Exploring the Discipline

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• the nature of contemporary art practice;
• key aspects of the historical and theoretical contexts of contemporary art;
• ethical issues in contemporary art practice.

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• articulate evidence-based conclusions .
• effectively communicate your ideas in writing;

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• apply evaluative thinking in the development of your ideas.
• apply critical analysis to written and visual material;
• retrieve relevant written and visual research material from library, digital and exhibition sources;

The module introduces the fundamental mechanisms of art, and identifies landmarks of art history. It examines key aspects of art theory and the nature of contemporary art practice. It introduces a range of study skills including the ability to locate research material, visual analysis and critical evaluation. It highlights the importance of academic integrity - not misrepresenting the work of others as your own - and raises issues of ethical awareness.

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching methods include

• Lectures
• Tutorials

Learning activities include:

• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Peer Group Learning
• Study Skills Hub

Relationship between the teaching, learning and assessment methods and the planned learning outcomes

The module is directed by lectures which provide the intellectual and skills framework necessary to enable you to apply critical, evaluative, reflective skills to the context for your practice. Case studies drawn from current debates will present methods and approaches necessary to formulate your ideas and communicate your thinking effectively. Through lectures you will become familiar with the fundamental mechanisms of art, aspects of art history and theory, the nature of contemporary art practice and issues of ethics. This module focuses on developing the different facets of studying and communicating effectively at Undergraduate level; and the importance of self-initiated study.

Resources & Reading list

Internet Resources

Academic Skills - The link below will help you develop your academic skills;.

learn with us.

Blackboard (E:learning).

The Library •The library provides comprehensive advice on researching and referencing material;.

Panopto - via Blackboard.

Study Skills.

Textbooks

Benjamin, W. (1936). The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction. London: Penguin.

Cottrell, S. (2013). The Study Skills Handbook. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan,.

D’Alleva, A. (2005). Methods and Theories of Art History.. London: Lawrence King.

Taylor, B (1995). Art Today. London: Laurence King.

Berger, J. (2008). Ways of Seeing.. London: Penguin Classics..

Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research Design.. London: Sage..

Walliman, N. (2010). Research Methods: The Basics.. London: Routledge.

Dumbadze, A. & Hudson, S. (2013). Contemporary Art: 1989 to the Present.. Chichester: John Wiley and Sons.

Gombrich, E. (1996). The Story of Art. London: Phaidon.

Frascina, F. and Harrison, C. eds. (1982). Modern Art and Modernism: A Critical Anthology.. London: Harper and Row.

Hughes, R. (1991). The Shock of the New: Art and the Century of Change.. London: Thames and Hudson.

Hatt, M. and Klonk, C. (2005). Art History: A Critical Introduction to its Methods.. Manchester: Manchester University Press..

Williams, G. (2014). How to Write About Contemporary Art. London: Thames & Hudson.

Barthes, R. (1957). Mythologies.. London: Vintage Classics.

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

Blog Post

• Assessment Type: Formative
• Feedback: Formative feedback is given during the module in light of interim inspection of blog entries. You may complete and amend any of the eight assessment tasks on the blog at any time prior to the hand-in date. You are encouraged to complete them on a week-by-week basis, and an outline inspection of tasks posted will form the basis of individual written feedback on a guidance template which indicates marking criteria. Your Orientation and Formative Feedback tutorials with your personal academic tutor will encompass this module.
• Final Assessment: No
• Group Work: No

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External