module specification

Focusing on the student’s own evolving fine art practice, the Project Work 1 module provides an opportunity for students to develop an art or photography project, responding to a cross-module art brief, using technical skills developed within that project and relating to research and methods of enquiry undertaken for that project within other modules during the teaching period. The module considers the relationship between method, medium and meaning, with reference to relevant theory, as well as traditional and contemporary practices.

Students are encouraged to develop as autonomous learners, taking increasing responsibility for the progress of their project work. Students will be expected to consider and construct critical connections between Level 4 modules.

This module aims to enable students to develop key skills of interpretation and knowledge in the development of an art or photography practice. Through an assigned brief, the module aims to provide a framework to develop concepts and principles in visual practice relevant to contemporary debates in art. Building upon skills acquired in the other studio practice module on this level, the module aims to facilitate learning in the selection, testing and informed use of materials, equipment, facilities, research and processes relevant to their enquiry into and interpretation of the theme of a given project.

One key objective of the module is to give the students opportunities to present their project work to an audience of peers. The module also aims to put students at the centre of the formulation of group ethics in the studio - defining under supervision their own rules about how practitioners are to conduct themselves and help each other in their work and study, mutual respect and self-regulation of codes of practice. Finally, the module aims via guided independent study to be the vehicle for regular trips in which the students will experience how professional practitioners choose to address different audiences.

Pre-requisite of equivalent of standard University entry requirements in any discipline related directly to the Art and Design QAA subject area. Portfolio submission and review are also pre-requisite.
Co-requisite with FA4008A Techniques: Fine Art or FA4009A Techniques: Photography
Note: this module must be taken if either of the above 2 co-requisites are to be taken.

At the beginning of the module, its aims and key concepts will be outlined to all students. Students will also be invited at the outset to set out, agree as a group and sign up to a basic code of ethics for conduct in the studio (Learning Outcome 2). In the teaching period, students will be asked to interpret a commission and brief for the demonstration of different art principles (Learning Outcome 1). At the end of each of the autumn term students will present their art or photography project work by slideshow in front of an audience of their peers at a time appointed by tutors (Learning Outcome 4). Tasks will be set for guided independent study in which student will be asked to visit specific events, talks and shows and report on these in one slide of the slideshow (Learning Outcome 3).

LO 1 - 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 utilises 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 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.

On completing the module, students will be able to:

1. interpret a commission and brief for art or photography concepts and principles;
2. list out a basic code of group ethics for studio practice in a shared setting;
3. experience and consider the views of art or photography spectators in different settings to analyse how contemporary practitioners address those views;
4. communicate clearly and dynamically in an illustrated talk with a notes handout, presenting own art or photography project work.

FA4Pxx Project Work 1 module’s principal assessment item is a slideshow, through which the finished elements of studio practice project work are collated in a single project work folder for summative assessment. At the end of the project each student will present their project work to an audience of peers for assessment.

The assessment strategy includes formative assessments throughout the teaching period, with tutorial feedback designed to encourage and help students to develop and improve their work. These will inform the student of their progress.

Students will evaluate their own learning on the module using the criteria given and write a short critical appraisal (summary statement) of their work.

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.

Reading list to provided