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MODULE DESCRIPTOR
Module Title
Contextual And Critical Studies 1
Reference	AA1009	Version	5
Created	March 2023	SCQF Level	SCQF 7
Approved	June 2009	SCQF Points	30
Amended	July 2023	ECTS Points	15

Aims of Module
This module will introduce students to Contextual and Critical Studies by examining existing and emerging critical themes, issues, and ideas, which contribute to visual and material culture. It aims to enable students to begin to relate these themes to art and design studio practice through the development of the core skills of research, analysis, independent critical thinking, synthesis and communication.

Learning Outcomes for Module
On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:
1	Apply basic research and information gathering methods related to historical and contemporary visual and material culture.
2	Apply critical thinking through the contextualisation and development of ideas related to visual and material culture and studio practice.
3	Synthesise information and communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Indicative Module Content
The module will introduce students to the subject of visual material cultures and their relation to Art and Design practice, considering both contemporary and historic contexts as appropriate. The study of visual and material culture involves not only the examination of images and objects, but also other forms of visual media and material artefacts, which might typically include fashion, product design, crafted objects, sculpture and architecture. In this module, students will be introduced to core skills of research, analysis, independent critical thinking, synthesis and communication, through lectures, seminars and tutorials based around the theme of visual and material culture. Emphasis is placed on developing independent critical thinking and encouraging students to make links with their emerging studio projects and activities. Students will also receive a library induction programme, image databases, finding information on the internet and referencing. Completed theoretical project work should evidence an awareness and consideration of sustainable themes in a manner appropriate to the context of the discipline.

Indicative Module Content

The module will introduce students to the subject of visual material cultures and their relation to Art and Design practice, considering both contemporary and historic contexts as appropriate. The study of visual and material culture involves not only the examination of images and objects, but also other forms of visual media and material artefacts, which might typically include fashion, product design, crafted objects, sculpture and architecture. In this module, students will be introduced to core skills of research, analysis, independent critical thinking, synthesis and communication, through lectures, seminars and tutorials based around the theme of visual and material culture. Emphasis is placed on developing independent critical thinking and encouraging students to make links with their emerging studio projects and activities. Students will also receive a library induction programme, image databases, finding information on the internet and referencing. Completed theoretical project work should evidence an awareness and consideration of sustainable themes in a manner appropriate to the context of the discipline.

Module Delivery
Contextual and Critical Studies is inherently interdisciplinary. This module is lecture and seminar based, with allocated time for private study and further reading. Visits from professionals in the field and national and international study visits, may form part of the curriculum.

Indicative Student Workload	Full Time	Part Time
Contact Hours	50	N/A
Non-Contact Hours	250	N/A
Placement/Work-Based Learning Experience [Notional] Hours	N/A	N/A
TOTAL	300	N/A
Actual Placement hours for professional, statutory or regulatory body

ASSESSMENT PLAN
If a major/minor model is used and box is ticked, % weightings below are indicative only.
Component 1
Type:	Coursework	Weighting:	100%	Outcomes Assessed:	1, 2, 3
Description:	Submission of written coursework.

MODULE PERFORMANCE DESCRIPTOR
Explanatory Text
In order to pass the module you need to achieve a D or above.
Module Grade	Minimum Requirements to achieve Module Grade:
A	An A at C1
B	A B at C1
C	A C at C1
D	A D at C1
E	An E at C1
F	An F at C1
NS	Non-submission of work by published deadline or non-attendance for examination

Module Requirements
Prerequisites for Module	None in addition to course entry requirement.
Corequisites for module	None.
Precluded Modules	None.

ADDITIONAL NOTES
Students will be guided towards particular readings relevant to the individual projects and will be encouraged to keep abreast of contemporary issues occurring in their specialist areas.

INDICATIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY
1	Benjamin, W. (1931/1992) ‘Unpacking my Library’ in Illuminations, London: Fontana.
2	Berger, J.(1972) Ways of Seeing. London: Penguin
3	Danchev. A. (2011) 100 Artist’s Manifestos. London: Penguin.
4	Harrison & Wood (2003) Art in Theory 1900 - 2000: an anthology of changing ideas. Oxford, Uk & Cambridge, USA: Blackwell.
5	Lodder, C. (2007) Chapter 2. Searching for Utopia in Modernism: designing a new world, 1914 – 1939. London: V & A
6	Mcluhan, M. & Fiore, Q. (1967/1996) The Medium is the Massage. London: Penguin
7	Modernism: designing a new world, 1914 – 1939. London: V & A
8	Rawsthorn, A. (2014) Hello World: Where Design Meets Life, Penguin, London.

Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen

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