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This practical module provides the opportunity to create a body of photographic work around a core theme. The aim is to achieve a series of images that develop from the photographers’ personal perspective, or have a personal relationship to the photographer.

The documentary image is capable of involving viewers in an emotional engagement that can make it more than a clinical means of factual record. The ability to communicate a particular viewpoint through images that clearly display the style and approach of a specific photographer has contributed to the locating of documentary photography in the gallery, books and auction houses, alongside the archive.

Documentary photographs by Walker Evans, Henri Cartier-Bresson and Dorothea Lange have become iconic images, growing in stature over time. Photographers such as Martin Parr, Nan Goldin, Paul Graham, Richard Billingham employ a ‘documentary style’, but also bring a very personal style and subjective approach to their work. They are part of a growing body of photography where the divisions between fine art and documentary break down.

This module explores documentary as a personal means of expression and through the consideration of examples a number of themes may be established to assist in the development of a practical project. Students should question what constitutes their individual or personal view, how to develop initial 'personal' ideas and consider strategies for arriving at and developing such project ideas. Students will also be expected to investigate and rationalise their approaches to placing the work in the public domain. A model of mentoring that allows students space to develop their own practice will be introduced and implemented as part of this module.  Students are encouraged to develop their analytical and self-evaluative skills towards developing their reflective practice.

A student passing this module should be able to:

1)  Demonstrate a broad understanding of contemporary photojournalism and documentary photography practices including historic, technical and cultural influences, including the socio-political context in which photojournalists and documentary photographers operate.  

2)  Demonstrate the appropriate use and selection of photographic equipment and processes, including the selection and use of new technologies and/or traditional skills and production methodologies.

3)        Examine a discipline related theory, idea, hypothesis or problem and formulate independent judgements and articulate arguments through reflection, review and evaluation; effectively explore and communicate sophisticated concepts/ideas, principles or theories by photographic, written and oral means.

4) Analyse evidence, arguments and assumptions to solve complex and unpredictable problems including editing and critiquing your own visual and written material, and that of others, to communicate effectively to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.

5)  Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the work of photographers who have worked with the documentary as a major component in their practice, and have a broad perspective on approaches to the construction of documentary. Identify and question existing photographic genres and representations.

6) Critically review your Personal Development Planning to develop effective strategies towards identifying and achieving personal, academic and career goals; set goals, manage workloads to meet deadlines, evaluate and reflect upon your learning and study skills in order to become an independent learner.

Portfolio of photographic work, equivalent to 4,000 words

The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.