Module Details

Module Code: PHOT C2804
Module Title: Contemporary Photographic Cultures
Title: Contemporary Photographic Cultures
Module Level:: 7
Credits:: 10
Module Coordinator: Myles Kelly
Module Author:: Eleanor OLeary
Domains:  
Module Description: 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 will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
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.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Additional Requisite Information
No Co Requisites listed
 
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
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Project70.00%
Practical30.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 70
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Written Project
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 30
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Practical project focused on visual cultures
No Project
No Practical
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

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

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Category Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact In-class delivery Every Week 6.00 6
Independent Learning Time Non Contact Reading and research Every Week 6.00 6
Total Weekly Contact Hours 6.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Kaye, D., 2022.. TikTok: Creativity and Culture in Short Video, [ISBN: 978-150954892].
  • Leaver, T., Highfield, T., Abidin, C. 2019. Instagram, [ISBN: 978-150953439].
  • McGill, M., .2021.. The Visibility Trap: Sexism, Surveillance and Social Media, [ISBN: 978-184840801].
  • Peracia, A.,. 2017.. Culture of the Selfie: Self-Representation in Contemporary, [ISBN: 978-949230217].
  • Rettberg, J. W., .2014.. Seeing Ourselves Through Technology: How We Use Selfies, Blogs and Wearable Devices to See and Shape Ourselves, [ISBN: 978-113747664].
  • Serafinelli, E. 2018.. Digital Life on Instagram: New Social Communication of Photography, [ISBN: 978-178756498].
  • Thumin, N., 2015.. Self-Representation and Digital Culture, [ISBN: 978-113752017].
  • Wiggins, B. E., 2020.. The Discursive Power of Memes in Digital Culture: Ideology, Semiotics, and Intertextuality, [ISBN: 978-036766133].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
  • European Journal of Cultural Studies.
  • New Media & Society.
  • Television & New Media.
Discussion Note: