TY3EP-Elective projects

Module Provider: Typography
Number of credits: 30 [15 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Rob Banham
Email: r.e.banham@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module allows students to customise the final year of their degree through a range of options for elective design projects. These options give students a choice of specialisations to shape their learning in with tline heir own interests. Students engage with a range of projects aligned to emerging design trends, industry practice, and current research. Students complete two elective projects, choosing one per term (autumn/spring) from a set of options. In addition to defined options within specific areas, students also have the option to conduct self-directed projects. The exact elective options available in any one year may vary slightly in line with the rapidly developing field of design and the department’s staff profile, to make sure options are always offered that make the most of teaching and research expertise. Elective projects are typically practical in nature, but many will also include elements of process or reflective work; self-directed project can be tailored to support a written or research project, rather than practical, if desired. 

This module is only open to visiting students if they have sufficient experience of practical design projects. 

Aims:

To critically engage with diverse design challenges that vary according to specific sub-disciplines and specialisations within graphic communication. 

Assessable learning outcomes:

• demonstrate creative thinking in response to a specific design/design research problem.


• demonstrate exploration of alternative approaches to a problem and or critical thinking relevant to a specialised area.


• critically analyse the problems posed by briefs and/or propose new briefs to resolve design problems.


• demonstrate engagement with the specific needs of sub-disciplines and specialisations within graphic communication, using relevant methods and approaches for the specific project.


• use appropriate working methods to plan and deliver work on time.

Additional outcomes:

Students should also be able to effectively contribute to design crits, explain and defend their work, and demonstrate project management skills.

Outline content:

Students will choose one optional project in the autumn term and one in the spring term, and feedback may extend into the summer. Students will typically work independently, although specific projects may have the option or requirement to work as part of a team with other students where this is relevant to the option selected.

Examples of elective options that have been available in past years have included: Packaging design, Branding design, Typeface design, Editorial design, Word and image, and Self-directed projects (options may be added or removed in any given year) 

Global context:

The wide choice afforded to students on this module gives opportunity to engage with global issues through the lenses of specific design specialisations. Students will have the option to choose projects that enable them to focus on subject matter from a range of cultures, contexts, and identities.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Workshops, seminars and studio crit sessions will run throughout each optional project selected, with the specific format of these sessions tailored to the specifics of that project. Some sessions may be presented by visiting guests where appropriate for the specialisation and context of the project. Feedback within these sessions will typically address all students on the project, or groups of students, with some limited opportunity for individual feedback where appropriate for the project. Students will engage with formative feedback on this work throughout the project, ahead of their summative submission. The contact hours below are typical and may vary in type or allocation for different projects.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Two practical projects will be summatively assessed. Practical work that has been formatively assessed is resubmitted in Summer Term. Marking and moderating will take into account the formative assessment stage (see below) and any additional work the student has undertaken prior to final submission.

Formative assessment methods:

Formative feedback is given during projects; further feedback (including an indicative marking rubric) is given after initial project submission; a final opportunity for feedback is offered in summer term to students making changes before final submission.

Penalties for late submission:

Non-standard penalties apply to the late submission of Part 3 practical work that assessed in Summer Term. 10% of the total marks available for the work will be deducted from the final mark where work is submitted up to 24 hours late. Thereafter the mark falls to zero. Assessors may exercise discretion in the application of penalties.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A mark of 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

Body of practical work that bears a confirmed mark of less than 40 overall must be resubmitted by an August/September date to be notified.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: £10–20. Students may need to purchase specialist materials and will need to pay printing costs depending on the projects they choose to undertake.

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: In line with all other department modules.

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 30 March 2023