FA2IS-International Study

Module Provider: Art
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Prof Alun Rowlands
Email: a.rowlands@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module involves a week long supervised study trip to a major European art centre (there is also 1 lecture in Week 2 of the Autumn term). Students see and experience contemporary art at first hand and also benefit from the knowledge and expertise of accompanying academic staff. Recent centres have included Berlin, Madrid, Vienna, Cologne, Paris and Venice.

Aims:
- to give students the opportunity to study art and architecture in situ, with first-hand experience of works of art which is an essential part of History of Art as a discipline
- to promote awareness of the qualities of art that reproductions from the internet or elsewhere cannot convey - size, space, texture, interrelationship of parts, lighting and environment etc.
-to provide students with an international experience through the subject of Art

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module it is expected that students will be able to:
- carry out an effective independent visual analysis of works of art and architecture they have inspected at first hand
- appreciate the variety of circumstances and conditions under which art and architecture are produced and consumed and be able to relate this to the particular characteristics of the works studied
- form arguments about the function of art from differing periods
- form considered poi nts of view on the culture and environment of a major European artistic centre
- access and use information on such things as materials, techniques, patronage, and national schools independently
- organize material into effective and coherent written arguments

Additional outcomes:
This module promotes the development of visual and research skills. Library resources are used as well as IT skills to access data. There are some opportunities for foreign language practice.

Outline content:
The study trip abroad lasts 7 days and normally takes place at the end of the Spring term. A major artistic centre abroad is chosen and students visit museums, galleries, churches, and architectural sites according to a programme devised and organized by staff. Works of art and architecture are studied at first-hand in staff-led tours and prescribed independent visits.

Global context:
Students will be taught the implications and impact of globalization in art, its histories and contexts. The focus for this will be on the institutions and art objects that are sited in the place of the visit.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Two or three preliminary one-hour lectures in Reading prior to going abroad. While abroad the most important visits are compulsory and take the form of tutor-led presentations and discussions in museums and galleries. Students also have the opportunity to attend a specified number of optional guided visits and are expected to carry out a number of tasks on their own initiative for which written guidance and instructions are given.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	1	2
External visits		47
Guided independent study:		120	30
Total hours by term	1	169	30
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Three pieces of written work are submitted: Two 1,000 word observational tasks based on works of art and architecture experienced at first hand and a 2,000 word essay covering the cultural significance of aspects of the particular city visited. The essays will be counted for examination subject to scrutiny by a second internal examiner. The essay must be submitted in order to gain a pass.

Formative assessment methods:
Essay tutorials in advance of writing assignments accompany feedback tutorials that discuss your written feedback and help you plan future essays. This module also employs blog tools to pose questions and respond critically to the exhibitions and events encountered as part of the study visits in addition to supporting writing skills.

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:
The summative essay must be submitted in order to gain a pass and achieve a threshold performance.

Reassessment arrangements:
Submission of additional essay by August

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: Students should budget for approximately £500 to cover the costs of travel and accommodation as well as a daily maintenance rate of £30-40, according to previous year’s costs.  You should note also that this amount may change according to amount of students travelling, local costs, exchange rates and quotes from the university travel agents.  However the Department will keep you informed at the earliest possible time of the actual amount required.

Last updated: 24 November 2021