Course Topics
WS - Course held by M. Fengel: We try to understand what photography can do and where are the limits. In various examples created by the students we will learn how photography works today. What is it’s relation to society, how was it 50 years ago - do we have to photograph an idea already thought? Can we find a new one? What kind of responsibilities do we have, why is it sometimes important to be funny, and sometimes not. The photography course tries to give as much answers as possible. SS - Course held by Prof. Leitolf: Me, Myself and I Self-Portrait and Politics of Representation in Photography This course explores the photographic self-portrait as a medium of artistic and political expression. Under the title “Me, Myself and I”, participants engage with questions of self-presentation, identity, and visibility. The focus lies on the politics of representation: Who is portrayed and how? What images of ourselves do we choose to show – and which ones have been historically and socially assigned to us? Through practical exercises, image discussions, and theoretical inputs from art, media, and gender studies, participants will develop their own visual language. Power structures, stereotypical imagery, and the role of the body, gaze, and context will be critically examined. The goal is to create photographic self-portraits that not only tell personal stories but also reveal and challenge societal structures.

Propaedeutic courses
No prerequisites are foreseen.

Teaching format
WS - Course held by M. Fengel: workshops, exercises, analysis, talks. SS - Course held by Prof. Leitolf: Group discussions, participatory lectures, workshops, student presentations

Educational objectives
Disciplinary competence Knowledge and understanding - have acquired the basic knowledge necessary to realise a project in the field of Photography; - have acquired the basic knowledge necessary for further Master's studies in all components of project culture as well as in technical subjects, with a particular attention to the field of Photography. Applying knowledge and understanding - use the basic knowledge acquired in the technical fields to realise a mature project; - make use of the skills acquired during the course of study in the event of continuing studies in a Master's degree programme and to develop them further. Transversal competence and soft skills Making judgements - Be able to make independent judgements for the purpose of developing their own design skills and in relation to all those decisions that are necessary to bring a project of Photography to completion. Communication skills - present an independently realised project in the field of Photography in the form of an installation, orally as well as in writing in a professional manner. Learning skills - have learned a work methodology at a professional level - in the sense of being able to identify, develop and realise solutions to complex problems by applying the acquired knowledge in the different fields, with a particular attention to the field of Photography - in order to start a professional activity and/or continue their studies with a master's degree programme; - have developed a creative attitude and learned how to enhance it and develop it according to their own inclinations; - have acquired basic knowledge in the field of Photography as well as a study methodology suitable for continuing studies with a Master's degree programme.

Assessment
WS - Course held by M. Fengel: By the exam’s date, each student must upload on the Microsite of the faculty detailed documentation of the work done during the course. Documentation is an integral part of the exam. The documentation must include visual documentation and an abstract of the project. The portfolio to be loaded up will contain all the topics taught in the course. It will be discussed in an oral exam. SS - Course held by Prof. Leitolf: - Production of artistic work (e.g. photographic prints, video, digital formats etc.) - Several presentations of own artistic work in plenary critique sessions as well as one to one meetings with teacher - Contextualisation of own artistic practice within current and/or past discourses - Presentation of researched topics to class - End of semester presentation in individual form of presentation/exhibition, (self-)/evaluation of results ALL THE STUDENTS ATTENDING THE EXAM AS “OPT” OR AS NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS MUST AGREE UPON THE CONTENTS WITH THE TEACHER.

Evaluation criteria
WS - Course held by M. Fengel: Understanding and transforming ideas into pictures; ability to choose from different visual possibilities; presentation of the elaborated projects. SS - Course held by Prof. Leitolf: - Strength and clarity of artistic concepts - Coherence of concept, choice of means and resulting artwork - Innovativeness/inventiveness concerning subject, approach and materials - Virtuosity of technical skills - Mastery of oral presentation: ability to summarize, evaluate, and establish relationships between topics and own artistic practice - Ability to work in a team - Capability of integrating reviews and critics in the work process - Skills in critical thinking and adequate communication to peers - Comprehensive artistic processes and presentation of results - Proactive attitude/behavior - Taking on responsibilities - Development of long-term interests