Module: VM7002-30 Developing Practice

Level: 7

Credit Value: 30

Module Tutor: Andrew Southall

Module Tutor Contact Details: a.southall@bathspa.ac.uk

1.Brief description and aims of module

This is the first of the MA Visual Communication practice-based modules. Its aim is to establish and identify your current position as a practitioner and help you to explore and interrogate your practice. During the module, you will have the opportunity to develop and refine your understanding of the relationship between aesthetic and formal components and theoretical, practical and professional approaches to your specialism in Photography, Illustration, or Graphic Design.

You will have the opportunity to devise a practice-based visual communication project and a rationale for it that outlines your aims and objectives, making specific reference to your primary and secondary research.

At the end of the module you will be asked to give an audio / visual presentation, (usually in a digital format of your choice) and to submit a visual communication project along with a folder typically containing sketched ideas, development work, primary and secondary research, details of process and outputs.

2.Outline syllabus

The module will normally cover:

• Key critical theories relating to the visual arts and visual communication, and an introduction to the impact of the most influential effects of modernism and postmodernism
• Specialist language and the difficulties inherent in defining the terms pure and applied approaches to visual communication projects
• Investigation of the characteristics of visual communication modes, for example but not limited to narrative, thematic, descriptive, assertive, or persuasive structures within documentary & reportage, industrial, advertising, promotion, art forms etc. Professional techniques and attitudes to digital content management / workflow / data
• Professional techniques and attitudes to digital content management / workflow / data

You will consider these topics in relation to your own visual communication practice

3.Teaching and learning activities:

The module will be delivered through seminars, workshops, studio time and tutorials.

You will be expected to develop an ongoing discourse with one another, examining the different perspectives and assumptions that groups and individuals bring to visual communication projects.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work
• Description: A Research Folder
• % Weighting: 20%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Course Work
• Description: An Oral / Visual presentation
• % Weighting: 20%

Assessment Item 3:

• Assessment Type: Course Work
• Description: A Visual Communication project
• % Weighting: 60%