FINEARTS 109G Introduction to Photographic Practice - Course Outlines

Course Prescription

Introduces the methods, concepts and contemporary contexts of photographic practice alongside the development of a photographic portfolio. Students will use their own camera, (this can include cell phone cameras) to develop a portfolio of photographic work and explore the ways in which contemporary arts and cultural practices in Aotearoa enable a critical reflection on the production of images.

Course Overview

The course will combine lectures, studio/seminar methods and limited technical instruction to enable students to develop visual photographic literacy and an understanding of contemporary photographic practice. Lectures and instruction will alternate each week, followed by a studio/seminar experience that would weave together theoretical, technical and practical learning that builds across the duration of the course.

Course Requirements

No pre-requisites or restrictions

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

Develop their understanding and engagement with photographic practice. (Capability 1 and 2)
Develop their visual literacy and technical competency to support the use of photography as a tool applicable to a range of research disciplines. (Capability 2)
Develop develop an understanding of contemporary photographic history including the circumstances and content of photographic practice in Aotearoa. (Capability 2, 5 and 6)
Be able to use photography as a tool of research and in relation to photography as a contemporary art form. (Capability 4, 5 and 6)

Assessments

Assessment Type	Percentage	Classification
Contextual essay	30%	Individual Coursework
Final photographic portfolio	70%	Individual Coursework
2 types	100%

Assessment Type	Learning Outcome Addressed
	1	2	3	4
Contextual essay
Final photographic portfolio

A total grade of 50% or higher is required to pass this course.

All submissions must follow the assignment guidelines on Canvas.

Teaching & Learning Methods

This studio course uses Project-Based Learning as a main teaching and learning method. Project-Based Learning is a teaching method in which students gain knowledge and skills by working to investigate and respond to an authentic, engaging, and complex question, problem, or challenge. In this course, the assigned studio project brief and essay set students on a process of discovery which is then consolidated through the development of the final photographic portfolio. These activities offer students a means to conduct their own learning and development and to respond in individual and diverse ways. Studio class activities include discussions with lecturers, group feedback sessions, reading groups, technical workshops, and lectures. Students and staff work together to draw out meaning and value, and to co-evaluate studio work. Assessment criteria provide a flexible framework for rewarding student learning.

Workload Expectations

This course is a standard 15-point course and students are expected to spend 10 hours per week involved in each 15 point course that they are enrolled in. For this course, you can expect 6 hours of lectures, (one lecture per fortnight), 6 hours of tutorial, 6 hours of technical instruction, (1 hour instruction per fortnight) 24 hours of studio/ seminar contact, (two hours per week),12 hours of reading and thinking about the content and 102 hours of self-directed study, including practice-based work (8.5 hours per week).

Delivery Mode

Campus Experience

Attendance is expected at scheduled activities including tutorials/lectures and studio sessions to receive credit for the components of the course.
Lectures will be available as recordings. Other learning activities including tutorials and studios will not be available as recordings.
The course may include live online events including [group discussions/tutorials].
Attendance on campus is required in order to achieve course outcomes.
The activities for the course are scheduled as a standard weekly timetable.

Learning Resources

Students will use their own camera (this can include cell phone cameras). They are also expected to supply their own studio materials as required by the practical project for the course. Lecturers will advise students accordingly at the outset of component of the course.

Health & Safety

Please refer to the Elam School of Fine Arts Health, Safety and Wellbeing guidelines that can be found in the Canvas page for this course in the files section.

Student Feedback

At the end of every semester students will be invited to give feedback on the course and teaching through a tool called SET or Qualtrics. The lecturers and course co-ordinators will consider all feedback and respond with summaries and actions.

Your feedback helps teachers to improve the course and its delivery for future students.

Class Representatives in each class can take feedback to the department and faculty staff-student consultative committees.

Other Information

Working in studio requires feedback sessions and peer-to peer-learning. Students are therefore expected to follow University and Elam guidelines on respectful and inclusive behaviour with each other, in person and by email, zoom or any other communication methods.

Digital Resources

Course materials are made available in a learning and collaboration tool called Canvas which also includes reading lists and lecture recordings (where available).

Please remember that the recording of any class on a personal device requires the permission of the instructor.

Academic Integrity

The University of Auckland will not tolerate cheating, or assisting others to cheat, and views cheating in coursework as a serious academic offence. The work that a student submits for grading must be the student's own work, reflecting their learning. Where work from other sources is used, it must be properly acknowledged and referenced. This requirement also applies to sources on the internet. A student's assessed work may be reviewed against online source material using computerised detection mechanisms.

Inclusive Learning

All students are asked to discuss any impairment related requirements privately, face to face and/or in written form with the course coordinator, lecturer or tutor.

Student Disability Services also provides support for students with a wide range of impairments, both visible and invisible, to succeed and excel at the University. For more information and contact details, please visit the Student Disability Services’ website http://disability.auckland.ac.nz

Special Circumstances

If your ability to complete assessed coursework is affected by illness or other personal circumstances outside of your control, contact a member of teaching staff as soon as possible before the assessment is due.

If your personal circumstances significantly affect your performance, or preparation, for an exam or eligible written test, refer to the University’s aegrotat or compassionate consideration page https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/exams-and-final-results/during-exams/aegrotat-and-compassionate-consideration.html.

This should be done as soon as possible and no later than seven days after the affected test or exam date.

Coursework must be submitted by the published deadline or it will receive the grade DNC(Did Not Complete). In some circumstances, the student can apply for a Formal Extension of Time using the form on Canvas. The request must be supported by written evidence from a doctor or counsellor (or other relevant evidence) to support the extension request.

Requests for extensions of time must be submitted and approved before the due date of the assignment.

No extensions will be granted for problems such as clashing deadlines or accidentally erased computer files which should always be prevented by keeping backup copies.

In the event of unexpected disruption

We undertake to maintain the continuity and standard of teaching and learning in all your courses throughout the year. If there are unexpected disruptions, the University has contingency plans to ensure that access to your course continues and your assessment is fair, and not compromised. Some adjustments may need to be made in emergencies. In the event of a disruption, the University and your course coordinators will make every effort to provide you with up to date information via Canvas and the University website.

Student Charter and Responsibilities

The Student Charter assumes and acknowledges that students are active participants in the learning process and that they have responsibilities to the institution and the international community of scholars. The University expects that students will act at all times in a way that demonstrates respect for the rights of other students and staff so that the learning environment is both safe and productive. For further information visit Student Charter https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/forms-policies-and-guidelines/student-policies-and-guidelines/student-charter.html.

Disclaimer

Elements of this outline may be subject to change. The latest information about the course will be available for enrolled students in Canvas.

In this course you may be asked to submit your coursework assessments digitally. The University reserves the right to conduct scheduled tests and examinations for this course online or through the use of computers or other electronic devices. Where tests or examinations are conducted online remote invigilation arrangements may be used. The final decision on the completion mode for a test or examination, and remote invigilation arrangements where applicable, will be advised to students at least 10 days prior to the scheduled date of the assessment, or in the case of an examination when the examination timetable is published.

Capability 1:	Disciplinary Knowledge and Practice
Capability 2:	Critical Thinking
Capability 4:	Communication and Engagement
Capability 5:	Independence and Integrity
Capability 6:	Social and Environmental Responsibilities

FINEARTS 109G : Introduction to Photographic Practice

Creative Arts and Industries

2021 Semester Two (1215) (15 POINTS)