Learning outcome

Knowledge

The candidate:

• Can demonstrate insight into the aesthetic and formal means of working with various pictorial expressions and is able to document this
• Has basic knowledge of various artistic techniques and materials, such as drawing and images, sculpture and installation
• Has insight into the content and methods of the current national curriculum related to the subject area

Skills

The candidate:

• Can use art, design culture and mass media as inspiration and starting point for his/her own creative work in two and three-dimensional forms of expression
• Has insight into conceptual and problem-oriented methods and can demonstrate originality
• Has knowledge of the properties of materials and is able to use their expressive potential in his/her own creative work
• Has basic skills and knowledge of various techniques and materials, such as drawing and images, sculpture and installation
• Has insight into and is able to describe the content and methods of the current national curriculum related to the field
• Can show insight into didactic issues at the primary school level
• Can explain relevant theory related to visual communication and his/her own creative work
• Can demonstrate insight in working with basic architectural issues

General competence

The candidate can:

• Use his/her expertise in working with children and young people given their cultural background
• Identify opportunities for interdisciplinary work with other subjects in the school
• Develop an awareness of the physical, visual and functional environment in workshops and other rooms, and practice skills in visual presentation and developing good learning contexts

Course Description

Art, Architecture and Visual Communication 1 (17.5 ECTS, including 2.5 ECTS subject didactics)

Pictorial representation as a means of expression and communication holds an important position in Western culture. The subject area is extensive and diverse and encompasses a variety of media in both two and three dimensions. Working with images includes a variety of expression from mass media to artistic expression and sculpture. The latter consists of the full range of three-dimensional expression, from traditional sculpture to object art, installations, performance art and land art. Students’ work with two-and three-dimensional forms of expression will be related to the study of art and design. Their work will also focus on the image-driven media that influence us in our day-to-day lives, so that they will be able to relate to children and young people and their particular cultural reality. By working with various materials, tools and techniques for creating images and the use of formal means of expression, students will try out and investigate various forms of two- and three-dimensional expression, the properties of the materials and their own ability to express themselves.

Students will gain experience and knowledge of sculpture through exploring and experimenting with the characteristics of various materials and their importance for sculptural expression. In the workshops, students will acquire knowledge of appropriate materials and their properties. Knowledge, experience, curiosity and reflection form the basis for the students’ own creative work and teaching.

Students will be challenged to identify opportunities for interdisciplinary work with other subjects in schools. Work will be conducted both indoors and outdoors, in small and large formats. The course unit will challenge and develop students’ understanding of sculptural modes of expression, their own ability to express and their didactic skills in relation to the opportunities inherent in working with sculpture in schools. Visual presentation and mediation are included in the course and linked to reflection upon and experimentation with educational opportunities in schools. An awareness of the physical, visual and functional environment in workshops and other rooms is a prerequisite for practicing skills in visual presentation and the development of effective learning environments. Knowledge of the organisation and facilitation of functional workshops and working conditions, maintenance of tools and machines also form a part of this work.

The study programme will focus on how technology is used to both retrieve information and to create digital forms of expression. Technology is used as an aid in creative processes using specific materials; to make digital presentations and to disseminate in various ways; and to make/use multimedia. The focus on technology will also involve methods that will prepare students in relation to curricula for primary and lower secondary schools. Reflection on the impact of technology is important with regard to its use in design, art and crafts. Students will discuss and reflect on the use of technology in relation to values relating to the topic of culture and society.

Subject didactics (2.5 ECTS). Subject didactics concerns an overall approach to a school subject’s special characteristics, aims, content and values. In their studies, students will develop the ability to reflect on, discuss and debate the nature of subject didactics and its relation to practical creative work, theoretical studies and the period of teaching practice. The study of subject didactics will enable students to plan, organise and implement teaching in the subject matter in an effective and thoughtful manner in relation to current national curricula. They will acquire knowledge of what is needed to create a stimulating learning environment as well as how to organise adapted learning. The study programme will reflect and debate on how the subject can contribute constructively in a multicultural school and a changing society. Knowledge and experience with themes and project work will be gained through theory and practice, and close cooperation between students, teachers and the teaching-practice placement schools.

Students will become familiar with the methodology used in research and development through their practical creative work and research in the field of practice. Knowledge of aesthetic learning processes, idea development and problem-solving will form a part of the theoretical basis of the course, and will be experienced through the processes in which the students are involved.

Teaching and Learning Methods

Teaching and learning activities may take various forms. Through the course of the study programme students will gain all-round experience with and knowledge of teaching and learning methods such as:

• Workshop activities
• Lectures
• Demonstrations
• Class and study group work
• Theme and project work
• Problem solving: individually/in groups
• Supervision and assessment
• Visual forms of presentation and dissemination
• Study trips

Large parts of the study programme have obligatory attendance requirements; information concerning this is provided in the annual plans, semester plans and period plans.

Guidelines for obligatory attendance in studies at the Faculty of Art, Folk Culture and Teacher Education will apply to parts of the study programme. The student is responsible for documenting attendance in the obligatory parts of the study programme, and for keeping himself/herself informed with regard to whether he/she is in danger of falling below the minimum attendance requirement. Failure to meet the attendance requirement may result in the student not being allowed to continue on the study programme or to sit the examination. This will be considered in connection with a student’s rights and responsibilities as described in Telemark University College’s examination regulations and the Norwegian Universities Act § 40 and § 46.3.

Assessment Methods

There should be a relationship between the study programme’s learning outcomes, content, organisation, teaching, and assessment methods.

Ongoing guidance and informal assessment during the study program is intended to increase the student’s awareness concerning the level of their own work and their academic ability. This assessment concerns the actual study process, the ability for professional development and progression and the ability to cooperate and take responsibility for one’s own learning. Experience of various forms of assessment is a part of the development towards final professional competence and future professional roles.

Course requirements and information concerning the examination:

The candidate must have completed all course requirements in order to be assessed/take the examination.

All the course requirements must be approved within a specified time period before the student will be permitted to take the examinations in the various courses.

The candidate is not entitled to supervision after a course has formally come to an end.

The candidate is required to demonstrate and discuss assignment solutions with the teacher during the working process. Assignments that are not submitted to the teacher for review may be refused assessment

Candidates are required to participate in the inspection and maintenance workshops.

Examinations take place at the conclusion of the course. Candidates who do not submit by the deadline have used up one examination attempt.

As many as two portfolios/assignments, with written/visual documentation including subject theory and subject didactics, may be submitted.

“Portfolios/assignments” refer to:

• A specific product as a solution to a given problem
• Several products that form a part of a whole
• Testing of documentation of a creative process for one product

Re-sit examination/new examination

The candidate may, according to the examination regulations, appeal an examination result. If this occurs a new committee will be formed comprising two new examiners; at least one of these will be an external examiner. In the case of a re-sit examination, the student must expect an extension of previously submitted portfolio, or in some cases submit a new portfolio.

A letter grade will be assigned ranging from A to F, where A is the highest and E the lowest passing grade. All work must be assessed at a minimum of E in order for a final passing grade to be awarded.

Please refer to Telemark University College Examination Regulations for further information.

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean