FAMSV-International Study Visit

Module Provider: Art
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

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:
This module aims to give students the opportunity to study art in situ, because first-hand experience of works of art is an essential part of history of art as a discipline. The course aims to promote awareness of the qualities of art and architecture that slides and illustrations cannot convey - size, space, texture, interrelationship of parts, lighting and environment etc.

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 points 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 and collections according to a programme devised and organised by staff. Staff-led tours and prescribed independent visits orientate the visit.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Preliminary 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 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.
Students should budget £400 to cover the costs of travel and accommodation as well as a daily maintenance rate of £30-40.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	1	2
External visits		47
Guided independent study:		150
Total hours by term	1	199	0
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 3,000 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 below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy 'Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes', which can be found here: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
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 50% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:
If a student has participated in the study trip, and failed coursework, these elements must be resubmitted August/September. If a student has failed to participate in the study trip for good reason, they must submit adequate documentation of their circumstances and alternative assessment arrangements will be made.

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: 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: 30 March 2023