Contextual and Cultural Referencing in Art and Design

Aim

The aim of this unit is to encourage an understanding of the social, psychological, cultural, historical and commercial factors which underpin all visual arts theory and practice across the spectrum of subject specialisms.

Unit content

1 Be able to undertake in-depth research

Digital sources: eg retrieval of computer-based data, internet, CD ROM, films, videos Paper-based materials: eg use of libraries, learning resources centre, notes from lectures and group presentations, printed ephemera

Other sources: eg local and distant visits to collections, museums, original sources and personal life experiences

2 Understand the influences on art and design activities and outcomes through the interpretation and analysis of information

Historical and cultural histories: eg major historical movements, modern practitioners, relationship between modern practice and historical sources, current attitudes towards the arts, current cultural context, historical concepts and principles versus modern notions of moral and ethical practice, relevant sources from other academic disciplines

Making judgements: questioning; comparing; measuring; observing; rationalising

3 Be able to assess, interpret and evaluate information

Sources: personal research; primary; secondary

Synthesis: ideas; influences; observation; personal view

4 Be able to evaluate and present conclusions

Presentation forms: eg oral presentation, visual presentation, illustrated written study

Learning outcomes

1. Be able to undertake in-depth research

1.1 Research a variety of areas of study using sources effectively

1.2 Research a variety of external sources effectively

2. Understand the influences on art and design activities and outcomes through the interpretation and analysis of information

2.1 Understand the interrelationship between the various strands of art and design activities within their historical development

2.2 Demonstrate the relationship between historical development and modern practice and principles

2.3 Show a questioning, rationalising approach to personal observations and evaluations of subject matter within a specialist area

3. Be able to assess, interpret and evaluate information

3.1 Effectively research, evaluate and interpret secondary source material in a variety of media and applications

3.2 Effectively research, evaluate and assess personal and primary information from a variety of sources

3.3 Synthesise information from observations and personal or others’ ideas

4. Be able to evaluate and present conclusions

4.1 Produce written illustrated studies to formal academic conventions

4.2 Produce informal visual diaries throughout the programme which are used also for reference in other units

4.3 Give live oral or digitally recorded presentations.