Study Guide

Learning outcomes

The student can
- produces a finished set of images to be published
- critically evaluate your own work in its various stages
- explains key image theories and related concepts
- write critical and analytical texts related to photography
- writes about his own work and relates his own work to the phenomena of the field of photography.
- use text and image sources to support work

Implementation and methods of teaching

Workshop: joint meetings at the Lahti campus, reviewing and taking forward students' projects during lessons, possible related lectures, individual meetings remotely or in the context of face-to-face teaching as needed. Building an exhibition in a public exhibition space.

Image analysis component: lectures and discussions on the Lahti campus, visits, personal work on texts.

Timing and attendance

80% compulsory attendance.

Learning material and recommended literature

Roland Barthes 1980/1982: Camera Lucida. Reflections on Photography
Literature provided by the teacher.

Alternative completion methods

In exceptional cases, this will be agreed separately with the teacher.

Exam retakes

In exceptional cases, this will be agreed separately with the teacher.

Learning environment

Campus, Exhibition spaces.

Student time use and work load

1 credit is 27 hours of student work. The teaching consists of timetabled lessons, in addition to which the student works on photography project, reads and writes independently on assignments given by the teacher.

Contents

Shooting workshop section: students shoot a project of their own interest under the guidance of teacher Akseli Valmunen, develop a suitable shooting method and their own visual expression. Group discussions are an essential part of the workshop. The works will be finalised under the guidance of the teacher and a public group exhibition will be planned and held in spring 2025.

In the image analysis section, students will read theoretical texts on visual culture, look at images and learn how to write, among other things, photographic criticism and analytical reflections on images with reference to literary sources. The course prepares students for writing a thesis, for example.

Assessment criteria

Participation in lessons. Promoting and completing your own photography work for the exhibition. Passing the written assignments.

Assessment scale

1-5

Failed (0)

The student has been absent for more than the 80% attendance allowed. A project for a photography workshop has not been completed and written assignments have not been returned.

Assessment criteria: level 1 (assessment scale 1–5)

The photography project has been completed and the student has participated in the lessons. However, the cinematography is limited/thin and there have been difficulties in managing the project.

In the image analysis section, class participation and written assignments show that the student is familiar with the content of the course. The student has completed the written assignments provided, but they are sparse in content.

Assessment criteria: level 3 (assessment scale 1–5)

The student has worked on the project and, under the guidance of the teacher, it has progressed into a finished work for the exhibition. The student has been able to take feedback and the work has evolved over the course of the course. The student has actively participated in the lessons through discussion.

The student's active participation in the classes and the written assignments indicate familiarity with the material guiding writing in the course. The student has been able to select images and texts as a basis for his/her own writing. The texts are logical, using sources appropriately and reflecting the student's own thinking and interpretation.

Assessment criteria: level 5 (assessment scale 1–5)

The student has worked on the project and, under the guidance of the teacher, it has progressed into a finished work for the exhibition. The student has been able to take feedback and the work has evolved over the course of the course. The student's management of the photography project has been excellent and the work stands out in the exhibition as original and finished.

The student's active participation in class and written assignments demonstrate excellent familiarity with the writing material covered in the course. The student has been able to make an insightful choice of images and texts as a basis for his/her own writing. The texts are logical and publishable, with appropriate use of sources and the student's own thinking and interpretation bringing out new, fresh perspectives on the subject.