module specification

FA5001 Studio Practice 4: Themes is comprised of themed workshops, case studies and group initiated projects (organizing themes may include: the archive, the sublime & chance). These provide an opportunity for group work, research and collaboration, including work with outside agencies, as well as individuated practice.  In investigating the given themes the module will reflect on trends in current practice. As well as these case studies, seminar sessions with visiting practitioners are intended to encourage engagement with and understanding of the character and institutional practices of the Fine Art sector within the creative economy

The module is delivered in integral relationship with the work of the other core modules in the level. Allied to CCS modules, it is intended that FA5001 Studio Practice 4: Themes inform approach to the dissertation in the (honours) level 6.

Pass & Complete Preceding Level (AMD Courses Only)

The module aims are to:

• Facilitate research, development and realization of a group project (conception, planning, pro-duction, presentation)
• Encourage a professional awareness of the institutional and professional contexts of Fine Art practice.
• Enable students to establish links with the professional world related to their practice and de-velop effective practical understanding of the management of a project.
• Select appropriate vehicles for its development and realisation and locating it within the con-text of current practice and theoretical debate.

Indicative Schedule & Contents;

Wks 1-3 Outline of Module: Themes, Aims, Key Concepts
Wk 4 Guided Independent Studies
Wks 5-13 Project aims, group field research, experimentation and documentation.
Wks 14 Reflection, Revision, formative assessment (in-class presentation)
Wk 16 Structured Feedback & Guidance
Wks 17-24 Individual project proposals within group format.
Wk 25 Research Presentations, per group critique
Wks 26-28 Production.
Wk 29 Reflection, Revision
Wk 30 Project and critical commentary.

The module will be led by group convenors who will act as facilitators within the themed workshops. Group tuition will be supported by peer group critique, seminars, lectures and tutorials. Students will be required to keep a documentary record of the development of the project including tasks undertaken and the outcomes. The module will be supported by skills clinics.

Upon successful completion of this module students will be able to:

• Work effectively within a group in developing a coherent project proposal developed from the set-themes of the workshop;
• Comprehend their own developing position within the context of Fine Art professional practice
• Establish links between their work and the Fine Art commercial and professional sectors within the creative economy;
• Demonstrate increasing understanding of the relationship between theory and practice and the contextualization and reception of Fine Art practice.

The strategy is to provide an iterative and developmental model of assessment. 

There are two assessment components – a written project proposal and documentation recording the projects development and realisation.

The strategy is to provide an iterative and developmental model of assessment. Studio Practice is punctuated and supported at intervals by tutorial analysis. Tutorials provide constructive critique and guidance on work in progress. Records of these inform the student of their progress and go forward to inform the assessment panel at summative assessment.

Assessment and evaluation as learning is key to the assessment strategy and approach. Students are routinely expected to engage in peer and self-evaluation.

Harrison, C. Wood, P., (Editors) 2002, Art in Theory 1900-2000: An Anthology of Changing Ideas, Black-well.
Harrison, C. Wood, P., (Editors) 2003, Art of the Twentieth Century, Yale University Press.
Virilio, P., Art & Fear, 2000, Continuum.
Hobsbawm, E., 1998, Interesting Times: A Twentieth Century Life, Penguin/Allen Lane.
Foster, H., 2002, Design & Crime, Verso.

– additional material to be generated by project teams