module specification

The Techniques: Fine Art module introduces students to and engages them with a range of art media and approaches to artistic production. Focusing upon key skills and concepts, the module introduces students to relevant materials, processes and techniques for the development of ideas and artefacts, enabling students to make quick, heuristic connections between intention, process and outcome.

The module involves a series of demonstrations and exercises, introducing and developing basic artistic skills and techniques relevant to Fine Art practice. The module supports an applied understanding of visual and technical literacy through development of project work, negotiated between tutor and student.

In the Techniques: Fine Art module students are expected to look for and construct relationships with the Project Work 1 module. Students are encouraged to test out and explore different methods or enquiry and approaches to practice through one or more of the established Fine Art disciplines of painting, photography, printmaking, drawing, ceramics, sculpture, installation art and mixed media.

This module aims to enable students to test the methods of art enquiry introduced in other modules by applying art processes and art media techniques effectively, with students learning to organise tools and materials and use workshop equipment with fluency and control. The module aims in this way to give maximum opportunities in the practical aspects of art-making, allowing students to show respect and consideration for artworks by their careful installation and finishing, with attention to professional storage of artworks and the construction of packing cases with protective interiors.

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 FA4P01A Project Work 1

At the beginning of the module, its aims and key concepts will be outlined to all students. Study Abroad students will be invited in the first session to select a programme of two medium techniques workshops to serve their project work. Sessions will then be organised in a block of 7 or 8 weeks, passing student group through two project workshops in different art media via which they will test and apply methods of art enquiry and art process (Learning Outcome 1). Each medium technique workshop will demonstrate and induct in the necessary organisation of tools and materials in that medium (Learning Outcome 2). All students will pass through a session in the professional packing of artworks for display (Learning Outcome 3).

LO 1 - 3

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. test methods of enquiry and processes by applying them effectively via art media or lens-based media;
2. organise tools and materials and use equipment and techniques for art-making in different media with proficiency and confidence;
3. take care of original artworks by installation, protection, packing and storing;

FA4008A Techniques: Fine Art module’s single assessment item is a portfolio of Set Exercises , in which the technical elements and exhibition of a studio practice project are collated in a single digital portfolio for summative assessment. At the end of the project each student will present their work via slideshow to an audience of peers for assessment.

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

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 submissions in relation to the grading criteria.

Reading list to be provided