FA2TEXA-Image Action Text

Module Provider: Art
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: 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:
Image Action Text critically examines the dispersed and distributed status of artworks. The module questions alternative forms of publishing, from artists£ books to websites, and explores the theoretical implications for contemporary art within a network of communication and circulation.

Aims:
- provide students with practical and critical understanding of dissemination, publishing and dispersion of practice
- enable students to explore both theoretically and practically key questions within the discourses and contexts of contemporary art
- provide analytical skills and theoretical understanding collaborative practice with particular emphasis on multiple authorship
- facilitate the development of collaborative practice through group work
- develop students' own communication skills through oral and written presentation
- fosters awareness of historical and theoretical precedents for the dissemination, documentation and presentation of contemporary art

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module it is expected that the student will be able to:

- demonstrate through group work an understanding of critical practice
- present a collaborative publishing project
- articulate critical questions as applied both to the production and dissemination of art
- identify and critically analyse a central question informed through research in oral and written forms
- document, analyse and critically evaluate processes and products of grou p practical work, drawing on appropriate critical and theoretical research and resources as frames of reference

Additional outcomes:
The module plays a significant role in the development of other skills and competencies which are central to the course: oral communication, argument and collaboration required for effective group work; management and communication skills required to satisfactorily carry out responsibilities in small and large group projects; appropriate deployment of research using printed and electronic resources; critical analysis and coherent argument, both individually and collectively; identifying and addressing problems in the analysis, evaluation and development of the presentation and dissemination of art. The module places an emphasis on digital technology from website development, blogging and social media and there are opportunities to acquire technical skills throughout the course.

Outline content:
The module consists of structured and developing group exercises in presentation, publication and dissemination of art, designed to introduce processes of group work in the context of presentation. The module begins with an introduction to contemporary modes of publication, dissemination and documentation. Groups of students will then research and develop a chosen publication/dissemination project, including developing the ability to take initiative and to accept real-life risks and benefits. Pr actical work is followed by documentation and critical analysis (oral and written) requiring students to reflect on the effects of their decision making and to relate their own and their group's work to wider practices and critical concepts.

Global context:
The module introduces themes, methods and approaches prevalent within the international field of contemporary art. Through the course of the module students are made aware of the global context of biennials, fairs and international curatorial programmes. In addition, the scheduled Study Visits introduce students to international exhibitions, museums and collections.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
The module is structured as a series of lectures, group seminars, practical sessions and tutorials. Student groups will prepare content in consultation with a convenor. The content and delivery of the project will be presented in the form of an exhibition, a publication or an event and in the presentation of documentation in a seminar. The topic will be orally presented in the seminar group but the student will be asked to write up an account of the ensuing group discussion, identifying key poin ts raised and their responses to them. This will include an element of reflective self assessment.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		10
Seminars		10
Tutorials		2
Project Supervision		8
Practicals classes and workshops		4
External visits		6
Guided independent study:		160
Total hours by term		200
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Project output other than dissertation	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:
Not Applicable

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
Coursework:

- Collaborative presentation of group work, staged in appropriate form of curatorial initative, publication launch or performative event
- In advance of the seminar, a written statement of 500 words outlining a proposed seminar questions and announcement of the project to be presented for discussion before the seminar
- A seminar that discusses the project and its context
- After the seminar, a reflective written account in 2000 words analysing the main points of the project and discussion, responding critically to the questions raised and referencing historical and theoretical precedents

Cancellations: Where possible those with extenuating circumstances will have their seminars rescheduled. In every other case students will have to submit a 2000 word seminar paper accompanied by extended project documentation

Formative assessment methods:
The module is punctuated with a number of presentation points that allow for both oral and written feedback/ feedforward. The seminars and group tutorials provide an important channel for feedback on the development and progress of the project

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% must be achieved in the assessed coursework

Reassessment arrangements:
Re-examination in August/September. Students will submit a 2000 word seminar paper and extended project documentation by a specified date during the re-examination period

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: 8 April 2021