Learning outcome

After successfully completing the course, the candidate will have achieved the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge

The candidate:

• Is familiar with the principal aesthetic theories, and has knowledge of form, colour and material properties

• Has knowledge of the main currents in European art, architecture, craft and design from antiquity to the present and can apply this to their own creative work
• Is familiar with the stages of a design process
• Has knowledge of the importance of images, their formal structure and visual communicative character

Skills

The candidate:

• Can implement a creative process from idea to exhibition and oral presentation
• Can reflect upon and disseminate creative work

• Has knowledge and insight into the interplay between materials, tools, techniques and the desired function and form of expression
• Can use the appropriate methods

General competence

The candidate:

• Has insight into the social aspects of art, design and production, such as the consequences of resource use for the environment and how to apply this to their own work
• Can reflect on their own processes in their work and acquired knowledge
• Can produce a text focusing on a selected problem

• Can use visual and material cultural expressions as a starting point for the development of their own ideas and creative work

Course Description

In the 5th semester the candidate may participate in a student exchange program (please refer to: study program, Subject Teacher: Design, Art and Crafts – study program code: 890), or specialise in one of the following areas: Architecture, Visual Arts, Design. The requirements regarding tools, materials and practice of skills will be listed in the learning outcomes which the student will specify. The work methods must be approved by the supervisor. The process must be a professional exploration through a practical creative approach related to the selected area of study. The specialization will be concluded with an exhibition, oral presentation and a written report; the written report must specify how the topic within the selected area of study was defined.

Each of the areas of study are described below to show that there are many different kinds of projects that may be relevant within each of the areas.

1. Architecture

Work involving planning, design and construction on different scales, of spaces or environments for human activity. The emphasis is on a systematic and problem-based design development with a functional, technical, social, aesthetic and sustainable basis.

1. Visual arts

The student’s own creative activities and processes are central here. On the basis of the creative work carried out by the student, focus should be given to developing awareness and the ability to reflect on content, fundamental ideas and formal aesthetics. This should be related to various forms of expression in two and three dimensions.

1. Design

Graphic design and product design

Graphic Design in this context may involve anything from the design of printed materials, profiles / logos in brand marking and packaging. The areas of study should be viewed in relation to the varying needs of today’s society and the communication of information by means of graphical layout.

Product design involves working with: Furniture design, jewellery design, the design of smaller objects, fashion, design / redesign. Here the emphasis is on systematic problem-based design and product development.

1. Entrepreneurship

Specialization in entrepreneurship can involve innovation. Work may be aimed at developing products and services that include project management, product development and marketing communications. The student enterprise concept, Young Entrepreneurs, should be a key approach to this work.

Teaching and Learning Methods

The course incudes varied teaching and learning methods, such as:

• Workshop activities
• Lectures
• Demonstrations
• Classes and study groups
• Problem-solving individually and in groups
• Guidance
• Visual forms of presentation and dissemination
• Excursions

Compulsory attendance

Compulsory attendance is required for parts of the course, which is indicated in the semester plan / year-plan; guidelines for compulsory attendance in studies at the Faculty of Art, Folk Culture and Teacher Education apply. Compulsory attendance is regulated by Telemark University College’s Examination Regulations and the Norwegian Universities Act § 40 and § 46.3.

The course consists of independent work in college workshops under the guidance of a supervisor. The interaction between creative work, theory and reflection is important. The course requires a high degree of effort and autonomy on the student’s part.

Assessment Methods

The assessment is carried out on the basis of practical-aesthetic work, an exhibition and oral presentation.

The grade is weighted as follows:

• 80% practical-aesthetic work
• 20% exhibition and oral presentation.

A grade will be given on a scale from A to F, where A is the highest and E the lowest passing grade. 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