Module: FAR4000-20 Introduction to Fine Art: Fundamentals

Level: 4

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: James Brooks

Module Tutor Contact Details: j.brooks@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

This module will introduce you to the course and to the fundamentals of the discipline of Fine Art itself. Through group discussions it will familiarize you with some of the debates that surround the subject and the methods for teaching and learning central to it. Through a series of technical inductions it will begin to equip you with the practical skills needed to test out and visualize your ideas safely and confidently in the workshop. Through practical and academic workshops it will support you to establish the contextual and material research skills necessary to develop and sustain a practice as an artist.

2.Outline syllabus:

This module offers a valuable foundation to the course as a whole and to the teaching and learning methods central to its delivery. Along with providing practical inductions to the technical facilities (including woodwork, paint prep, metal work, printmaking, photography and sculpture) and introductions to key teaching and learning resources (including the library and our virtual learning environment) this module will reflect upon the fundamentals of the discipline of Fine Art by considering the following questions as a starting point for taught and self-directed enquiry.

1. What is a studio and how do we use one?

2. What is material and contextual research?

3. What is an art practice?

4. How do we talk about and think through art?

By the end of the module and using other artists’ manifestos as a starting point you will write your own set of motivations for how to approach your work on the course.

3.Teaching and learning activities:

The following list identifies the teaching and learning activities central to the subject. They reflect the bespoke nature of learning within the discipline of fine art. They will be delivered as either level specific or in certain cases with cross level content.

Module briefings: The module coordinator will meet the whole year group at regular intervals throughout this module. In these meetings key teaching and assessment processes will be outlined and discussed.

Academic facilitated workshop (practice/subject): Working in groups these sessions will be facilitated by an academic and take place in your studios. They will take as their starting point a published text or an artwork in order to prompt a discussion or activity. These workshops may look at a specific subject e.g. the studio, the artist manifesto or a practical or intellectual strategy e.g. taking things apart, working collaboratively.

Technical inductions/workshop: These sessions will take place in the school workshops and be run by one of our team of technical demonstrators. They will not only introduce you to some key practical skills and how to work safely and confidently but to the philosophy of the workshops as spaces to experiment, test out ideas and think through making. More specialized workshops will occur throughout the course.

Learning resource induction/workshops: The school has a variety of learning resources. These taught sessions will introduce you to the range of resources available and the support in place to facilitate your access and understanding.

Individual tutorials and group tutorials: During this module you will meet with a tutor to discuss and reflect upon your developing understanding and practical progress in this module. These tutorials may be with a small group of peers or on your own. Peer led reflective dialogue will be central to the teaching and learning on this module

Independent study: Working independently is central to the teaching and learning philosophy of a Fine Art course. Working in your studio, in the library or the workshops you will begin to develop and reflect upon the ideas, debates covered in the module.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Presentation of a visual document/essay

• % Weighting: 100%