University of the West of England

MODULE SPECIFICATION

Learning outcomes:

To enable students to:

Knowledge and Understanding

i) demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of a range of contemporary Fine Art works and practices;

ii) demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of a range of written critiques that inform contemporary Fine Art practices;

iii) critically locate their own practice in relation to other written critiques and Fine Art practices;

Intellectual skills

iv) critically reflect on and discuss their own artwork and that of others;

v) identify and analyse relevant sources of information in order to develop critical skills;

vi) develop necessary skills to write critical texts in the form of reviews of appropriate expositions of artwork;

Subject/Practical skills

vii) evidence relationships between critical reflection, contextualisation and practice;

viii) identify and collate relevant texts from a number of sources;

ix) communicate, negotiate and offer critical opinion to others;

Transferable skills

x) manage own learning and access an appropriate range of resources;

xi) engage in critical debate in a professional manner.

Syllabus outline:

The module is designed to provide students with the opportunity to learn through experience how to plan, undertake and manage a self-initiated programme of study. It requires students to begin to negotiate a programme of research, which explores the complex relationships between theory, critical review and practice. In order to critically contextualise their practice students will study relevant contemporary texts and practices. The emphasis in this module is on the development of reflective texts which take the form of personal, analytical reviews.

Students are encouraged to develop a form of inquiry which demonstrates an engagement with critical discourse and the exchange of ideas. This will be achieved through an examination of established art forms and critical writing which are of relevance to individual students’ areas of interest. Students are asked to produce a number of texts which are developed and expanded throughout the module.

Students begin to develop their art practice. This is reviewed through group critiques during the module. Students are required to write two texts in the form of exhibition reviews of 1000 words each (three bound copies). These are assessed at the end of the module.

Teaching and learning methods:

Although the emphasis of this module is upon self-directed work, the teaching and learning methods are aimed at supporting the student in establishing strategies to manage this effectively. These strategies are developed through group tutorials (usually in students’ studios) and close-reading groups. Students are required to make presentations to the peer group and to take part in others presentations. Students are supported through group tutorials and through feedback sessions on the progression of draft texts.

A number of lectures on a range of topics are presented by invited visitors and staff. Also, the Fine Arts Lecture Series takes place weekly and aims to introduce students to a wide range of contemporary practices and debates. Students are encouraged to take part in organised and self-initiated trips to museums, exhibitions and events as a means of both investigating the mechanisms involved in the dissemination and presentation of artwork and in order to gain a wide and informed knowledge of contemporary art practice.

Assessment criteria:

Students will be assessed on the level of their ability to:

Indicative sources:

Individually negotiated.

Assessment :

Weighting between components A and B (standard modules at levels 0-3 only) A: B:

ATTEMPT 1

First Assessment Opportunity

Component A

Description of each element Element weighting

1. 1,000 word text (review) 50%

2. 1,000 word text (review) 50%

Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes is/is not required)

Component A

1. 1,000 word text (review) 50%

2. 1,000 word text (review) 50%

SECOND (OR SUBSEQUENT) ATTEMPT Attendance at taught classes is/is not required.

Specification confirmed by ……………………………………………………Date……………………………

(Associate Dean/Programme Director)