An ILLUSTRATED ESSAY length 2000 WORDS weighted at 100%.
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4.

Lectures
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

25% scheduled Learning & Teaching activities
75% guided independent learning

During this module, you will critically explore the creation of modern day decorative design. The emphasis will be on the role which cultural change, new technologies and commercial demands in particular, have impacted on a range of product based artifacts- ceramics, textiles and fashion, interior design and industrial design. 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 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. 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 and design, with particular focus on decorative design. You will learn how to use the internal and external research resources, as well as the Thompson Library. 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, carrying out a series of short exercises on academic writing (at university level) and write a brief essay.

Lecture Theatre or classroom
Surface Pattern Computer room (H75)
Data Projector
The Betty Smithers Design Collection
Thompson Library
Blackboard virtual learning environment.

Boydell, C. 2010. Horrockses Fashions: Off-the-Peg Style in the 40s and 50s. V & A Publishing
Burnham, D., et.al. Studying Independently and Producing better Written Work. Staffordshire University: Faculty of Arts, Media and Design [Booklet]
Clarke, S. 2011. Textile Design (portfolio). Laurence King.
Colchester, C. 2009. Textiles Today: A Global Survey of Trends and Traditions. Thames & Hudson
Cottrell, S. 2008. The Study Skills Handbook. London: Palgrave Macmillan
Fogg, M. 2006. Print in Fashion. Batsford Ltd
Fogg, M. 2007. Couture Interiors: Living with Fashion. Lurence King.
Quinn, B. 2009. Textile Designers at the Cutting Edge. Laurence King.

Periodicals including Selvedge, Textile View, Elle Decoration, World of Interiors.