This module introduces you to the fundamental skills needed to learn cartoon and comic arts. It is designed to break down your preconceptions of what cartoon, comics & illustration is. Emphasis is placed on both creative visual thinking and research, evaluate and presentation of information - skills which the professional cartoonist depend.
The intention is that this module will act as a primer to prompt both written research and visual experimentation into cartoon and comic arts. You will be introduced to resources both within and outside the University which enable you to expand your knowledge and skills. You will learn the conventions employed to organise information and explore some of the techniques (and technologies) now used to present information in written, verbal and visual forms.
The emphasis is very much on acquiring skills through practice. In addition to illustrated talks and informal discussion groups, you will participate in exercises and workshops that are designed to help you understand the methods and conventions, by which you can design, research, evaluate and communicate your interest your chosen field of study. You will learn the various stages of the design process, image making and methods of presenting information. Through group projects you will be able to explore ideas and theories in a wide range of visual forms and will gain valuable experience. You will also acquire both the appropriate IT skills you need for the gathering and presenting of information in an academic context as well as attending the 3D workshops to help you develop as a practitioner. You will carry out a research-based, specialist project and make a presentation of your findings to staff and students. You will carry out a series of short exercises on academic writing (at university level) and write a brief essay. This module will therefore provide a sound foundation for further development in cartoon & illustration theory and practice.

Lectures/seminars/tutorials
3D Workshops
Academic workshops
Small group sessions (seminars, tutorials)
Independent study in support of your project work
Short exercises and assignments that help you to apply and evaluate your learning

Key Information Set:
18% scheduled learning and teaching activities
82% guided independent learning

Studio workspace and seminar room with projection facilities.
3D Workshops
Drawing Boards
Desk Space.
Computers Workshops with appropriate design software, Photoshop, Illustrator, Painter
Scanners
Wacom Tablets
Photocopier
Specific skills modulettes will be assigned to this module.
You will be expected to take advantage of the extensive library facilities available within the university and the Design Collection, keeping abreast of current developments through appropriate periodicals and being aware of the work of major practitioners in your subject.

The Blackboard virtual learning environment will be available (where relevant) to support this module. Details will be supplied in the module handbook.

Suggested Cartoon & Comic Arts texts:
Canemake, J. 1999. Paper Dreams. The Art & Artist of Disney Storyboards. Hyperion. New York.
Eisner, W. 2008 Comics and Sequential Art: Principles and Practices from the Legendary Cartoonist. W. W. Norton & Co. New York
Gravett, P, & Stanbury, P. (2006) Great British Comics. Celebrating a Century of Ripping Yarns and Wizard Wheezes. London: Aurum
McCloud, S. 1994. Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art. Harper Collins. London
McKenzie, A. 2005. How to Draw & Sell Comic Strips. (3rd Edition) Titan Books. London
Sabin, R. 2003. Comic, Comix & Graphic Novels. A History of Comic Art. Phaidon New York.
Scarfe, G. 2008. Monsters: How George Bush Saved The World ' and Other Tall Stories. Little Brown. London.
Walker, B. (2004) Comics Before 1945. New York: Harry N. Abrams
Walker, B. (2002) Comics Since 1945. New York: Harry N. Abrams

Learning Outcomes 1-7]

You will present for assessment a body of work as outlined in the module information pack. This is likely to include:
A COURSEWORK - ART & DESIGN weighted at 67%
- Finished visuals, together with a portfolio of visual researched work which has led to the final piece of work.

-Portfolio will feature a series of smaller projects worth the following:
Major project = 30% LO 1,2,3,4
Workshop projects = 25% LO 1,2,3,4
Minor assessed coursework = 12% LO 1,2,3,4,,7
- Analysis of a problem, generation of a range of creative proposals and presentation of solutions that communicate in the appropriate visual forms.
- Acquisition of skills and knowledge in specific areas as identified through discussion.
An ESSAY length 1000 WORDS weighted at 33%
- 1,000 word illustrated essay within the area of cartoons and comics about a specified research topic, incorporating a presentation on the research conducted as a basis for the essay.

Note: Students must pass all elements.

Key Information Set:
100% coursework