Learning outcome

Students will:

• Acquire a basic knowledge of, and experience in using selected materials, tools, techniques, and other aesthetic means related to working with images, graphic design and visual communication
• Be able to use the local area and culture as a basis for experiences in relation to creative efforts in working with analogue and digital images
• Be able to assess the quality, suitability and use of different materials in working with photos, graphic design and visual communication
• Acquire a basic knowledge of the main features of the historical development of Norwegian pictorial art in recent times and gain experience in describing, analysing and interpreting various image expressions
• Be able to document creative processes, linking relationships to relevant theory and practice and use this to reflect on didactic skills
• Be able to utilise the course’s potential in relation to recycling and sustainable development
• Be able to plan, develop, implement and evaluate the form and content of simple analogue and digital displays and other image presentations
• Acquire a basic knowledge of: the main features of the subject’s historical development; central theories related to children’s two-dimensional visual language development; the visual forms of children’s culture; imagination; creativity and aesthetic experience
• Be able to plan and implement teaching; evaluate textbooks and learning materials in arts and crafts; and use this competence in interdisciplinary topics and projects
• Acquire knowledge of current rules concerning copyright and protection of privacy in relation to using images in teaching
• Be able to choose materials, maintain basic tools and have knowledge of the appropriate safety procedures
• Acquire basic knowledge of and experience in entrepreneurship and innovation in relation to using images in a professional context

Course Objectives

This course focuses on practical creative work with various forms of expression and digital image media. Experimenting with visual effects is central to the work with images and sculpture. Students will work with the creative use of new media such as blogs, which can be used as a communicative tool. Design studies and art activities using appropriate materials will be emphasised. This will be related to various forms of expression in two and three dimensions including drawing, use of colour / painting, sculpture and graphics. The course has a theoretical foundation in which both creative activities and theory provide a basis for understanding, evaluating and developing ideas in pictorial art.

Course Description

Arts, culture and visual communication and innovation 15 ECTS

The course is divided into three parts, each counting 5 ECTS.
Part 1: Arts orientation, sculpture and working with images in selected materials and using various techniques.
Part 2: Graphic design and visual communication
Part 3: Innovation and entrepreneurship in arts and crafts

Learning Methods

The course is organised as an online course with a fixed schedule for instruction and guidance. The course includes a 4-5 day workshop in Notodden.

The course can also be organised as a course of study located on the college campus at Notodden. Students who follow the online course may also use the college facilities.

The course provides an introduction to art, culture and visual communication. Students will gain experience in using a variety of methods and materials that will provide learning outcomes in relation to the requirements of the current curriculum for years 1 - 7 in primary schools. The course is characterised by an interaction between theory and practical work in materials. Students will develop their ability to make decisions and defend professional practices. The course includes lectures, demonstrations, seminars, study groups, project work and visual presentations. It also includes attendance at exhibitions and other cultural activities.

Large parts of the course require obligatory attendance; information is given in the year-plan/semester plan/period plans.

Students will be responsible for their own learning. This means that each student must keep themselves updated with respect to the syllabus literature and seek professional guidance. The acquisition of knowledge will, to a large degree, depend upon supervision of the learning processes and learning through action. Attendance and participation in an active, creative workshop environment is a fundamental and vital condition for gaining maximum benefit from the course.

Portfolio assignments

The course is organised through portfolio assignments designed by the teaching team. Each assignment includes specific learning objectives which correspond with the content of a particular course unit and specific area. The portfolio assignments reflect the course’s expectations in terms of active and consistent student participation throughout the academic year. These assignments will also reveal the structure of the course and the students’ progress. The assignments, which will be specified early in the course, are intended to build basic skills that will provide the qualifications necessary for solving increasingly more complex problems.

Through working on the portfolio assignments, students will receive guidance and feedback on the work they produce, exhibitions and presentations, sketches, their studies and written commentaries. The portfolios will document the students’ progress, results and thoughts through written and practical work, thereby gradually building up awareness and understanding of their own developmental and learning processes in this field of study.

Assessment Methods

Students will submit their portfolio assignment before the deadline; the portfolio will include products, presentations of products, process description and their reflection on teaching practice. The portfolio will be assessed on a grade scale A-F, where E represents the lowest passing grade.

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