University of the West of England

    MODULE SPECIFICATION

    Code:UAAA87-20-2

    Title: DEVELOPING FINE ARTS PRACTICE, previously Developing Practice in Fine Arts

    Version: 6

    Level: 2

    UWE credit rating: 20 Credits

    ECTS credit rating: 10

    Module type: Project

    Owning Faculty: FCA

    Field: Art

    Field Leader: Mandy Ure

    Valid from: September 2007

    Discontinued from:

    Contributes towards:

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

    Pre-requisites:

    Co-requisites:

    Excluded combinations:

    Learning Outcomes:

    To enable students to:

    Knowledge and understanding

    i) relate their practice to the broader context of contemporary art practices and historical precedents;

    ii) identify personal strengths and weaknesses in their previous work and clarify aims and intentions;

    Intellectual skills

    iii) recognise the relevance and implications of how their work relates to an exhibition space, site or audience;

    iv) identify and analyse relevant sources of information to inform their practice;

    v) evaluate, discuss and critically reflect upon their own and others artwork;

    Subject skills

    vi) develop a self-initiated art practice;

    vii) develop approaches to presenting their artwork;

    viii) develop, test and employ materials, processes and media appropriate to their practice;

    Transferable skills

    ix) demonstrate planning skills and an ability to organise their time and resources effectively;

    x) communicate effectively visually, verbally and in writing;

    xi) manage their own learning and access an appropriate range of resources.

    Syllabus Content:

    This module is designed to enable students to develop their self directed art practice arising from the previous practice based Fine Arts modules. The aims of the module are to build upon these experiences in particular to enable students to make work in response to the formal and conceptual issues arising from their previous work.

    In the core practice based modules on the programme students are encouraged to consider and test out appropriate methods of presentation for their assessment. This exploration will form the starting point for work in this module. Therefore how the work will eventually relate to an exhibition space, site or audience will become the focus for discussion in tutorials and critiques.

    Students will be invited to participate in an exhibition, this will require students to use some of the skills and knowledge that they acquired during the Professional Practice module, such as writing a press release, arranging publicity etc. The exhibition will involve a group critique by an invited artist or curator and will enable students to consider their own work in a public context alongside the work of their peers.

    Teaching and learning methods:

    This module emphasises the development of independent learning methods and encourages students to take a pro-active role in their education. Students will work with support from staff to devise a plan of work for the module so that they can effectively divide their time between research in to their area of practice and the development of their art practice.

    Tutorials

    Students will be allocated tutors who will meet with them for tutorials and group critiques to discuss work in progress. They will encourage students to consider and research art practices, contexts and traditions relevant to their own artwork and to test out approaches to media and materials that are appropriate to their intentions. During the module tutors will arrange to meet with their tutorial group off site to visit galleries, museums and art projects to encourage students to critically reflect and to discuss issues of presentation and context.

    Students will also be encouraged to read reviews and make regular visits to exhibitions and art projects independently in order to develop a greater knowledge and understanding of current art practices and historical precedents and ways in which different artists address issues that may relate to their own work.

    Slide talks/ Seminars

    During the module there will be a number of slide talks/seminars written in relation to the Visual Culture Lectures for ‘Contemporary Contexts’.

    Students will be given a timetable of seminars to attend and in some cases relevant texts to read in advance of the session. There will also be a number of optional workshops in different media areas, these will include intermediate workshops and beginners workshops for students who missed them at Level 1, to include: colour photography, web site programmes, video editing, printmaking, metal casting etc. Students can choose workshops as appropriate to the development of their practice.

    The Fine Arts Lecture Series will run throughout the year and will enable students to gain an insight in to the ideas, methods and approaches of a variety of arts practitioners. All Level 2 students are expected to attend and be able to discuss the talks in tutorials and group critiques.

    Assessment

    Students will be assessed on a presentation of the work they have made during the module, including any completed work and work in progress, with supporting materials such as sketchbooks and a research file.

    Before their assessment students will be asked to write a Reflective Statement which evaluates their work on the module. This should be a word-processed document of a maximum of 1,000 words. The main function of the Reflective Statement is to enable students to consider and reflect upon their progress so that they will be prepared for their assessment. Students will be given a pro forma with questions that their Reflective Statement should address such as:

    • How effectively have you managed your time and the available resources?

    • What were the strengths and weaknesses in your previous work and how have you developed your art practice during this module?

    • what artists, writings and exhibitions have been important to you during this module and why?

    • how successful was your choice and use of media in relation to your intentions?

    • How successful/unsuccessful do you think the finished work is in relation to your intentions- was the presentation appropriate?

    The tutors assessing the work will each be given a copy of the Reflective Statement and will refer to it when considering the student's performance on the module.

    Assessment criteria:

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

    Criteria

    Relates to Learning Outcomes

    Source of evidence

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

    i), iv), v), xi)

    Assessment presentations

    ii) generate a self initiated art practice;

    ii), iii), vi), vii), viii), x)

    As above

    iii) manage and plan time and relevant resources effectively;

    ii), vi), viii), ix), xi)

    As above

    iv) use support and research materials to develop a self initiated art practice;

    i), iii), iv), vi), viii), ix), xi)

    As above

    v) produce a body of artwork or work in progress that develops ideas and concerns relevant to their art practice;

    ii), vi), vii), viii), x)

    As above

    vi) present artwork in a considered and appropriate way

    iii), vi), vii), ix), x)

    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 with additional references identified for individual students in consultation with staff.

    Essential Reading:

    ‘Original Copies’ (chapter 2, page 59 - 105)

    Author: Martha Buskirk

    Title of Book: The Contingent Object of Contemporary Art

    Publishers: MIT Press, Cambridge MA, 2003

    Further Reading:

    Bryson, N

    Looking at the Overlooked

    		  

    Cabanne, P

    Dialogues with Marcel Duchamp

    Thames and Hudson, 1971

    Foster, H

    The Return of the Real (Cambridge

    Mass: MIT Press, 1996

    Godfrey, T

    Conceptual Art

    London: Phaidon, 1998

    Harrison and P Wood, C

    Art in Theory 1900-1990

    Oxford: Blackwells, 1992

    Lippard, L

    Six Years: The dematerialisation of the art object from 1966-1972

    Berkeley: University of California Press, 1997

    Rees and F. Borzello, A.L.

    The new art history

    London: Camden Press, 1986

    Sontag, S

    On photography

    New York: Lane Allen, 1978

    Tisdall, C

    Joseph Beuys

    Thames and Hudson, 1979

    Galleries: During the semester students will be encouraged to visit galleries and museums, via the What’s On/Lecture Series noticeboard and tutorials including projects by the following local organisations:

    Arnolfini; Station; Spike Island; Watershed; Room; The Cube; Centrespace - Bristol

    Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff; Prema Arts Centre, Uley; Spacex, Exeter; Picture This Moving Image – across the South West

    Magazines and periodicals: students will be encouraged to read reviews and articles in the Art Journals kept by the library including the following:

    AN magazine; Art Monthly; Art Forum; Contemporary; Decode; Flash Art; Frieze; October; Parkett

    Websites

    Students are encouraged to visit current, related websites: Some useful reference sites include:

    www.artscouncil.org.uk – arts council of england

    www.newexhibitions.com – national listings

    www.britcoun.org.uk – british council with details on funding

    www.vaga.co.uk – visual arts and galleries association

    www.anweb.co.uk - artists professional development and archive of articles

    www.linst.ac.uk/library/webguides/art.htm – particularly useful web links 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

    Presented work 100%

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

    Component A

    Description of each element Element weighting

    Presented work 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:

    DEVELOPING FINE ARTS PRACTICE UAFA87-20-2

    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) critically evaluate their work in relation to a developing knowledge and understanding of contemporary art practice 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) generate a self initiated art practice;

      You have used the projects, 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 relevant resources effectively;

      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 a self initiated 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 or work in progress that develops ideas and concerns relevant to their art practice;

      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 attended all relevant workshops, seminars, lectures and visited exhibitions. You have used your time to develop your work, have tested and experimented with modes of installation and have completed all your work within the time allocated. You have presented your work in a manner which displays a considered approach to context.

    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 lacks 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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