Credit Points: 15
Study Time: 150 Hours

This unit gives you the opportunity to undertake a complementary study. This unit introduces you to the relationship between ideas and practice within modelmaking. 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.

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.

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 modelmaking, analysed within relevant contexts.

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, and research methodologies.

Method of Delivery
Lectures, seminars, group and individual tutorials, workshops, educational visits as appropriate.

Aims

A1 To introduce you to the major themes and issues related to modelmaking.
A2 To develop your ability to reference sources using correct academic protocols.
A3 To improve your communication skills, both in written form and in verbal discussions.
A4 To enable you to evaluate and reflect on your own progress.
A5 To develop your skills in working both independently and with others, in seminars and tutorial groups.

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

LO1 Demonstrate an understanding of the major themes and issues as related to modelmaking. 
LO2 Reference sources using correct academic protocols. 
LO3 Communicate relevant information and ideas in written and verbal forms.
LO4 Evaluate and reflect on your own learning achievements.
LO5 Demonstrate the ability to work both independently and with others in seminars and tutorial groups.

Reference Material

Background on Cultural Theory and Visual Culture
Barnard, M. (2001). Approaches to understanding visual culture. London: Palgrave
During, S. (2006) The Cultural studies reader. London: Routledge
Smith, A. (2004) Architectural model as machine. London: Architectural Press
Storey, J. (2000) Cultural theory, popular culture: a reader. Harlow, Essex: Prentice Hall
Mirzoeff, N. (1999). An introduction to visual culture. London: Routledge
Strinati, D. (1996). An introduction to theories of popular culture. London: Routledge

Study Skills
Barnes, R. (1995). Successful study for degrees. London: Routledge.
Blaxter, L. Hughes, C. and Tight, M. (2002). How to research. Milton Keynes: Open University Press.
Chambers, E. and Northedge, A. (1997). Arts good study guide. Milton Keynes: Open University Press.
Northedge, A. (1990). The good study guide. Milton Keynes: Open University Press.
Soles, D. (2003). Writing an academic essay – how to draft, revise and write essays. Taunton: Studymates.
Thomson, A. (1996). Critical reasoning – a practical introduction. London: Routledge.