Contextual Modules

Contemporary Critical Contexts (semester 1, 15 credits)

This module introduces a range of critical theory relevant to individual research strategies by revisiting and substantially building on critical and analytical approaches that may have been encountered at undergraduate level. The main focus of the module will be on post-structuralist theories and their application to contemporary fine art practices. Discourse analysis will act as a point of departure for the discussion of themes/issues which continue to circulate in contemporary cultural practice. As well as a series of key texts that will give focus to the module, current art magazine and journals will form additional context to the discussion of fine art practice.

The module runs over one semester, with fortnightly sessions on generic issues (6 sessions) which will be discussed in seminar sessions in response to the key texts and staff-led lecture presentations. The module, whilst centered on analytical and methodological frameworks, will also deal with the relationship between critical theory and your own studio work allowing reflective analysis and appraisal of your practice and research themes.

Assessment

• A written synopsis of three of the lecture/seminar sessions articulating the relevance of the debates to the research context of the individual student - 50% (1500 word equivalent)
• A 20 min visual and textual presentation of the analysis of selected artwork applying relevant methodologies and theories. The presentation will be to the undergraduate programme - 50% (1500 word equivalent)

Audience and Presentation (semester 2, 15 credits)

Presentation based seminar sessions will explore the professional experience of visiting artists, curators, exhibition officers and other arts professionals.

Seminar discussions will consider the effect and impact of areas of professional practice covered in the seminars and will encourage discussion of the varying nature and requirements of project development and realisation.

Individual tutorials will support students in the identification of appropriate areas for study and the associated research necessary to realise an effective case study.

Each student will prepare a 3,000 word case study which draws upon first hand research in to a chosen exhibition or event. Normally the case study will relate to the students own area of practice.

The case study will consider the logistics, context and critical impact of the chosen subject and will, as appropriate, consider the nature of funding streams used to support the project and its dissemination.

Assessment

• 3,000 word case study including visual documentation of the exhibition or event cited in the case study;
• Research to be fully referenced in a bibliography with any additional contextual research included within an appendix.

The Practical Modules

Studio Development & Evaluation (semester 1 & 2, 75 credits)

The module represents a major component in the development and progression of studio based work. The direction of individual practice will be determined through negotiation with tutors and refined through a written proposal that indicates the concepts that will be engaged with and the material practice to be undertaken, including the range of possible outcomes.

The module will form a testing ground for the development of new work where students can challenge the limits of their practice and refine their own visual language and working methods. Through discussion with peers and tutors, and informed by specific debates in Contemporary Critical Contexts and Audience and Presentation modules, you will be able to position your work in relation to current debates around theory and practice.

Assessment

• Exhibition of Studio development practical work
• Support work displaying the development and progression of work presented for exhibition; including a studio proposal that reflects the assessment criteria
• 1500 word personal statement.

Independent Exhibition OR Project (Dissertation) (summer, 60 credits)

This is the culmination of all the other modules where all aspects of studies (research, critical analysis, material practice and experimentation together with knowledge of contemporary professional contexts and creative solutions to problems) are drawn together into an individual project. The aims of this module are to consolidate, to refine, and focus on the public presentation of practical art-work. You will pursue a strategy for creating visual art that aspires to contemporary professional precedents.

Assessment:

• An exhibition, normally late August early September;
• A 2000 word written statement
• Seminar presentation to staff, students and guests

Optional Modules

Two 15-credit modules are available as options. Students must choose one of these:

• Website Development
• Practicing Arts with New Technologies

Each of these modules provides students with digital skills in new media and skills pertinent to the professional context in which they are likely to be working.

Website Development (semester 1 & 2, 15 credits)

The module is focused on making IT skills relevant both to 'academic' research and to artistic practice in which the production of a functioning website becomes an arena for presenting artistic works and receiving feedback about ‘practice’. Knowing how to a) develop a web-site from a working template (the emphasis being on the development of an existing site rather than building one from scratch) and b) produce digital content (photo, video or sound files etc) are seen as essential skills for all artists in the 21st century.

This module is allows for different entry levels and experience and can accommodate all students. You will develop your own aims for the website, and these will determine how the site will be both constructed and assessed. Assessment of the module concentrates on the functional and organisational aspects of the website.

Assessment

A professionally presented website which must function as:

•      Marketing Tool
•      Gallery or Catalogue
•      Digital Journal / Sketchbook
•      Database
•      Links

and has option of also being site for Multi-media net art.

• written ‘website proposal’ for the module,
• back-up/supporting material.
• (Note: Content of site is NOT assessed).

Practicing Arts with New Technologies (bi-annual summer intensive, 15 credits)

The module will be run as an intensive two-week interdisciplinary & collaborative arts and new technologies laboratory (usually in June/July). Students will explore the possibilities inherent in software programs, including interactive programs, and patterns of collaboration appropriate to working with artistic media in the digital domain. The projects will be formulated and developed under the guidance of course tutors. The integration of artistic strategies and/or contexts used by artists working in different disciplines will be encouraged (for example, performances in digital installations, digital artworks with a musical strand) alongside single discipline projects. Students will engage in a degree of theoretical debate in order to develop a deeper understanding of their practice and the issues raised by the medium in an artistic notebook which tracks the issues and creative processes of arts practice in the digital domain encountered during their work.

Assessment

• A practical presentation (e.g. lecture-demonstration/work-in-progress) using new technologies which involves a dialogue between an artistic medium (or media) and new technologies. 60%(1800 word equivalent);
• Documentation of outcomes of the research in a format appropriate to the project; (This will be used to assist in the assessment of the research process). 40% (1200 word equivalent).