module specification

In this module, drawing processes are explored alongside lens-based technologies and approaches. Students are supported to undertake a range of exercises and short projects, leading to a sustained piece of project work that they have devised, following tutorial guidance and ongoing discussion.

The module enables students to explore and test a range of approaches, for example close observation; data collection; recording; analysis; and communication. Work on the module is informed by workshops and talks that consider the role of materials, techniques and cultural contexts in the development of a visual language.

The module informs all other level 4 course modules and runs throughout the year. Students will be expected to consider and construct relationships between their work on modules during the year. The learning environment in level 4 fosters experimentation and direct testing of different approaches.

The module aims to:
• Develop critical awareness of different approaches to drawing and lens based representation;
• Develop skills and processes in relation to research and development of project work;
• Introduce and examine ways of seeing, through a range of practice-based approaches.

Indicative Content
• Introduction to notions of representation through drawing and lens based approaches considering for example: trace, mark, process, perception, expression
• Testing out experimental approaches, looking at links and differences between approaches
• Short projects in relation to the themes introduced
• Self directed project work
• Evaluation and reflection during group critique, tutorials and presentations
• Structured feedback & individual guidance

The Learning and Teaching strategy for the module is to introduce students to learning at UG level and approaches to visual practice. There are a range of learning and teaching methods employed including:

• Peer review and critiques encourage students to analyse and critically evaluate and engage with their own work and the work of others and develop communication skills.
• Student presentations support students to interrogate their own approaches and develop presentation skills and also provide a platform for debate and engagement in the wider spheres of art and culture.
• Short projects will introduce students to a wide range of approaches and provide an opportunity to experiment and test strategies for practice.
• Access to technical facilities that enables students to test out and produce work in an appropriate medium.

In addition, students are encouraged to make maximum use of the resources available to them in terms of the IT provision, both within the Faculty and the library. Blended Learning /weblearn includes the provision of course and module information on the web, lecture notes, feedback, and blogs are used to enhance independent learning.

On completing the module, students should be able to:

1. Identify and test visual and other research skills, to support the development of their practice;
2. Demonstrate critical awareness of approaches to drawing and/or lens based representation;
3. Employ presentation skills and document their work, both visually and in writing:
4. Demonstrate an engagement in the module, an ability to manage workloads and to meet deadlines;
5. Demonstrate understanding through research of practices, theories and debates relevant to their developing practice.

Students are required to demonstrate sound attendance, engagement and participation throughout the module. Failure to do so, will impact adversely upon assessment outcomes.

There are two main assessment components –
        (Stage 1) Folio of set exercises 50%
        (Stage 2) Negotiated practical project 50%

The assessment strategy includes formative assessment, with tutorial feedback designed to encourage and help students to develop and improve their work. This will inform student progress through the course. An interim review offers a specific opportunity to reflect upon the work in relation to the module’s learning outcomes and this, together with finished project work and supporting material, will inform the assessment panel at the summative assessment at the end of the Level.

Students will evaluate their own learning within the module, using given criteria. Theywill also write a short critical appraisal (summary statement) of their work. This will provide the basis for discussion at the assessment feedback session,following formal coursework assessment.

Summative assessment takes place at the end of the module. Written feedback addresses the strengths and weaknesses of individual presentations in relation to the grading criteria.

Work will be assessed against the learning outcomes, in relation to the following criteria:

• Appropriate use of research methods
• Quality of analysis and interpretation
• Subject knowledge and relevance
• Quality of communication and presentation
• Appropriate use of problem-solving, testing and experimentation
• Management of own learning and personal professional development

Berger, J. (1972) Ways of Seeing, BBC/Pelican
Dexter, E. (2005) Vitamin D, Phaidon Press, London
Faris Belt, A. (2011) Elements of Photography London: Focal Press
Godfrey, T. (2013) Vitamin D2, Phaidon Press
Kovats, T. (2007) The Drawing Book, Blackdog Publishing, London
Muybridge, E. (1955) The human figure in motion, Dover Publications
Newman, A. (2005) The Stage of Drawing: Gesture and Act, Tate/The Drawing Centre
Rattemeyer, C. (2009) Compass in Hand, MOMA
Rawson, P. (1967) Drawing, U.Penn. Press
Rosand, D. (2002) Drawing Acts: Studies in Graphic Expression and Representation, Cambridge UP
Savage, J. (2007) Berger on Drawing, Occasional Press
Savage, J., ed. (2001) Drawing Texts, Occasional Press
Shore, S. (2010) The Nature of Photography London: Phaidon
Simpson, I. (2003) Drawing, Seeing and Observation, A & C Black
Szarkowski, J. (2005) The Photographer’s Eye, New York: MOMA
Treib, M. (2008) Drawing/Thinking, Routledge
Yee, R (2007) Architectural Drawing, John Wiley
Zakia, D. (2013) Perception and Imaging: A Photographic Way of Seeing London: Focal Press