University of the West of England

      MODULE SPECIFICATION

    Code:

    UAAA7S-40-1

    Title: INTRODUCTION TO FINE ARTS

    Version: 7

    Level: 1

    UWE credit rating: 40 Credits

    ECTS credit rating: 20

    Module type: Project

    Owning Faculty: FCA

    Field: Art

    Field Leader: Mandy Ure

    Valid from: September 2008

    Discontinued from:

    Contributes towards:

    BA (Hons) Fine Art , BA (Hons) Art and Visual Culture

    Pre-requisites: None

    Co-requisites: None

    Excluded combinations: None

      Learning outcomes:

      To enable students to:

      Knowledge and understanding

      i) develop an understanding of the relationship between form and content;

      ii) question and discuss the relationship between a subjective and objective reading of their own and others artwork;

      iii) recognise strengths and weaknesses in their own work;

      Intellectual Skills

      iv) develop a critical and reflective approach to making and discussing artworks;

      v) generate ideas and artworks in response to propositions and concepts;

      Subject/Practical Skills

      vi) explore, test and apply a range of media and working methods;

      vii) use a range of learning resources to gather, record and interpret source material;

      viii) present work and participate in a group exhibition;

      Transferable/Key Skills

      ix) organise and manage their time effectively according to a defined schedule of activities;

      x) access and utilise a range of learning resources,'

      xi) communicate and negotiate effectively with others in their peer group.

      Syllabus outline:

      The primary focus of this module is to introduce students to the broad principles and practices of Fine Arts. During the module students are presented with a number of propositions, projects and workshops within which they are expected to develop an art practice based on their own ideas and direction. There is an emphasis upon questioning, examining and contextualising ideas through the experience of making and encountering artwork.

      Preparatory work

      Prior to the beginning of the module, students are sent a short reading list and set a 'holiday project' that will form the basis of an informal introductory presentation and discussion in the beginning of the semester.

      The objectives of this initial learning period is:

      • to introduce students to self-directed study;

      • to introduce students to group discussion;

      • to introduce students to the staff and their peer group.

      Introductory Projects

At the beginning of the module, students undertake a series of studio projects where approaches to practice are explored through different media.

      The objectives of this project are:

      • To introduce students to self directed study;

      • To introduce students to the importance of related research;

      • To introduce students to the importance of experimentation of methods, media and site;

      Workshops

      From the beginning of the module there is a choice of technical workshops that may include: digital photography, mini dv camera, woodwork and casting. These workshops enable students to become familiar with media areas in the faculty and encourage them to experiment with methods and materials that can inform the development of their self-directed practice.

      Lectures and Talks

      Throughout the module students have the opportunity to attend lectures by visiting artists, which will increase a professional awareness and the structuring of ideas in the evolution of an artist’s practice. Other talks and inductions are programmed throughout the module that contextualise the studio project and emphasise the importance of related research. The linking of talks with workshops and study resources is encouraged.

      These talks and inductions may include a library induction and related research talk; alternatively a talk on painting will refer to a relevant chapter the essential reading for the module. By doing this it is intended that students become aware of the value of making connections and building networks.

      Assessments

      Assessments take place at the end of the module. Students are required to submit two or three finished works together with all supporting material (sketchbooks, notebooks, research, evidence of exhibitions/museums visited etc).

      Teaching and learning Methods:

      Learning is supported throughout this module by a variety of different teaching approaches and learning activities. The methods employed in this module are designed both to allow for orientation within the discipline and to be diagnostic in terms of knowledge and skills.

      Teaching and learning methods include:

      • Individual tutorials

      • Group critiques

      • Workshops

      • Lectures and talks

      • Self directed study

      The students are allocated a tutor who meets them on a regular basis for tutorials. Topics such as the appropriateness and relevance of media, context and themes that the students are exploring are discussed. The students are involved in organised group critiques in which students present and evaluate work in progress. This allows students to begin to develop skills in articulating their ideas to an audience. It also provides a forum in which a critical discussion of their work can occur. This critical awareness is supported by the development of practical skills, which are delivered through technical workshop sessions and through studio sessions, both involving demonstration and practice.

      Assessment criteria:

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

    Criteria

    Relates to Learning Outcomes

    Source of evidence

    i) begin to critically evaluate their work in relation to a developing knowledge and understanding of contemporary art practices and historical precedents;

    i,ii, iii, v,

    Assessment presentations, completed work, support material,

    ii) initiate and begin to develop an art practice;

    vi, viii

    As above

    iii) Manage and plan time and studio resources effectively and engage with the course of study;

    vi, vii, ix, x

    As above

    iv) Use support and research materials to develop an art practice ;

    vi, vii, x

    As above

    v) Produce a body of artwork that begins to explore ideas and concerns raised and discussed in module;

    iv, vi, viii

    As above

    vi) Present artwork in a considered and appropriate way.

    viii,xi

    As above

      Reading Strategy

      ‘Essential Reading’ is indicated to supplement student understanding of the subjects covered throughout the module. ‘Further Reading’ guides students through more specific aspects of research and students will be directed to these under the guidance of staff. While many of the reference sources are available through the library, additional sources of reference (including web sites and a suggested list of galleries and arts organisations) are identified along with how to access them.

      A separate module resource pack for this module may be supplemented by handouts at lectures and additional texts may be identified for individual students in consultation with staff.

      Essential Reading

      Charles Harrison Chapter 3, ‘Modernity and Modernism Reconsidered'

      and Paul Wood from Modernism in Dispute

      Yale University Press 1993

      Further Reading:

      Tate Gallery Website HYPERLINK http://www.tate.org.uk/collections/glossary/

                -references to art terms and jargon in this on-line glossary.

      Walter Benjamin The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction’

      from Illuminations, Fontana Books 1955.

      Raymond Williams Keywords, a vocabulary of culture and society

      Flamingo Books 1976

      Amy Dempsey Styles Schools and Movements

      Thames and Hudson 2004

      Matthew Collings This is Modern Art

      WN 2000

      Michael Archer Art since 1960

      Thames and Hudson 1997

      Pompidou Centre Dear Painter Paint Me

      Editions du Centre Pompidou 2002

      Barry Swabsky (ed) Vitamin P: New Perspectives in Painting

      Phaidon Press 2004

      Rosalie Goldberg Performance: Live Art Since the 60’s

      Thames and Hudson 1998

      Nicholas de Oliveira & Installation Art

      Nicola Oxley Smithsonian Press 1994

      Brian O’Doherty Inside the White Cube:

      The Ideology of the Gallery Space

      University of California Press 2000.

      Suggested Viewing

      Recommended viewing will be made available according to the nature of the individual student's practice undertaken within this module. During this module students will be encouraged to regularly visit museums and art galleries in London and via notice board information regarding the following local organisations:

      Arnolfini, Station; Spike Island; Watershed; ROOM; The Cube; Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff; Spacex, Exeter; Picture This Moving Image.

      Periodicals

      a-n magazine, Art Monthly, Artforum, Flash Art, Frieze, October, Parkett, Untitled

      Websites

      HYPERLINK "http://www.a-n.co.uk" www.a-n.co.uk - information on all aspects of professional development, case studies and opportunities

      HYPERLINK http://www.newexhibitions.com www.newexhibitions.com - national exhibitions listings

      HYPERLINK http://www.artupdate.com www.artupdate.com

      HYPERLINK http://www.artincontext.org www.artincontext.org

      HYPERLINK http://www.linst.ac.uk/library/intranet/webguides/art.htm www.linst.ac.uk/library/intranet/webguides/art.htm - weblinks for artists from London Institute site

Assessment:

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

      ATTEMPT 1

      First Assessment Opportunity

      Component A

      Description of each element Element weighting

      Body of work including support material 100%

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

      Component A

      Description of each element Element weighting

      Body of work including support material 100%

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

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

      (Associate Dean/Programme Director)

    Assessment: Profile of student achievement in relation to stated learning outcomes:

    INTRODUCTION TO FINE ARTS UAFA7S-40-1

    In order to pass the module your performance as a student and the work that you have produced will be assessed against the following ‘assessment criteria’. The statements next to the criteria describe the performance of a student who is going to pass the module. The extent to which you achieve or over achieve these descriptions will determine your percentage mark.

    Assessment Criteria:

    Students will be assessed according to your fulfilment of the learning outcomes in respect of the following criteria:

    Threshold standard

    (UG Level)

      i) begin to critically evaluate their work in relation to a developing knowledge and understanding of contemporary art practices and historical precedents;

      you have examined and recorded material and ideas from different sources. There is evidence that you have used your research skills to help you develop ideas in relation to the different projects/assignments. You have explored different ways of recording ideas: e.g. drawing, photography, note-taking etc. Your research and the different ways in which you develop ideas can be seen in your sketchbooks, in your portfolio of work and in the samples you have developed in workshops;

      ii) initiate and begin to develop an art practice;

      you have used the projects (set and self-initiated), workshops and exercises as a means of gaining new skills and techniques. You have used the projects and workshops to explore and experiment with the new ideas and skills that are being introduced. Your research has given you new ideas that you have been able to develop through a process of experimentation.

      iii) manage and plan time and studio resources effectively and engage with the course of study;

      critical reflection and peer group interaction have enabled you to think about how to develop and progress your work. You have engaged with the course and have been able to progress your work independently. You are able listen to, evaluate and act on the advice of tutors and fellow students.

      iv) use support and research materials to develop an art practice ;

      during this module you have consulted the reading list, attended lectures, read magazines and newspapers, spent time in the library, visited relevant exhibitions, retail outlets etc and have take the trouble to learn more about your subject discipline. Your efforts to gain further subject knowledge and understanding are evident in your sketchbooks, notebooks etc. You know more about your chosen subject than you did at the beginning of the module.

      v) produce a body of artwork that begins to explore ideas and concerns raised and discussed in module;

      you have attended all workshops, seminars, studio sessions etc. You have used your time to develop your work and have been able to work independently as well as during taught session. You have completed all your work within the time allocated.

      vi) present artwork in a considered and appropriate way.

      you have submitted work for exhibition in a considered and appropriate way..

    Levels of Achievement

    80% and above -

    you have produced a substantial body of work covering all aspects of the module. The standard you have reached exceptionally exceeds that described in the threshold student profile in relation to all the criteria.

    70% - 79% -

    you have produced a substantial body of work covering all aspects of the module. The standard you have reached exceeds that described in the threshold student profile in relation to all the criteria.

    60% - 69% -

    you have produced a substantial body of work covering all aspects of the module. The standard you have reached exceeds that described in the threshold student profile in relation to the majority of the criteria.

    50% - 59% -

    you have produced a body of work that shows you have engaged with nearly all aspects of the module. The standard you have reached matches that described in the threshold student profile in relation to at least four out of six of the criteria.

    40% - 49% -

    you have produced an adequate body of work that shows you have engaged with most aspects of the module. The standard you have reached matches that described in the threshold student profile in relation to at least three out of six of the criteria.

    30% - 39%

    the body of work is incomplete and demonstrates a lack of engagement with aspects of the programme of study. As a result you lack confidence in the manipulation of some core processes, skills and techniques. The work fails to meet the threshold profile.

    20% - 29% -

    the body of work is substantially incomplete and demonstrates very poor engagement with the programme of study. You have not acquired the core skills introduced in the module. The work fails to meet the threshold profile in respect of all six criteria.

    0% - 19% -

    very little evidence of engagement with the module. No evidence of progression. The work fails to meet the threshold profile in respect of all six criteria.

    * for the purpose of assessment the level of achievement is measured against the overarching profile given through the six threshold statements.

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