Introduction to Critical & Contextual Studies module (DJ21005)

This module is a structured programme of lectures. They will provide you with an overview of past and present artistic practices.

Some lectures will give an historical overview of specific artistic disciplines. Others will provide analytical frameworks for understanding and evaluating artistic practices. You will be provided with guidance on basic library-based secondary research techniques and essay writing. This module covers the areas of:

• postmodernism
• an introduction to digital culture

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

• be introduced to the development of recent visual art, media and related practices.
• be introduced to ideas and issues in critical and contextual study. This will be in relation to art and media practice and the wider visual culture
• learn about the relationship between critical and contextual thinking and creative practice
• develop your ability to research, analyse and contextualise objects of study. You will also learn to express your ideas, orally and in writing.

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• appreciate of the complexity of the term ‘visual culture’. You will also have an understanding of how it has developed
• have an awareness of the relationship between the development of art and media creative practices and concurrent social and economic developments
• understand the relationships between audiences and producers of contemporary art and media practices
• understand art and media forms and genres. You will also be able to understand the way in which they organise knowledge, meanings and effects
• show an understanding of study skills. These will allow to study and research independently, using a range of different media, study methods and reference sources
• show efficient management and fluent deployment of historical and theoretical knowledge
• show the ability to critically assess contemporary source materials. This will include texts as well as contemporary art and media
• show the ability to reflect critically on your own learning. You will also be able to evidence this in the form of a conventional essay

Assignments / assessment

• 1,200-word essay (100%)

This module does not have a final exam.

Teaching methods / timetable

• in-person lectures
• tutorials

You will also learn through independent study. Tutors will provide guidance to you, for example in the form of recommended reading