Module: CAP5007-20 - Graphic Arts - Practice, Context & Theory

Level: 5

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Matt Robertson

Module Tutor Contact Details: M.Robertson@bathspa.ac.uk

Please note that in order to take this module you must have studied CAP5002-20 Graphic Arts – Practice and Context.

1. Brief description and aims of module:

This self-directed module follows on from CAP5002-20 and aims to continue to develop your practical and critical skills through the production of ambitious artworks in your chosen area of graphic design studio practice.

The module aims to provide you with the means to communicate, contextualise, critically evaluate and reflect on your practice more effectively, by extending your investigations into materials, methods and context, through the development of your understanding and identification of theoretical research relevant to these areas of contemporary graphic design practice.

2.Outline syllabus

At the beginning of this module you will be asked to submit a 500 word written proposal outlining your intended area of graphic arts practice, investigation and research.

With the help of your tutor you will develop your proposal to align material investigation, methods, concepts and contextual frameworks to proposed graphic arts studio practice outcomes.

The completed proposal will be submitted to tutors and a plan of study and research agreed for the semester.

You will then be expected to work independently in your area of graphic arts practice, supported by specialist workshops, seminars, group critiques and individual tutorials.

Individual tutorials and seminars will help you identify areas of theoretical research relevant to your graphic arts practice and critical and material enquiry.

You will continue to attend lectures by visiting artists & designers from a variety of disciplines that will support your growing knowledge of materials, methods and ideas that relate to the establishment of a professional ethical and sustainable practice, and the presentation or publication of work to an audience.

Course specific and school wide workshops and talks by staff and professionals from the university’s careers department will also continue to support your professional development and planning.

You will present your completed work at a studio-based exhibition. Discipline relevant supporting work will demonstrate investigative, experimental and theoretical enquiry through a reflective journal summarised by a critical self-evaluation.

Practical studio practice and supporting work should demonstrate 200 hours of study.

3.Teaching and learning activities

• Individual tutorial to develop negotiated self-directed study proposal.

• Independent study in studio spaces and workshops.

• Individual and group tutorials.

• Technical workshops.

• Support in developing individual skills in chosen area of practice.

• Guidance on developing general and specific research skills.

• Guidance on developing presentation skills.

• Staff and student presentations and seminars.

• Lectures from visiting artists and professionals.

• Peer and self-evaluation appraisals.

• Reflective evaluation of personal progress.

• Year group meetings.

• Study trips.

• Weekly student led group activities.

Throughout the module staff will make you aware of opportunities to apply for external competitions, offsite exhibitions, group projects, public artworks and external workshops, that will help develop your practice and professionalism. Should you undertake one of these opportunities, you should inform your tutors and submit any discipline relevant research and work made for the project as part of your assessment.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Developmental and experimental work presented

• % Weighting: 80%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Contextual Folder

• % Weighting: 20%