FA1DSS-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: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Miss Beverley Bennett
Email: b.j.bennett@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 various subjects, including life drawing, 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. Practical teaching will support a focus on drawing as a way to record, document and communicate observations, as well as a way to explore, realise and communicate ideas and imagination. 

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:

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 evidence 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 research skills by use of relevant library, exhibition and 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 skill demonstration, independent practice, and group and individual formative feedback. This will also include technical assistance and instruction and directed visits to museums and galleries. The module is assessed by a reflective work 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 supportive analysis requiring students to reflect on the effects of their d ecision-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 schedul ed 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	10
Seminars	10
Demonstration	10
Practicals classes and workshops	30
External visits	10
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	30
Peer assisted learning	30
Advance preparation for classes	70
Total hours by term	200	0	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Project output other than dissertation	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

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: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/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:

portfolio of new drawings

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: £20

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: £30

Last updated: 11 September 2023