module specification

The FA6010 Methods and Enquiry 2 module supports intensive research and development towards the realisation of a major art or photographic project in the parallel module FA6P01 Major Project. The module involves students in presenting an outline of their individual method of enquiry addressing a final major project .

During the module, students test out working methods, clarify their intentions, and frame their project in a contemporary context. The module involves an extensive period of independent research practice and development, to be documented and reflected on demonstrating a critical evaluation of an expanded Critical Contextual Framework

The FA6010 Methods and Enquiry 2 module is shared by, serves and sustains the Honours awards in the BA Fine Art, BA Fashion Photography, BA Painting and BA Photography courses, delivered in a seamless and integral relationship with the work of other core modules in the level. 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, including in the Critical and Contextual Studies dissertation.

The module aims to allow students to show they have acquired coherent and detailed knowledge at the forefront of art or photography, able to deploy critical thinking with accuracy by developing and sharing method of enquiry over the course of a major project.

By planning and communicating method of enquiry to peers in advance, one of this module’s objectives is to enable students to make decisions about and solve complex and unpredictable problems encountered in a project they have initiated and executed themselves.

The module also aims to enable students to demonstrate skills in reflection on and evaluation of concepts used in method of enquiry and judgements made over materials and techniques in project, via a public dialogue with a specialist audience - their peers.

Completion and pass (120 credits) of previous level.

At the beginning of the module, its aims, key concepts and milestones will be outlined to all students. There will be sessions on the context for and definition of individual method, approach research and enquiry into their art or photographic project work demonstrated by a presentation and submission of journal/blog.(Learning Outcomes 1).

Sessions will be dedicated by tutorial and guided independent study to the expansion of a critical contextual framework for practice, demonstrating critical evaluation of own research framework (Learning Outcomes 2, 3)

Throughout the year, students will be required to reflect on their learning experience, reflecting upon and evaluating own studio practice to improve future performance(Learning Outcome 4)

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, the student should be able to:
1. demonstrate individual method of enquiry and how this has been applied to a major art or photographic project;
2. demonstrate an expansion of a critical contextual framework for practice;
3. demonstrate a critical evaluation of an expanded Critical Contextual Framework;
4. connect learning experience to improvement of future performance by critical thinking in reflection and evaluation;

FA6010 001 (70%)
Formative Submission:
First Semester: Presentation outlining an individual method of enquiry addressing a final major project.
(LO1, LO2 & LO3)

Summative Submission:
Journal or blog containing an individual Critical Contextual Framework and critical evaluation of methods of enquiry used to develop a final major project.
(LO1, LO2 & LO3)

FA6010 002 (30%)
Summative Submission:
Students will submit regular critical reflections and evaluations throughout the year connecting learning experience to improvement of future performance.
(LO4)

Precise requirements for submissions will be established in set or self-set project briefs each year

Summative assessment takes place at the end of the module. Written feedback addresses the strengths and areas for development 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 of and relevance to Photography or Fine Art
• Quality of communication and presentation
• Appropriate use of problem solving, testing and experimentation
• Management of own learning and personal professional development

Core Textbooks:
Caruana, N. and Fox, A. (2013) Behind the Image, London: AVA Publishing
Rose, G. (2013) Visual Methodologies: An Introduction to the Interpretation of Visual Material, London: Sage

Additional Textbooks:
Schneider Adam, L. (2009) The Methodologies of Art: An Introduction, Abingdon : Westview Press
Schön, D. (1984) The Reflective Practitioner, New York: Basic Books

Journals:
Visual Art Research, Champaigne: University of Illinois Press
Aperture, New York: Aperture Foundation

Websites:
Associated Press Archive, https://www.ap.org/en-gb/formats/archive
International Center of Photography, https://www.icp.org/collections

Other
Time Management for Artists - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQuPVEO3ECI