module specification

FA5007 Professional Practice 1: Fine Art is a module specific to the Fine Art subject, based on learning by doing, thinking through making and facilitation by networking in contemporary art practice. The module builds on the key technical skills and concepts introduced at Level 4, now providing students with a sustained and in-depth engagement with the world of work in the Fine Art area by encouraging students to begin to contact and engage with viewers of art, art exhibition visitors or art buyers. Technical competence is enhanced and advanced while exploring the range and application of Fine Art practice in the realisation of group and individual projects.

FA5007 Professional Practice 1: Fine Art serves and sustains an award in the BA Fine Art course only, delivered in a seamless and integral relationship with the work of other core modules on Level 5. Students are expected to investigate and develop critical and aesthetic working relationships between and across the Level 5 modules.

The module aims to enable students to develop key subject-specific skills and knowledge in the concepts and principles of Fine Art only, as they apply to the world of work in that discipline. Through mastering the organisation of tools, equipment, materials in private and public space, this module’s objectives are to enable students to develop the key cognitive skill of applying what is learned in the art studio to novel situations in the presentation and display of work to new audiences or a wider public.

Completion and pass (120 credits) of previous level.

At the beginning of the module, its aims and key concepts will be outlined to all students. Afterwards, there will be sessions on the application of different processes in the service of mastering methods of enquiry and processes in the making of either videos, prints, sculptures, drawings, paintings or digital photographs (Learning Outcome 1). A series of sessions will then be used to curate an art exhibition in a group, learning how to build, install, hang, strike show and make good in different spaces (Learning Outcome 4). Time will be assigned to each student to participate in a professional activity in visual art (Learning Outcome 3). Some sessions will be dedicated to each student creating and compiling image and text content for the creation of a professional outreach strategy (Learning Outcome 2).

Scheduled teaching ensures that independent study is effective and addresses the learning outcomes and assessment tasks. Students are expected to (and to have the opportunity to) continue with their studies outside of scheduled classes. There will be a range of learning strategies deployed and individual learning styles will be accommodated. The module’s learning outcomes, its contents and delivery, have been scrutinised and will be regularly reviewed to ensure an inclusive approach to pedagogic practice.

The module and course utilise the University’s blended learning platform to support and reinforce learning, to foster peer-to-peer communication and to facilitate tutorial support for students. Reflective learning is promoted through assessment items and interim formative feedback points that ask students to reflect on their progress, seek help where they identify the opportunity for improvement in learning strategies and outcomes, and make recommendations to themselves for future development. Throughout the module, students build a body of work, including reflections on progress and achievement.

The School’s programme of employability events and embedded work-related learning within the curriculum supports students’ personal development planning. Through these initiatives, students are increasingly able, as they progress from year to year, to understand the professional environment of their disciplines, the various opportunities available to them, and how to shape their learning according to their ambitions.

On completing the module, students should be able to:

1. apply different concepts and methods of enquiry and processes to solve new problems by experiment and testing in the world of art;
2. to generate a professional outreach strategy;
3. participate in professional activity in visual art
4. curate supported artworks in an exhibition space, using display devices where appropriate, with due care for space.

Formative Assessment Point:

First semester: Professional Activity Plan
(LO 3)

Summative Assessment Point:

Coursework 1: Display Tasks (documentation and evaluation of winter and easter exhibitions) (50%)
(LO 1, 4)

Coursework 2: Professional Practice Folder (outreach strategy, reflective professional activity document) (50%)

(LO 2, 3)

The assessment strategy includes formative assessments throughout the Level, with tutorial feedback designed to encourage and help students to develop and improve their work. These inform the student of their progress over the course. An interim review offers a specific opportunity to reflect on 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.

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 and enquiry
• Quality of analysis and interpretation
• Knowledge and relevance in the Fine Art subject
• Quality of communication and presentation
• Appropriate use of problem solving, testing and experimentation
• Management of own learning and personal professional development

Textbooks: Core
Kawasaki, G. and Fitzpatrick, P. (2014) The Art of Social Media, London: Penguin
Obrist, H-U. (2015) Ways of Curating, London: Penguin

Textbooks: Other
Brindle M. (2013) The Digital Filmmakers Handbook, London: Quercus
Fick, W. and Grabowksi, E. (eds.) (2015) Printmaking: A complete Guide to Process and Material, London: Laurence King Publishing
George, A. (2015) The Curator's Handbook: Museums, Commercial Galleries, Independent Spaces, London: Thames and Hudson
Kelby, S. (2013) The Digital Photography Book (Vols 1-5), San Francisco: Peachpit Press
Mills, J.W. (2005) The Encyclopaedia of Sculpture Techniques, London: Batsford

Journals:
Journal of Curatorial Studies, Bristol: Intellect
Journal of Social Media and Society, Thousand Oaks: SAGE Journals
Journal of Social Media in Society, Stephenville: Texas Social Media Research Institute

Websites:
https://www.on-curating.org