Course Objectives

In the specialisation course Metal Design, students will expand their understanding, experience and creative skills in order to strengthen the foundation of their understanding and experience of aesthetic values related to materials, communication, and function. The course will further develop students’ awareness of the potential and values of the specialisation subject, in which people, learning, culture and environment are vital components.

Through the study, students will:

• increase their understanding, insight, understanding of form and their ability to express themselves through creative work using metal as the main working material.
• increase their knowledge and skills in using visual, material, functional and communicative qualities.
• expand their experience with the materials, tools, techniques and working methods which are available within this subject field.
• improve their understanding of art and design culture and develop their ability to act both traditionally and creatively within their fields of specialisation.
• acquire knowledge and experience with methods for ideas, design and product development.
• gain understanding and experience of development initiatives in metal design.

Course Description

Through alternating theory and practice students will work with sculpture and design using metal as their main material. Students will develop their ability to make decisions and defend professional practices. Knowledge, skills and familiarity with creative processes and aesthetic, functional, communicative and craft-related qualities are central elements of the course. Emphasis will be placed on students’ ability to work independently and to take responsibility for their own learning and study processes.

Course Unit 1: Materials, Tools and Techniques

The conversion of ideas into concrete ideas depends upon knowledge and skills in a variety of areas. In this course unit the emphasis is on expanding students’ understanding of materials, subject theory and skill training. Students will become familiar with the tools and techniques required for working on and creating objects using metal as the basic material. The objective of the course unit is to provide the fundamentals which the student needs to fill the role of a teacher, and the technical understanding required for working on a more independent level in course units 2 and 3

Students will be able to:

• evaluate, choose and employ materials based on the knowledge of their characteristics and areas of use.
• use construction and joining methods such as, for example, soldering and riveting.
• use, maintain and care for hand tools and machines such as, for example, mitre boxes, files, pliers and soldering tools.
• use work-techniques and safety regulations for the use of various machine tools.
• have an understanding of the stages which are relevant for various work-methods and the significance of sequence.

A number of smaller assignments associating the subject material with practical applications will be given.

Course Unit 2: Utility Object Design, Product Development

The work with utility object design emphasises the creation of practical objects in material as a continuous process from idea to finished product. Through the study in design methodology/theory, a basic understanding of design-methodological thinking is built up, so that students will cultivate and develop their own ideas through analysing, visualising, documenting and communicating physical and cognitive actions.

This course unit builds upon course unit 1. It involves work with projects based on one or several of the following main topics, dependent upon the student’s choice.

Main topics:

• Jewellery design: In this main topic, students work with jewellery, in a broad interpretation of the term.
• Metal design: Metal design involves the reworking of metal into different forms.

Students will be able to:

• analyse their own products and those of others within the same field.
• move between traditional forms of expression and contemporary forms, both nationally and internationally, with an evaluating and analysing attitude, which forms the basis for creating their own products.
• analyse and evaluate based on an understanding of important aesthetic theories, form, colour and material characteristics.
• be aware of the interdependence of materials, tools, techniques and the desired function and expression of form.
• reflect on and explain how their own work and that of others functions visually and physically, in the surroundings they are intended for or placed in.
• think over and make decisions with respect to the social aspects of design and production, such as, for example, the consequences of resource use for the environment.
• master form and proportion and demonstrate a certain ability to dimension.
• use colour as a factor which influences form in working with three-dimensional forms.

Course unit 3: Sculpture, Installation

The work in this course unit deals mostly with the varied and experimental use of metal as a material in three-dimensional contemporary expressions. The mediation of content through various form-languages and the working of material in an open and inquisitive fashion will also be stressed. The student will acquire experience in putting materials together with other methods/forms of expression, for example, with electronic elements. The presentation of such expressions is intended to provide the student with valuable experience in the use of space.

Students will be able to:

• recognise the possibilities which are inherent in the materials to mediate content and interaction with other forms of expression.
• understand the significance of surface qualities for communication.
• show an ability to build further on earlier experience/knowledge and expand their repertoire through their own work.
• use the materials in a wider spectrum of expression.
• view the value of recycling in both an aesthetic and environmental perspective.
• place the materials in meaningful relationships in time and space.
• show the ability to materialise elements and build up an expression in a chosen situation.
• reason about current topics in society and base their own expressions upon these.

The assignment responses in this course unit consist of three elements:

• work with limiting the theme, where the student forms the framework for the practical work
• the production aspect
• the exhibition aspect

Research methodology

The work on this theme will provide students with knowledge and experience in fundamental methods and approaches to the acquisition, development and processing of knowledge.

Students should be able to:

• limit the field of study, devise approaches to problems, use source materials and present and evaluate results.
• explain the main methods and approaches used for the acquisition of knowledge on the subject.
• use research literature, databases, informants and other sources.
• recognise the possibilities for renewing and combining methods within research and development work, based on the nature of the subject.

Learning Methods

The course is organised into three course units, a practical experience period and an examination element consisting of an individual written examination and a final project.

The course units:

Materials, Tools and Techniques	10 ECTS
Utility Object Design and Product Development	15 ECTS
Sculpture, Installation	15 ECTS

The course units are independent modules which cover specific aspects of metalworking. In combination, they form a whole which will prepare and qualify the student for working with an independent project, worth 20 ECTS, on a self-chosen theme.

Subject theory worth 15 ECTS is integrated in all phases of the course. The content and level of the course will be realised through the current syllabus. The student should have a general competence in research methodology, and be able to use this in conjunction with the final project.

The course consists of a joint preparatory part, and an individual final project. Emphasis will be placed on students’ ability to work independently and to take responsibility for their own learning and study processes.

The following elements are included in the course:

• Materials, tools and techniques
• Utility object design and product development
• Sculpture, installation
• Research methodology
• Practical experience (3 weeks)
• Final project (up to 12 weeks)

Individual work in the workshops and with theoretical aspects constitute the main study methods. An important focus will be group work which will provide students with experience with the supervision of co-students using various approaches to professional challenges, minor seminars, debates, discussions and joint exhibition projects.

The teaching consists of demonstrations, practical exercises, guided skill-development, lectures, discussions and debates. In addition to the collective instruction, supervision will be provided both individually and in groups. The instruction takes place parallel to the execution of assignments and includes an introduction to practical working methods and lectures in subject theory, subject didactics and research methodology. The alternation between creative activities, theory and reflection is important in approaching a subject of this nature. The assignments are designed to give students more detailed knowledge and a wider understanding of their creative activities. Attending exhibitions is also a part of the course. Short excursions may also be organised.

Emphasis is placed on the students’ responsibility for their own independent work and ability to cooperate. Students are expected to spend a minimum of 37.5 hours per week working on their studies. They will be supervised by their teachers about half of this time.

Joint theory

Some of the subject material may be considered common for all of the specialised courses. This will be mediated largely though seminars/lectures for the BA programme, Visual Arts and Design, and also partly through material in the programme, Subject Teacher: Education in the Arts. The subject material that is presented in these joint seminars may vary from year to year; consult the course reading list.

Other activities

In addition, there will be obligatory ‘vocational days’ (fagdager), the hosting of arrangements such as ‘Open Door’ and possibly other course-related outside activities. These will provide experience in meeting the public and mediating topical material though exhibits and oral and audio-visual demonstrations.

Practical experience

The course also includes three weeks of work experience in a workshop, business or other approved placement. In addition to the ordinary assignments carried out at the work experience location, students will, in consultation with the teacher, plan, implement and evaluate assignments, as well as fulfil the requirements for documentation. The course is offered nationwide, so the period of practical training may be completed at a location outside the university college’s immediate geographic area.

After consultation with the subject teacher and the work experience placement, the period of practical training may also be related to the student’s final project/research and development assignment.

Training practice reports must be submitted, at the latest, one week after the training period is completed. Both the training period efforts and the report are used in evaluating the student’s overall performance.

The student is not awarded credits for the period of practical experience, but it must be completed and approved before the student may commence on the final project and before a diploma can be issued.

“Business” in this context refers to an industrial or crafts business, workshop, public or private gallery or other type of activity that will provide the relevant practice for students of art and design and arts and handicrafts. It is a requirement that the business in question should be registered with the Bronnøysundregister and have its own number.

If the student wishes to try out what it is like teaching in their field, this may present an opportunity. The student may then make a choice of which type school he or she wants to teach in, the options in this case being either lower secondary school or folk high school. If the application is accepted, the student is dependent on at least two other students choosing the same type of school. There is also the possibility that the student may join students from other classes that have the teaching practice at the same time. The students should then cooperate with each other and the mentor in planning, implementing and evaluating teaching sessions. If the student on completing the Bachelor’s programme chooses to take a 60 ECTS Teacher Education Programme (PPU), then teaching practice may be approved as a part of the PPU teaching practice. If this is the case, then the student should follow the regulations for teaching practice for 3rd year subject teachers.

Student council

Students choose their own student council consisting of 2-3 students who function as intermediaries between the teaching team and the class. When appropriate, the student council may participate in team meetings in order to discuss matters related to the planning of class activities. Students will also choose the representative for the course committee for joint lectures. The Student Council and the Course Committee for joint theory should have at least one meeting per semester. The class leader is responsible for ensuring that representatives are appointed, and he/she will summon the first meeting. Minutes from these meetings will be recorded. These will be submitted to the Coordinator for Studies and the Head of the Department.

Assessment Methods

There should be a relation between the aims, content, teaching and learning methods and assessment of the course. The assessment will form an important part of the actual learning, and act as a means of allowing the individual student to both develop understanding of the aims of the course and to acquire insight into their own suitability for the profession.

Reviewing and assessing teaching and learning methods, sketches, rough drafts, models and products, together with subject didactic reflection will reveal the students’ contributions and progression in the course, and provide insight into, and awareness of, their professional advancement and learning. The assessment is also intended as an aid to the individual student in the form of supervision. Students may, for example, receive feedback related to processes and results, and their ability to work together.

Both students and the teachers must participate in the course assessment with the aim of further developing the course and preparing students for future work. The assessment must therefore also include the content and organisation of the course, the student’s own work, and teaching and learning methods through the entire year.

Assignments must be submitted at the appointed times, and will be evaluated on a pass/fail basis. All elements of the assignments must receive passing grades in order for the student to achieve a passing grade for the course unit. The teaching team is responsible for the assessment. Students must pass all the course units before they will be allowed to sit for the final examination. Students are personally responsible for holding themselves oriented about assignment requirements and deadlines. Missing assignments and failing grades on required elements may affect whether the student may continue with the course or take the final examination. This should be viewed in connection with the rights and responsibilities the student has according to the examination regulations at the university college; please refer to the Act Relating to Universities and University Colleges § 40.

The joint theory lectures represent a “passing point”, which requires 80% attendance. Students who do not meet the attendance requirement must write a written assignment on the basis of course literature and course compendiums. The assignment must be approved before the student may be allowed to sit the examination.

Examination:

Individual written examination; 5-day home assignment

The student will write an assignment based on a given theme. The teaching team is responsible for the selection of the theme, which will be of a subject-theoretical nature. There are specific requirements related to organisation, structure and the student’s ability to relate the subject material to the theme. See ‘Guidelines for Written Work at Telemark University College’. The written assignment should include a maximum of 10 pages, using 12-point font and 1.5 line spacing.

Final project, 20 ECTS

The project is an independent study worth 20 ECTS, integrating the subject material covered in the course. The choice of theme/area of study is made by the student. The subject teacher will provide supervision. In the final work, particular stress is placed on creative work, theoretical background and the ability to analyse and organise one’s work with the materials. Specific demands are made for the final project with respect to structure and use of elementary scientific methods.

The project will primarily be associated with expressions in metal. The goal is to allow the student to gain experience in executing an independent professional work with a research aspect, and one which will provide an opportunity to specialise in one or several aspects of the subject.

The result will consist of practical creative work in materials, thorough documentation including a written paper fulfilling the normal requirements for report writing, and a comprehensive presentation. Students will, in addition, organise their own syllabus literature related to the project, which should include about 200 pages on subjects associated with documentation in the report.

The project may be presented using other techniques, such as multimedia, provided the requirement for documentation is fulfilled.

The final project will lead to an exhibition presentation in which the student will present his/her work.

Weighting
Individual written examination, 5-day home examination	20%
Final project	80%

On the diploma, the title of the final project will be entered. A letter grade will be given, on a scale from A to F, where A is the highest possible grade, and E is the lowest passing grade. Both parts of the examination must receive passing marks before the examination is considered passed. The teaching practice period must be given a passing grade in order to receive a diploma.

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