Graphic Arts Practice & Skills 1a (Dalian)

Learning Outcomes

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• apply research skills to make sound judgements and problem solve.
• evaluate perceptions and concepts in relation to contemporary design practice;
• apply critical thinking and to a range of different specialist techniques and processes relevant to graphic arts and the graphic design industry;

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• a range of design methods, materials, techniques and skills;
• how to visually communicate a concept through a variety of media supporting your creative development;
• contemporary concepts and practice associated within your specialist subject.

Subject Specific Practical Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• apply a variety of processes to extend your design practice;
• demonstrate an appropriate range of design techniques;

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• gather information, analyse and evaluate sources appropriately;
• utilise a range of research methodologies relevant to your studies;
• communicate your ideas demonstrating awareness of global contexts.
• complete an assignment to a deadline;

This module continues the work of the Part 0, Graphic Arts modules, Introduction to the Graphic Arts Studio 1a and 1b. It is similarly contextualised by themes and you will be set discipline-specific projects, which will help you focus your work.

An important feature of this module is the way in which your involvement with your Graphic Arts studies can begin to direct and focus your thinking towards a more individual understanding of specialist practice in the area of the graphic arts. To support this process you will be involved with academic staff who will introduce you to some of the background and current thinking particular to contemporary design. Specialist workshops will increase your skills and competency in diverse areas of design practice and enable you to explore your ideas through experimentation.

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching methods include

• project briefings
• tutorials
• seminars
• group critiques
• practical workshop inductions

Learning activities include

• project briefings
• seminars
• group critiques
• practical workshop inductions
• tutorials
• peer group learning
• self-assessment

Relationship between the teaching, learning and assessment methods and the planned learning outcomes

In this module learning and teaching activities focus on helping you to explore contemporary perceptions relevant to your study of graphic arts. Specific attention will be given to developing an understanding of particular issues, methodologies and practices in contemporary design. You will explore one or more projects through tutor-led and independent practice in the studio/specialist area and use the workshops to advance your ideas and personalise your work. You will be expected to explore your creativity and imagination to produce creative and informed responses to your project briefs.

Formative feedback in a studio setting will provide opportunities for peer group learning and self-evaluation. Group critiques will help you develop an understanding of your own work and that of your peer group. You will have tutorials which will help you review your progress.

Resources & Reading list

Internet Resources

Academic Integrity support.

Study Skills Workshops.

Blackboard.

The Academic Skills Library page for study skills support.

Harvard citing and referencing support including citethemright online resource.

Textbooks

Lupton, E. (2010). Thinking with type: A critical guide for designers, writers, editors, & students. New York: Princeton Architectural Press.

Roberts, L., & Wright, R (2010). Design diaries: Creative process in graphic design. London: Laurence King.

Taylor, F. (2010). How to create a portfolio & get hired: A guide for graphic designers and illustrators. London: Laurence King.

Lupton, E., & Phillips, J. (2008). Graphic design: The new basics. New York: Princeton Architectural Press.

Coles, S. (2013). The Geometry of Type: The anatomy of 100 essential typefaces. London: Thames & Hudson.

Caruana, N., & Fox, A. (2012). Basics Creative Photography Vol. 3: Behind the Image - Research in Photography. Lausanne: AVA Publishing.

Ingledew, J. (2011). The a-z of visual ideas: How to solve any creative brief. London: Laurence King Publishing.

Heller, S., & Vienne, V. (2012). 100 ideas that changed graphic design. London: Laurence King Publishing.

Ruder, E. (1977). Typographie: Ein Gestaltungslehrbuch = Typography = Typographie. Teufen: Niggli.

Assessment strategy

The summative assessment of this module will be assessed through a portfolio of work. A portfolio of work is a collection of developmental work appropriate to your subject, e.g. sketchbooks, drawings, photographic references, digital media, samples, material manipulations, visual experiments and where appropriate, finished work.

For the duration of this module you will be timetabled to take workshops and when taught time is not scheduled to take place you are expected to work independently in the studio and complete research to support your project. Independent study is crucial to your development and positive achievement in this module. The work and outcomes of your independent study will be discussed in tutorials and group critiques.

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal