AGM60 Research & Experimentation Module Specification

Description:

This module will introduce me to various research tools and strategies and encourage creative experimentation.

I will research and use the production process to reflect upon:

• The key elements of my own creative practice
• The photographic language I wish to explore
• The position of my practice within relevant photographic fields

 

I will develop an individual Body of Photographic Work.

To support this Body of Work, I will produce an accompanying Research Dossier.

I will consult my peers and critique collaboratively and, in turn, support their research and practice.

 

Aims:

This module aims to:

• Identify, develop, experiment with, and expand upon the key elements of my own creative practice.
• Support those key elements and my creative practice through:
  • creative experimentation
  • critical inquiry
  • research
  • peer discussion
  • reflective evaluation

 

• Provide a framework in which I will develop independent practice and research strategies that underpin my future practice and subsequent project development.

 

• Introduce me to practice-based research methods, enabling me to:
  • research the broader context of my creative practice
  • engage with contemporary debates about photography
  • understand the relationship between theory, practice, process, and documentation

 

Learning Outcomes:

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

• Plan, develop, research, and document an extended body of experimental work. (LO1)
• Acquire and apply appropriate technical skills as defined by my photographic practice. (LO2)
• Demonstrate a clear understanding of the ideas, issues, and different visual contexts underpinning my own photographic practice. (LO3)
• Demonstrate a critical awareness of historical and contemporary debates around research-based photographic practice. (LO4)

 

Content:

This module introduces me to the principles of research-based photographic practice.

The purpose of this module is to provide myself a new point of departure for my practice that will enable me to:

• Open out new possibilities for experimentation
• Identify key issues/strategies/ideas that are central to my development as a practitioner.

 

The module consists of a number of seminars exploring contemporary issues within photographic culture around:

• Research
• Documentation
• Contextualisation
• Conceptual approaches
• Theoretical approaches
• Creative experimentation

 

I will be required to develop and individual Body of Work and accompanying research dossier for assessment.

The module concludes with a formal Final Review, attended by students and staff from across the course.

I will, along with my fellow students, introduce my work with a short oral presentation. This will be followed by a group critique with lecturers and peers.

 

Teaching and Learning Activities:

An introductory briefing will be followed by a series of:

• Lectures
• Group seminars
• Practical workshops
• Individual tutorials
• Group tutorials
• Visiting lecturers
• A Mid-Point Review (formative assessment point)
• A Final Review (summative assessment point)

 

The module adopts a blended learning approach supported by online study materials, available through StudentCentral. These include (when appropriate):

• Readings
• Journal Articles
• Interviews
• Videos
• Social media resources

 

Allocation of Study Hours:

Scheduled: 60

Guided Independent Study: 340

Total Study Hours: 400

 

Details of Assessment (Coursework):

Assessment Task 1:

I will produce a Body of Photographic Work submitted in an appropriate form. For example, a portfolio of prints, an installation, a projection or otherwise.

I will accompany this with an Artist Statement of 200 words.

LO1 & LO2 (50%)

Assessment Task 2:

I will produce a formal and critically reflective Research Dossier of 3-4,000 words that supports the above Body of Work. I will include:

• Documentation and reflective critical evaluation of the creative process undertaken during the module.
• A critical analysis of a set of visual references that demonstrate an appropriate context for the Body of Photographic Work.
• A critical analysis of a set of historical and theoretical references that support the development of the Body of Photographic Work.
• A bibliography and list of research resources.

 

LO3 & LO4 (50%)