CTS Module Briefing//Level 05.

CTS MODULE BRIEFING//LEVEL 05

CONTEXT

The Year 2 Contextual Studies programme (Lectures and Seminars) introduces you to important current methods of enquiry and theoretical issues in Art, Design and Media. The portfolio you are asked to complete would allow you to explore these issues in relation to an aspect of your subject area chosen for it's relevance to your work. As well as developing your knowledge and academic skills, the assignments within the portfolio will also prepare you for the task of producing a BA (Hons) dissertation next year. It is important to remember that work at this level is not the regurgitation of knowledge, but a critical response, citing detailed evidence in defence of detailed arguments. 

BRIEF

You will develop a portfolio of writing, which will include an essay, dissertation proposal and other activities that will evidence your engagement with and understanding of the key contextual and theoretical concepts and ideas introduced to you during the course of your level 5 academic year and that prepare you for dissertation writing at level 6. Typically, the portfolio will consist of; lecture notes, records of activities undertaken in seminars and evidence of oral contribution to seminars, a collection of different short writing tasks done in response to set activities, notes and visual records of trips, gallery visits, etc. The final task in the portfolio, and culmination of your level 5 Contextual and Theoretical Studies work, will be a 2, 000 word essay.

You will write a 2, 000 word essay on an appropriate subject that demonstrates that you have understood the nature of academic writing. In particular this essay should aim to include the following:

- A logical structure that has an introduction, a developed argument that is supported by reference to at least six different academic sources and a conclusion.

- A bibliography of at least 12 books that uses the Harvard referencing system.

- The use of Harvard conventions within the main text of the essay when using paraphrase or quoting from other authors.

To develop a detailed dissertation proposal that should identify a topic and question to be researched and that also specifies both theoretical and practical methodologies.

An over reliance on 'non-academic' internet sources should be avoided.

PLAGIARISM OF ANY KIND MUST BE AVOIDED AT ALL COSTS. AT LEVEL 5 THIS IS TAKEN VERY SERIOUSLY AND CAN RESULT IN EXCLUSION FROM THE COLLEGE.

PREPARATION/RESEARCH SUGGESTIONS

The lecture programme is designed to give you an introduction to a range of different theories and ideas which you will be expected to make notes on. Background reading will help to develop your critical awareness. Make full use of the YR 2 Critical Studies Background in your handbook and consider further references made by your tutor or included in lecture handouts. Books in the 'General' section of the Bibliography will give you an overview of some of the different approaches; use notes made from this breadth of reading to support your growing portfolio.

In the essay remember to triangulate argument with the books and journals you are using. In particular, look at www.jstor.org which is a great resource for articles in academic journals. Do not limit yourself: share sources with others and discuss ideas, in particular if you are using a blog format to evidence your portfolio.

The proposal form needs careful consideration and research, although it is only a single sheet it should be a result of much reading and consideration of the issues central to the module.

Academic and English support is available to all students, don't hesitate to seek this is you feel as if you are falling behind.

ESSAY DEADLINE FORMATIVE FEEDBACK: 23/01/12

MODULE DEADLINE: 26/03/12

ADDITIONAL NOTES

- Essay will contain coherent, considered approach to a subject (e.g, feminism, Marxism) expected within our dissertation. Interpreting our own views from text as opposed to direct quotes is regarded as primary research.

- Start linking CTS work to my Graphic Design practice for additional credit.

- Important aspects of the year's study include:

* Lecture Notes

* Exhibitions

* Seminar CTS Tasks

* Essay (2000 words)

* Independent research

* Documentation of CTS crits

* Links to practical work

ADDITIONAL RESEARCH

Research these subjects in preparation for lectures to have a basic understanding and awareness of the modules and information to be delivered:
(some lectures have not been included on this list, due to no information needed be researched)

* PANOPTICISM- 13/10/11 // Surveillance and society (Fuko, Philosopher)


* MARXISM & DESIGN ACTIVITISM- 03/11/11 // Anti-Capitalism, Karl Marx, Adbusters, Political, Left- Wing Design


* POPULAR CULTURE- 10/11/11 // Culture Vs Popular Culture, F.R Levis, Walter Benjamin


* THE GAZE IN THE MEDIA- 24/11/11 // Looking is not neutral in our society, men gaze at women... voyeurism. 


* CITIES & FILM- 01/12/11 // Theorising the city and film theory (Metropolis)


* IDENTITY- 19/01/12 // Identity theory- shift from pre to post-modern, developing good audience/market knowledge and understanding


* ENDISM AND SIMULACRUM- 26/01/12 // Hyper-reality and post modernism, Jean Baudrillard


* CENSORSHIP AND "TRUTH"- 02/02/12 // Ways to see the truth of images

* GLOBALIZATION AND DIASPORA- 09/02/12 // Globalization of the world, the dislocation of people from their homelands- slaves, Jews, etc...forcing cultures?

* AN INSTITUTIONAL CRITIQUE- 01/03/12 // Forms of visual culture that attempt to critique galleries & institutions of where they exist- critique from within. A concept- an artist that "destroys" the gallery, "anti-art".