OUGD501 - Context of Practice 2

Extending on from Context of Practice 1, this module provides an introduction to the various theoretical, philosophical, institutional and critical discourses that surround art, design and the media. Through seminars, lectures and tutorials, students will be introduced to a range of theoretical and philosophical approaches to both their own subject discipline and wider society in general. As well as developing knowledge and academic skills, the assignments within the portfolio also prepare students for the task of producing an extended BA (Hons.) dissertation at Level 6.  It should be understood that work at this level is not the regurgitation of knowledge, but a critical response, citing detailed evidence in defence of detailed arguments.

This brief will give you the opportunity to build-on and apply your contextual knowledge and skills in critical writing; and using practice as a method of research. You will use a variety of theoretical and practical research methods to explore a specific graphic discipline (listed below) through the investigation and resolution of a question or issue of your choosing. Support from tutors will be given through tutorials, crits, seminars and workshops.

There are three deliverable elements to this brief; all of which will demonstrate a synthesized ability to research, critique and examine an issue practically and theoretically.

(1) DESIGN CONTEXT BLOG #2

Develop an online portfolio of critical responses to lectures, seminars, set tasks and independent research activities. Use you Design Context Blog to document and evidence your engagement with, and understanding of contextual, theoretical and critical concepts and ideas that you have been introduced to during the course of the academic year. Your Blog should include; lecture notes, records of activities undertaken in seminars, a collection of short writing tasks completed in response to set tasks and activities. You should also provide notes and visual records of any self-initiated trips, studio visits, galleries and research activities relevant to the development of critical understanding of the context of Graphic Design practice. Your Blog will also become a space to evidence your developing understanding of the connections and relationships between the theoretical and practical contexts of Graphic Design.

 (2) 3000 WORD ESSAY & (3) BODY OF PRACTICAL WORK

Establish a question or issue and write a 3000 word essay AND produce a body of explorative practical work relating to a specified aspect of Graphic Design. Your essay and accompanying practical work should demonstrate a developed understanding of the nature of academic writing and the importance of critical and analytical approaches to your chosen theme.

Your essay should aim to include:

·         The selection of subject matter appropriate to your own interests that will allow you to critically analyse relevant source material.

·         A logical structure that has an introduction, a developed argument that is supported by appropriate references to at least four different academic sources and a conclusion.

·         A bibliography of at least 10 sources presented using the Harvard referencing system & the use of Harvard conventions within the main text of the essay when paraphrasing or quoting from other sources.

Your written and practical work will both approach the same overarching theme and give you the opportunity to consider the interrelated nature of theory and practice.

With support from your tutors you will establish a question or issue which will become the basis for your 3000 word essay and your practical investigation.