Module Title:Contemporary Photographic Cultures
Language of Instruction:English
Credits: 10
NFQ Level:7
Module Delivered In 1 programme(s)
Teaching & Learning Strategies: The learning outcomes will be achieved through the following teaching methodologies: Lectures – Communication of knowledge and ideas from the lecturer to the student. Class discussion and debates - students will be encouraged to actively participate in the class debates. Reflective exercises - students will use journals to map the course of their learning with an emphasis on their growing ability to analyse contemporary photographic practices in online contexts. E-Learning – Use of VLE (Blackboard) will be used. Self-directed learning – Independent reading and research will be encouraged through the use of SETU's Learning Resource Centre, audio-visual material and reading.
Module Aim: In the 21st century, thanks to the rise of digital technologies, the documentation of life through photographic practices has become an everyday activity. These practices are complex, weaving together new forms of commerce and technology, emerging cultural trends and issues of self-definition and belonging. This module will introduce students to the key theoretical and analytic tools necessary to understand these practices, enabling students to situate them within pre-existing photographic media trends and emergent contemporary ones. The module will provide an emphasis on photographic representation through social media platforms, exploring core issues such as representation, identity, community, networked communication, and self-branding.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner should be able to:
LO1 Critically analyse contemporary digital photographic practices
LO2 Contextualise these practices within wider economic, social, creative and technological trends and histories.
LO3 Use key media theory to unpack the complexity of contemporary photographic practices particularly in relation to self-representation, community-making and social and political issues.
LO4 Demonstrate the ability to think analytically and with nuance about the function and place of contemporary photographic practices in everyday life.
LO5 Discuss the role of contemporary photographic practices in relation to self-narration, community-building and political movements.
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed.
No requirements listed
 

Module Content & Assessment

Indicative Content
From Photography to Digital Photography
Technology - culture - affordances - uses
Our Digital Selves
Representation - identity - technological determinism - convergence culture - audiences as creators
Platform Rules
Internet culture(s) - quantification - mimetic desire - social surveillance - social media in/visibility
Fake News and Photographic Misrepresentation
Amplification - networked communication - news framing - verification of digital artefacts - ethics of sharing
Visual Political Economies
Influencer culture - censorship - commodification - self-branding - performing authenticity
Assessment Breakdown%
Project70.00%
Practical30.00%
Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Project Written Project 1,2,3,4,5 70.00 n/a
Project Practical project focused on visual cultures 1,2,3,4,5 30.00 n/a
No Project
No Practical
No End of Module Formal Examination

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture Every Week 6.00
Independent Learning Time Every Week 6.00
Total Hours 12.00
 

Module Delivered In

Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CW_DPCCS_B Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Content Creation and Social Media 4 Mandatory