FA1DS-Drawing skills

Module Provider: Art
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Mrs Lauren Little
Email: l.e.little@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

In this module you will develop your drawing skills in a series of focused practical sessions, drawing from still and moving subjects, including life drawing, animals, still life, spatial and architectural/landscape contexts. Through the module you will develop your skill-set in terms of foundational techniques such as line, tone, scale; you will also develop applied drawing skills including planning, scaling and gridding up; and develop an understanding of the relationship of the whole subject to detail and internal form. The module also addresses lens-based approaches and the use of photographic media. Workshop teaching will support additional focus on drawing from microscopes and photographic imagery in contrast to those focused on drawing from life. 

Aims:

The aim of this module is to give students a range of drawing skills to prepare them for using drawing in different contexts and subject specialisms.  Through the module you will focus on different forms of drawing - from the diagram, quick sketches to considered and formal drawing as well as process and experimentation.

You will also learn to map your ideas visually and consider ways of thinking through drawing in a variety of specialisms.  Through close looking activities and visual analysis you will develop your ability to edit and identify and prioritise visual information appropriate to needs.   We will explore how drawing can help you problem solve and how can you visualise what you are thinking about in abstract terms.’ 

Assessable learning outcomes:

Intended learning outcomes:

By the end of the module it is expected that a student will know

• The processes involved in problem solving through drawing


• Key skills to execute drawing from life and other mediated forms (such as microscope or drone filmed landscape)


• Ability to analyse and interpret visual images; and knowledge of composition


• A knowledge of what medium and forms of mark making are appropriate for different needs and requirements

Assessable learning outcomes:

 

By the end of the module it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an informed and skilful use of drawing materials, techniques and ideas.


2. Provide evidence of experimentation with drawing techniques and methods.


3. Show evi dence of imaginative and informed engagement with relevant examples of drawing practice.

Additional outcomes:

This module also aims to enable students to organise time productively, to develop communication skills and effectiveness in group situations. Students will also develop their IT skills by use of relevant web resources.

Outline content:

Students will gain an introduction to the skills and processes of drawing. They will extend their experience of materials and relevant technology and develop critical skills. They will question the relationship of intention to outcome. Issues of presentation will be identified. Students will also consider different methods for documentation of studio work. Development of work will include studio practice through group and individual tutorials, studio seminars and skill demonstrations. This wi ll also include technical assistance and instruction ed and directed visits to museums and galleries. The module is assessed by a presentation of work, statement and portfolio.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The focus is practical, developing skills and confidence in visual working methods. Practical studio projects typically consist of a briefing session, where each session’s methodology is described and briefly discussed; with occasional short contextual lectures that introduce specific contemporary and historical references as examples to support the practical learning. At each stage practical work is followed by oral critical analysis requiring students to reflect on the effects of thei r decision-making and how it impacts on their approach to their subject.

The department provides core materials for each of the projects undertaken as part of this module. There may be additional material costs to students in developing their work, subject to individual practices; however, the department further subsidises expenses for studio materials through the Art Shop. Museum and gallery learning is an important learning activity as part of this module. There is one sche duled study visit per term and students will need to cover their own travel expenses. Students will be expected to build on the taught classes with independent drawing between each weekly session.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	4
Seminars	3
Tutorials	3
Demonstration	40
Supervised time in studio/workshop	100
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (directed)	20
Peer assisted learning	20
Preparation for tutorials	10
Total hours by term	200	0	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Report	10
Project output other than dissertation	90

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Summative assessment at the end of the module is through exhibition presentation, statement and documentation. 

Coursework:

Portfolio of drawings

Formative assessment methods:

Group presentation; seminar discussion; tutorial

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A mark of 40% in the assessed coursework

Reassessment arrangements:

Individually prescribed work to be presented and reassessed in August/ September

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 1 December 2021