 2015. Art Photography, London: Tate

Durden, M. and Tomey, J., 2018. The Routledge Companion to Photography Theory, London: Routledge

Durden, M., (ed.) 2013. 50 Key Writers on Photography, London: Routledge

Elkins J., (ed.) 2007. Photography Theory, New York: Routledge

Emerling J., 2012. Photography History and Theory. London: Routledge

Fried, M., 2008. Why Photography Matters as Art as Never Before, New Haven: Yale University Press

Green, D., (ed.) 2003. Where is the Photograph? Brighton: Photoworks,

Soutter L., 2013. Why Art Photography? London: Routledge

Swinnen J. and Deneulin L., 2010. The Weight of Photography: Photography, History, Theory and Criticism, Introductory Readings. Brussels: Academic and Scientific Publishers

Van Gelder H. and Westgeest H., 2011. Photography Theory in Historical Perspective, Chichester: Wiley Blackwell

Wells L., (ed.) 2018. The Photography Reader, London: Routledge