AH5146 Issues in Photographic Criticism

Academic year

2025 to 2026 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

30

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 11

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

TBC

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr L Gartlan

Dr L Gartlan
This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Dr L Gartlan

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module provides an introduction to key writings and debates in the history of photographic criticism from the 1830s to the present day. Our aim is to investigate the historical and methodological questions raised by critical approaches to photography and to provide a good grounding in the major issues and debates in the history of the medium. Among other themes, we will examine the social meanings of photography, the contested nature of its critical terms, its institutional status and curatorial practices, and the relevance of photography for debates on modern subjectivity and identity politics.

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 100%

Re-assessment

An essay of 3,000 words

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

1.5. hour seminar ( x 11 weeks) and occasional fieldwork.

Scheduled learning hours

11

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

298

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • understand the key critical debates and approaches in the history of photographic criticism
  • critically assess historical and recent theoretical readings
  • present independent ideas orally and in writing
  • conduct independent research skills using the library, archival and IT resources
  • analyse visual materials and objects