A presentation on the research conducted as a basis for the contextualisation of the students' own work in historical and contemporary terms: A research dossier and blog that reflectively documents the research process and its impact on studio practice.
Weighted at 50%. (Learning Outcomes 1,2,3, 5 & 6)

And illustrated essay (1,000 words) within the area of a specified research topic Weighted at 50%. (Learning Outcomes 1-6)

Key Information Set
100% coursework

Students must pass all elements of the assessment criteria

This module introduces you to the skills needed to research, evaluate and present information - skills on which the professional practice of art and design now depend. You will be introduced to resources both within and outside the University, which enable you to gather information. 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 designed to help you understand the methods and conventions by which you can research, evaluate and communicate your interest in both the practice and history/theory of art. You will learn how to use faculty-based (e.g. library) and external research resources. You will also acquire the IT skills you need for the gathering and presenting of information in an academic context. You will carry out a research-based, specialist project and make a presentation of your findings to staff and students. You will be encouraged to identify the ways in which this new knowledge is informing your developing studio practice. You will reflectively document the process of researching, evaluating the impact of this activity on your developing practice through an online blog.

This module will involve a wide variety of visual texts including: painting, photography, sculpture, installation art, video and digital art.

The module is directed towards students having a sound basis for an understanding of the historical and theoretical evolution of contemporary art practice. Basic issues in contemporary art will be addressed such as the rise of photography and video as major fine art media, the evolution of painting and sculpture into radically expanded forms (e.g installation art) which question traditional notions of fine art. The increased emphasis on concept and process rather than product will also be addressed. Students pursuing this module will be afforded a broad understanding of contemporary fine art at precisely the right point in the structure of their award where the experimental emphasis on studio-based practice will begin to yield new and exciting expressive outcomes that relate directly to contemporary art practice in the 21st century. In order to evaluate your own work, it is important that your knowledge of historic and contemporary art is adequate to the stimulating shifts in emphasis that will inevitably take place in your own practice in a manner that will motivate your creative ability to a higher level.

Lectures
Seminars
Tutorials
Group critiques
External Visits
Practical Classes and workshops
Academic workshops
Online resources
Readings
Independent study in support of your project work
Short exercises and assignments that help you to apply and evaluate your learning

Key Information Sets (KIS):
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 10%
Guided independent study 90%

Archer, Michael. 2002. Art Since 1960. London: Thames & Hudson.
Barrett. Terry. 2002. Interpreting Art: Reflecting, Wondering, and Responding New York: McGraw Hill.
Benjamin, W. 1973. 'The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction'. In Illuminations. London: Fontana.
Bishop, Claire. 2005. Installation Art: A Critical History. London: Tate.
Cotton, Charlotte. 2004. The Photograph as Contemporary Art. London: Thames and Hudson.
Poli, F., F. Bernardelli, et al. 2008. Postmodern Art: From The Post-War to Today. New York: Collins
Cottrell, S. 2008. The Study Skills Handbook. London: Palgrave Macmillan
Grosenick, Uta, Burkhard Riemschneider, Lars Bang Larsen eds. 1999. Art at the Turn of the Millennium. Cologne: Taschen.
Grosenick, Uta. 2008. Art Now. Cologne: Taschen.
Hopkins, D. 2000. After Modern Art 1945-2000. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Jones, Amelia. 2006. A Companion to Contemporary Art Since 1945. Oxford: Blackwell.
Mather, P. and R. McCarthy. 2005. The Art of Critical Reading: Brushing Up On Your Reading, Thinking, and Study Skills. Boston: McGraw-Hill
Morely, S. ed. 2010. The Sublime: Document of Contemporary Art. Cambridge: Whitechapel Gallery.
Stallabrass, Julian. 2006. Contemporary Art: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Walker, J. A. 2001. Art in the Age of Mass Media. London: Pluto.
Weibel, P., A. Buddensieg, et al. 2007. Contemporary Art and the Museum: A Global Perspective. Ostfildern: Hatje Cantz.
Whitehead, C. 2012. Interpreting Art in Museums and Galleries. London, Routledge.

Study visit to Museum or Art gallery
Lecture Theatre
Seminar room
Data Projector
Audio, VHS, DVD playback,
Design Collection
Library
Student word-processing facilities
Internet access.
Blackboard virtual learning environment