COURSE MODULE DESCRIPTIONS
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Exploratory Stage
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| Unit 1 |
Information and Research
Development of understanding, ideas and a sense of personal direction
in the practice of art, craft, design and communication are all based
on research and information. In this exploratory unit, you will be guided
in researching contemporary, historical and cultural contexts and precedents.
You will begin to relate your own emerging practice to the work of others.
The unit also introduces you to the ways of working and material processes
that will enable you to develop your own creativity and engage in self-reliant
learning. |
| Unit
2 |
Recording & Responding
In this exploratory stage unit, you will be able to develop skills
in observing and recording what you see, hear, think and feel. You then
learn how to work with this information, and how to move it forwards into
new and unfamiliar areas. In particular, you will be able to recognise
the importance of drawing in your development as a creative practitioner,
through critically reviewing how it informs and guides creative processes
across disciplines of practice in art, craft, design and communication.
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Unit
3 |
Media Experimentation
Media and materials are essential components of art, design, craft and
communication. They range from traditional processes to more unusual and
exciting forms found in contemporary work. In this unit, you carry out imaginative
experimentation in order to explore what can be achieved using a wide variety
of media. You will be encouraged to enjoy the special qualities of different
media and recognise how they can be used in relating theory to practice. |
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Pathway Stage
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| Unit 4 |
Information & Interpretation
Creative practitioners use their knowledge of the contemporary visual
world and their awareness of historical and cultural developments to inspire
and inform their own creative work. This unit enables you to develop your
own critical understanding of contemporary, historical and international
contexts. You can expect to be encouraged to use this awareness in establishing
a personal creative identity within your chosen direction, or pathway
towards future advanced study, in a professional field of art, design,
craft or communication. |
| Unit 5 |
Combined Experimental Studies
Creating successful art, craft, design and communication work involves
a selective bringing together of skills, processes and understanding.
In this pathway stage unit, you learn how to combine your own developing
ideas with ways of making and visualising, as you continue to work with
a variety of media and material handling techniques. There is the opportunity
to imaginatively select research methods and processes and to further
a critical understanding of your own creative thinking and working processes. |
| Unit 6 |
Media Development
The choice of media and materials has an influence on people's appreciation
of the form, nature and function of images and objects. In this unit you
will explore how you own ideas development and solutions can be influenced
by the ways in which you exploit the characteristics and properties of
chosen median and materials. This unit will be assessed through your portfolio
against the unit outcomes. Your work will be graded at key stages and
at the end of the programme against overarching criteria. |
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| Unit 7 |
Preparation & Progression
Information, guidance and support for students in identifying their
future aims and possible progression to higher education is a central
part of Foundation studies. This pathway stage unit enables you to spend
time in analysing your own strengths, capabilities and ambitions and to
evaluate your skills in relation to application to undergraduate courses.
Tutors will advise you on how, when and where to apply and on presenting
your portfolio of work. Identifying your way forward within the huge range
of possibilities is a process of self-discovery and involves discussion
with other students, friends, family and tutors. The skills of informed
and critical self-reflection which you learn in this unit will be of considerable
use later in your chosen profession. |
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Confirmatory Stage
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| Unit 8 |
Integrating Theory & Practice
The ability of students to manage their own personal learning and
development is a vital skill that helps them achieve their ambitions.
In this confirmatory stage unit, you will have the opportunity to extend
and develop your understanding within your chosen pathway in art, design,
craft or communication. You will be expected to show initiative and make
decisions for yourself, but tutors will support and guide you in deepening
your knowledge, skills and understanding . This will involve researching
and discussing in written form your understanding and insights into those
aspects of contemporary, historical and/or cultural practice which relate
most closely to your own ideas. |
| Unit 9 |
Personal Confirmatory Study
It is crucial that students conclude their Foundation studies with an
all-round understanding of their achievements, present position and future
potential. In this confirmatory stage unit you will be asked to bring
together the knowledge, skills and understanding that you have acquired
to carry out a major project. This will involve a substantial written
proposal in which you identify what you have achieved to date, what you
want to do for your project and why you want to do it. You will be asked
to clarify and agree on the scope of the work and to provide yourself
with a schedule for managing your time, the resources you will need and
for ensuring you present the results to a set deadline. Tutors will be
on hand to advise, guide and support you in writing your proposal and
in carrying out your project. The results of all final projects are presented
for final assessment and as a public exhibition held at the end of each
academic year. |
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