Module: VM7003-30 Practice in Context

Level: 7

Credit Value: 30

Module Tutor: Tim Vyner

Module Tutor Contact Details: t.vyner@bathspa.ac.uk

1.Brief description and aims of module

There are two important aims in this module. The first is to develop a visual communication project for a particular audience based in a specified location, the second is to allow you to gain experience working in collaboration with another MA student or practitioner.

Building on the reflective experience you gained in Developing Practice, your project should be designed specifically for a local/national audience in a particular location. You may use any of the MA Visual Communication specialisms: Photography, Illustration and/or Graphic Design, working in collaboration with one or more others.

The manner in which the project is designed for its audience should be carefully considered, referring to several secondary examples of relevant visual communication projects. Your project’s objectives should be made clearly evident in your choice and the structure of your primary and secondary research and other supporting materials.

At the end of the module, you should make a visual presentation and submit your visual communication project along with a folder containing analysis and critical reflection on the initial proposal, its aesthetic and formal components, its key ideas, research, development processes, challenges and outputs. In this supporting work, you should identify strengths and weaknesses in the project, taking into account the cultural, demographic and other factors that have influenced your approach.

2.Outline syllabus

The syllabus will normally cover:

• An understanding of audience, for example variations in age, class, nationality, gender, geography, culture, religion

• Practices and challenges in relation to specific audiences

• Visual language and the written / spoken language of practitioners in different but related disciplines

• Local and regional needs

• Collaborative working across disciplines

• Reference to professional techniques and attitudes to commercial skills: copyright and intellectual property rights

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

3.Teaching and learning activities:

You will be expected to collaborate in your visual communication project, either with MA Visual Communication or other postgraduate student(s), or with an external organisation or individual (with prior approval by the tutor).

The module will be delivered through a combination of seminars, workshops, tutorials and a multi-disciplinary studio-based culture, to support collaboration. You will be expected to be largely independent in identifying relevant primary and secondary sources specific to the project that you pursue.

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%