module specification

This module supports intensive research and development to support the realisation of the Final Project in the parallel module FA6002 (BA Fine Art) and FA600X (BA Photography). The module involves students in preparing a project proposal, planning, project management, research and testing approaches to practice. Students employ both practical and critical skills and address key questions that relate to their ongoing project such as the works relationship with audience and how they might need to negotiate and collaborate with others.

During the module, students test out working methods, clarify their intentions, and frame their project proposal in a contemporary context. It involves an extensive period of independent research practice and development, culminating in the submission of project material and reflective documents. The module is supported by a Project Planning workshop.

Students are expected to reflect upon and represent the complexity of critical and creative relationships between and across the body of work undertaken in Level 6.

Pass & Completion of preceding level

The main module aims are to:

• Support students to conceive, plan, manage and realise a major project, as the summation of their degree studies.
• Enable students to reflect on their learning to date and employ critical knowledge and practical skills towards the realisation of a major project
• Enable students to document their research and practice and evaluate their progress on an ongoing basis

Indicative Content

• Research Methods and Project Development in Fine Art and/or Photography and/or Painting
• Guided Independent Studies
• Reflection, Revision, formative assessment (in-class presentation)
• Project planning workshop
• Writing a Project Proposal
• Presentations/project review and contextualisation of project
• Professional Folio preparation
• Ongoing project evaluation through an online journal
• Structured Feedback

Intensive and contemplative studio practice supported by individual and group tutorials, research clinics, seminars, and project planning workshops. Formative supervisory guidance is provided to encourage production of an appropriately evidenced research proposal and folio equivalent to a professional standard.

On completing the module, the student should be able to:

1. Identify, test and apply appropriate research skills and utilise them to support the development of their project proposal;
2. Situate their project proposal within wider cultural, professional and critical contexts;
3. Analyse, evaluate and reflect upon their own work and the work of others;
4. Apply informed critical judgement in relation to their project proposal and research explorations.

There are two assessment components – a Reflective Journal to include documentation of professional practice, planning, reflection and evaluation, a project proposal, documentation of project work.

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

Bailey, D., Keidan, L. and Shah R. (2008), Documenting Live, London, LADA
Bradley, W. Hannula, M., Ricupero, C. Superflex (eds.), Self-Organisation / counter-economic strategies, 2006, Sternberg Press
Dine, J.: A Self-Portrait on the Walls. (1995) Film.  [DVD] USA: Berkeley Media, LLC
Frieze, Context is Half the Work. [online] article available from http://www.frieze.com/issue/article/context_is_half_the_work/ (accessed Mar 27 2014)
Rose, G., Visual Methodologies: An Introduction to the Interpretation of Visual Material, 2001, Sage
Schneider Adam, L., The Methodologies of Art: An Introduction, 2009, Westview Press