Credit Points: 15
Study Time: 150 Hours

This unit introduces you to the relationship between theory and practice within your subject specialism. It underpins and links with all other units in your course. You will develop an awareness and understanding of the related key themes and issues, placed within relevant social, historical and cultural contexts.

It is concerned with developing your knowledge and understanding of analytical and critical considerations of contemporary visual practice and 20t^h and 21^st century themes and issues. The unit also develops your research abilities. It considers primary and secondary sources, bibliographies and material available in libraries and other sources. Emphasis is placed on applying skills in research, analysis, criticism and communication.

The unit provides a strong foundation for your studies by enabling you to develop research and study skills within relevant critical and theoretical frameworks. In this unit you will become an active learner, working both independently and collaboratively. This unit introduces you to the relationship between theory and practice within visual communication. It underpins and links with all other units in your course.

Outline Syllabus
An indicative guide to the content covered in this unit.

Introduction to research and study skills using traditional and electronic sources; an introduction to the role of critical theories, concepts and analysis. Investigation of historical and contemporary practice within your specialism, analysed within relevant contexts such as:

• Text and image (Encoding/Decoding/Context)
• Contexts of Production. (print based/screen based; editorial; commercial design, sequential imaging and animation)
• Histories and Contexts of Visual Communication
• Identity and consumer culture; Race, ethnicity and Gender in Visual Communication
• Technologically determined contexts and meaning
• Issues of Craft in visual Communication Design contexts

Within the delivery of topics, key study skills, research practices and academic referencing will be implemented and reinforced. To be an efficient learner you will need to acquire and develop the necessary research and study skills, including note taking, essay and report writing, academic referencing, reading styles, time management, team work, presentations and research methodologies.

Method of Delivery
A series of lectures and seminar based sessions to reflect and compliment other units. Group and individual tutorials, workshops, educational visits as appropriate.

Aims

A1 To develop your skills in research, analysis, criticism and communication.
A2 To develop your knowledge and understanding of key themes and issues within visual communication and their relationship to contemporary practice.
A3 To develop critical analysis and reflection.

Learning Outcomes
On completion of this unit you will be able to:

LO1 Demonstrate your competence and confidence in research, essay writing and academic conventions.
LO2 Demonstrate your understanding of key themes and issues within visual communication and their relation to contemporary practice.
LO3 Demonstrate your skills in critical analysis and reflection.

Reference Material

Key
Barnard, M. (2001) Approaches to understanding visual culture. London: Palgrave
Crow, D. (2003) Visible Signs. An Introduction to Semiotics for Art and Design Students. Lausanne: AVA.
Hall, S. (ed)(1997) Representation. Cultural Representations and Signifying Practices. London: Sage & Open University.

Recommended
Barnard, M. (2005) Graphic Design as Communication. London: Routledge.
Baldwin, J & Roberts, L (2006) Visual Communication: From Theory To Practice. Lausanne: AVA
Bignell, J. (1997) Media Semiotics: an introduction. Manchester: Manchester University Press.
Crow, D( 2006) Left to Right: The Cultural Shift from Words to Pictures. Lausanne: AVA
Gill, R.(2007) Gender and the media. London: Polity
Heller, S. (2004) Handwritten. Expressive Lettering in the digital Age. London: Thames and Hudson.
Hyland, A. & Bell, R. (2003) Hand to Eye - Contemporary Illustration. London: Laurence King.
Poynor, R. (2003) No More Rules. Graphic Design and Postmodernism. London: Laurence King.
Taylor, B. (2004) Collage. The Making of Modern Art. London: Thames & Hudson.
Wells, L.(1997) Photography: A Critical Introduction. London: Routledge.
Wigan,M. (2006) Thinking Visually. London; Thames & Hudson/ AVA