FA3DIS-Art dissertation

Module Provider: Art
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Summer & Autumn Terms
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: FA3HS1 Part 3H Studio
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr James Hellings
Email: j.hellings@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
Art Dissertation module offers an opportunity to produce a sustained in-depth study in contemporary art and theory

Aims:
The aim of the art dissertation is to develop students skills in research and analysis of an area of contemporary art that in some from relates to questions and problems that arise from studio practice. The focus of the module is on independent learning. The module also challenges students to reflect and build upon knowledge gained from lectures, seminars and studio tutorials in parts 2 and 3 of the programme.

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

- locate and identify a question that has relevance to their studio work and current discourse on contemporary art
- gather and collate information and images from a broad range of sources including primary and secondary text, art journals and periodicals, exhibitions and events and internet based materials.
- develop an analysis that is focused on a specific subject and which is a feasible projec t that can be sustained over the length of a dissertation
- evaluate and critically appraise relevant textual and visual source material including theoretical and art critical text encountered previously on the course
- demonstrate an ability to apply theoretical and critical thinking to art works
- achieve clarity in the exposition of ideas and in the application of theory and criticism to art works
- demonstrate the origin of their ideas by accurately referencing source material in a comprehensive bibliography
- demonstrate skills in proof reading and in the overall formal presentation of a dissertation

Additional outcomes:
By the end of the module students will also be able to:

- plan, manage and organise research effectively
- demonstrate an ability to work independently
- use a variety of IT skills and on-line information sources

Outline content:
During the preparation of a dissertation the student identifies theoretical concepts and contemporary art practices that in some way relate to questions and problems that arise from their studio work. The student is supported by a supervisor who assists them in the planning of a dissertation. The supervisor also encourages the student to develop material from lectures, seminars and studio tutorials from their previous years of study on the course. Through the process of writing students learn to clarify concepts and then apply them to an area of contemporary art that they consider to be both personally and culturally significant. Through independent research students deepen their understanding of specific artworks and expand their awareness of the distinct ways in which theory relates to practice.

Global context:
The scope of the dissertation module draws upon the international field and global context of contemporary art.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
This module consists primarily of independent research. It is though, supported by a supervisor who assists the student at key stages in the development of the dissertation. The student's third year contextual study tutor supervises the dissertation. At the end of the spring term of their third year students attend an introductory lecture that addresses the preparation and writing of a dissertation. The supervisor will arrange an initial tutorial for the beginning of the summer term. Prior to t his meeting students will be required to formulate a brief proposal that outlines their intended area of research. The supervisor will guide and assist the student in the development of a reading list. They will also discuss the suitability and sustainability of the subject chosen by the student. Supervisors will also encourage students to reflect upon their previous written course work and on material taught during years 1, 2 and 3. Students receive a follow up tutorial at the end of the summer term where they finalise their research plan and discuss other forms of preparation which will sustain them for a period of independent study. At the beginning of the autumn term of their final year the student is required to submit a draft of 3,000 words that outlines the principle areas of investigation. The draft forms the basis for the next meetings in the autumn term. Students receive three tutorials in this term. Students submit the dissertation in the first week of the spring term.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures			1
Tutorials	3		2
Guided independent study:	97		97
Total hours by term	100		100
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Dissertation	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:
Not Applicable

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
Students submit a dissertation of a minimum of 5,000 and a maximum of 8,000 words by the Friday of the first week of the Spring term of their fourth year

Formative assessment methods:
Dissertation tutorials support the progress of the independent study. A dissertation question, plan and reading list are submitted and agreed with the supervisor before the Summer. A draft dissertation is submitted at the beginning of Autumn term that receives feedback through tutorials.

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%

Reassessment arrangements:
Work to be presented and assessed 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: 24 November 2021