Learning outcome

Knowledge

The candidate has:

- Extensive knowledge about the main currents in European art, architecture, craft and design from antiquity to the present

- Knowledge of the socio-historical context that forms the background for various types of artistic expression

Skills

The candidate can:

- Reflect on the relationship between art and society, and art and technology; in short, the complex context in which art is created

- Use relevant terminology and methods of analysis to describe, interpret and discuss art and design from different stylistic periods, and relate this to his/her own experiences and reflections

- Describe images and objects using simple terminology and communicate this to pupils at different year levels

- Reflect on the aesthetic and ethical aspects related to the dissemination of artistic meanings and values

- Understand art and design in relation to the professional study program viewed as a whole

General competence

The candidate can:

- Use visual and material cultural expressions as an impetus for his/her own ideas and creative work with pupils in schools

- Place his/her knowledge of art and design in a didactic context through practical teaching work

- Understand the connection between art and design and other subjects/disciplines in school, and use the subject in theme and project work

Course Description

The course consists of two course units:

1. Art and Design Culture – A Historical Overview (10 ECTS)
2. Art and Design Culture with a Focus on Teaching (5 ECTS)

Course unit 1: Art and Design Culture – A Historical Overview (10 ECTS)

The course unit focuses on the main currents in European art – including architecture, handicrafts and design – from antiquity to the present. It focuses on different stylistic periods, and the socio-historical context that provides the background for art’s various forms of expression. Special attention will be given to the emergence of technology and the influence of visual mass media on art. Students are required to reflect upon the interrelation between art and society and art and technology; in brief, they should reflect on the complex context in which art is produced and perceived. It is important that students develop skills in using the relevant terminology and analytical methods in their description, interpretation and discussion of art and design culture from different stylistic periods, as well as be able to relate this to their own experiences and reflections.

Course unit 2: Art and Design Culture with a Focus on Teaching (5 ECTS)

Students will practice teaching the subject at different levels in schools. Students will learn how to use exhibitions and various forms of digital media in visual presentations. The focus on teaching the subject will be based on figurative art, architecture, handicraft traditions, industrial design, modern design and industrial mass production.

Teaching and Learning Methods

The course is organised as follows:

Course unit 1: Art and Design – A Historical Overview is taught during the first year of the study programme, and extends over two semesters.

The instruction is organised into seminars that include lectures, group work and presentation of work. Submission and presentations in plenary are considered to be “clarification points”.

Brief study trips to museums and galleries will be planned, which will provide insight into the history of art and design culture. The scope and nature of the course requires that students attend lectures.

Course unit 2: Art and Design Culture with a Focus on Teaching is taught in the 3rd and 4th semesters. The subject matter is realised in relation to teaching in schools as well as other types of teaching. Students may relate this work to their period of practical training, possibly in the form of a group project. The course includes visits to museums with a focus on communication.

The instruction is organised into lectures, group work and field trips. In addition to the course syllabus literature, the teachers and students will jointly identify other sources of knowledge and experience. Students will work with subject literature covering key areas of the course. While the teacher is responsible for the unity, progress, organisation and supervision of the course, the students must take responsibility for their own learning by acquiring knowledge and skills through self-study.

The course unit is related to the study of material cultural expressions and reflection related to this. This requires that students locate the originals and/or copies thereof (photos, slides, film and electronic images). The course includes teacher-supervised trips to museums, galleries, exhibitions and collections. The interaction between experience and reflection on art and design is an important basis for discussions of the subject. The subject content provides an important impetus to the understanding of students’ own creative activities. Expertise from art and design studies can be used in the practical training part of the course where students gain experience with a variety of teaching methods.

Course Committee

A course committee will be chosen and will include representatives from the various programmes that participate in the course:

- Arts and Handicrafts

- Drawing and Images

- Visual Art and Design

- Clay - Art and Design 1

- Subject Teacher: Education in the Arts

The Course Committee will hold at least one meeting per semester. The subject teacher is responsible for the appointment of a representative from the various study programmes, and will arrange the convening of the first meeting. The Committee acts as a liaison between the students and the teaching team in connection with the planning and execution of the instruction. Minutes will be recorded from the meetings, which will be delivered to the study coordinator and department head.

Assessment Methods

Course unit 1: Art and Design Culture – a Historical Overview is assessed at the end of the second semester by a written examination or take-home assignment, which will be graded.

Course unit 2: Art and Design Culture with a Focus on Teaching will be assessed at the end of the study programme. An individual assignment, which will be graded, will be submitted to the subject teacher.

Examination

The final grade for the course is allocated as follows:

Course unit 1, Art and Design Culture – A Historical Overview: (10 ECTS): 60%

Course unit 2: Art and Design Culture, with a Focus on Teaching (5 ECTS): 40%

A grade will be entered on the student’s diploma, from A to F, where A represents the highest grade, and E the lowest passing grade. Students must achieve passing grades in both course units in order to achieve a final passing grade for the course.

Please refer to Telemark University College’s examination regulations for further information.

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