Contextual 200

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TASK: 50 Word Summaries (Literature Reviews)

Each week during Term 1, you will be given a text (sometimes written, sometimes video etc.) to read and digest before the Wednesday morning session. These text deal with the BIG IDEAS we will be discussing during the sessions themselves, so it is important to read the texts before the sessions so that you know what is going on and can follow the conversation.

If you miss a session (and miss being given a randomly selected text from this week's list), details of the texts will be posted on Moodle so you can choose one to read before the next session.

You are only expected to read ONE text per week, although you might find it interesting or useful to read more than one if you have time.

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Assessment Requirements:

"Formative assessment tasks:

This is a requirement for the module, but it is not awarded a grade.

1. Research Proposal and Presentation

In negotiation with your lecturer, you will identify a research topic from the theories covered in the seminar series, which links to your area of practice. You will devise a research question and submit an initial proposal (by WK 25 - 16/01/13) to your lecturer, which will outline your question, aims, research methods and key research sources. Research presentations will take place between WKS 26-29. These presentations will give you the opportunity to respond to constructive feedback from your peers and lecturers before the further development, and completion of your contextual research project.

Summative Assessment tasks:

2. Contextual Research File/blog (or similar) 

You are required to develop a research file/blog*, which should evidence your research journey and document your research activities. You are NOT required however, to submit this file for FINAL assessment, however, it must be made available throughout the module to evidence your progress. The research file/blog*should contain annotated images, texts and notes (from lectures, seminars, tutorials and personal research).

3. Contextual Research Project (graded)

You are to conduct a research project, which will have a written outcome of 2,500-3,000 words in length, or equivalent*. This body of work, supported by a detailed bibliography (in Harvard style) is to be submitted (in WK 42 Wednesday 15th May, 2013) in hard copy and a digital version, (which must be fully accessible/readable to the assessors and External Examiners).

* You may negotiate the format of your research project in terms of whether it is an illustrated essay, critical research blog, essay with artefact etc."

-http://moodle.plymouthart.ac.uk/mod/resource/view.php?id=2510

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Assignment Aims/Introduction:

"In terms 1 and 2, a series of themed seminars will develop and extend awareness of approaches and theories to art, design and media. The seminars will give you the opportunity for critical reflection and discussion of topics and texts and enable you to make links between theory and practice, and consider your own practice in relation to the ideas and concepts explored in the seminar sessions. The seminars provide an opportunity for students to develop their understanding of the broad themes in relation to their specific disciplines/areas of practice. 

The seminars also provide you with the opportunity to discuss your practice ‘in context’ and to develop ideas based on focused research. You will shape a research proposal and present this to your peers and lecturer, who will offer you considered and supportive critical feedback, which will enable you to develop and strengthen your project. These sessions will help you to develop your research skills, but you will be required to do a considerable amount of reading around your subject and to keep a blog/journal that charts the progress of your project. You will be supported throughout the module by lectures, seminars, small group and individual tutorials."

-http://moodle.plymouthart.ac.uk/mod/resource/view.php?id=2510

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Module Aims:

"To develop and extend an understanding of contextual frameworks which inform the production and consumption of art, design and media

To further develop a range of research skills

To further develop communication skills which demonstrate knowledge and understanding of contextual discourses"

- http://moodle.plymouthart.ac.uk/mod/resource/view.php?id=2510

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Learning Outcomes:

"LO1: Investigate an appropriate research topic, which informs their practice

LO2: Interpret, analyse and evaluate critical approaches to art, design and media

LO3: Evidence an understanding of the critical relationship between theory and practice

LO4: Utilise a range of research methods and academic conventions

LO5: Demonstrate communication skills, which evidence knowledge and understanding of contextual discourses."

- http://moodle.plymouthart.ac.uk/mod/resource/view.php?id=2510