University of the West of England

MODULE SPECIFICATION

Learning outcomes:

To enable students to:

Knowledge and Understanding

i) reflect on knowledge and understanding of students’ own work and a range of other Fine Art works and practices;

ii) reflect on knowledge and understanding of critical discourses relevant to contemporary Fine Art practices;

iii) locate implications of their own practice in relation to other relevant practices;

Intellectual skills

iv) critically reflect on and discuss their own artwork and that of others at a sophisticated level;

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

vi) demonstrate a conceptually rigorous and reflective Fine Art practice;

Subject/Practical skills

vii) produce sophisticated reflexive artwork;

viii) communicate, negotiate and offer sophisticated critical opinion to others;

ix) produce a coherent evaluative document which reflects on and documents on their practice in a professional manner;

Transferable skills

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

xi) engage in focused critical debate in a professional manner;

xii) identify and present a range of relevant topics for debate.

Syllabus outline:

This module is designed to provide students with the opportunity to consolidate and reflect on their practice.

The emphasis in this module is on the production of artworks alongside the production of a structured and in-depth evaluation document reflecting on their practice. Students are required to include photographic documentation of their work and collate other appropriate visual material and texts towards the making of an Evaluation Report.

The document should include:

- An introduction;

- A critical evaluation of the students’ own working methods and practices;

- A history of the development of the students work (including reflections on strengths and successes, weaknesses and less successful work);

- Statement/s of intent;

- Reflections tutorials and discussions;

- Photographic documentation of students’ work and of others works;

- A concise bibliography

- Footnoted references

- A conclusive statement.

It might also include:

- Notes and reflections on attended lectures and seminars;

- Reviews and/or observations of exhibitions attended or events attended;

- Analysis of relevant theoretical and critical texts;

- Critical assessment of the students’ work by others;

- Possible future developments of students’ practice;

- Other relevant information.

The document does not necessarily have to take the form of an academic essay, however sections or chapters must be delineated and all reference to researched material, discussions and observations regarding exposition and lectures attended must be footnoted.

The evaluation document should be illustrated and bound and of between 5500 and 6000 words (three copies).

Students will be expected to make significant contributions to critical discussion, group critiques and debates in the studio, reflecting on their own and others working strategies and artworks. Students will focus their inquiry reflectively and demonstrate a focused engagement with critical discourse and the exchange of ideas.

For assessment appropriately installed finished artworks will be reviewed in relation to the evaluation document.

Teaching and learning methods:

Much of the teaching and learning during this module will take place in the students’ studios or work place.

The emphasis of this module is upon self-directed work and students are expected to manage their time researching and collating information for their evaluation document, producing art work and engaging in critical discussion and debate. Time management is particularly important in this module and the students working practices should be reflected in their written work. Teaching and learning methods are aimed at supporting the student in managing this. Teaching staff will offer feedback on the progression of draft texts and make suggestions in regard to the progress of the evaluation document.

Students are expected to organise and contribute to a rotating programme of group critiques and discussions in their studios (in conjunction with the Programme Leader).

A number of presentations will be given by students and invited visitors. Students are expected to make regular visits to art expositions in London, Bristol and elsewhere in order to gather information and material for their Evaluation Document.

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 6,000 word illustrated paper and visual presentation 100%

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

Component A

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

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

(Associate Dean/Programme Director)