VIS 3015 Visual Research Methods

SubjectCat-NbrClassTermModeDescriptionUnitsCampus
VIS3015209381, 2003ONCVisual Research Methods1.00TWMBA
Academic Group:FOART
Academic Org:FOA007
HECS Band:1
ASCED Code:100300

Contents


STAFFING:

Examiner: Robyn Stewart
Moderator: Alexis Tacey



SYNOPSIS:

The notion of research in the visual arts is a contemporary cultural issue which deserves serious attention. Yet many artists claim that research involves problem solving which is the essence of practice in the visual arts. Therefore, they argue, visual arts is research. However, the visual arts are being challenged to justify and demonstrate this nexus. This course develops and explores research methodologies and processes which are relevant to visual arts theory and studio practice. It is designed to introduce and identify appropriate processes for research in visual arts theory and practice which are to do with discovery, and which can be used to elicit data to do with personal ideas, observations and interpretations. In visual research this data might bear on practical issues or underlying theories, on matters of intention (like the imaginative concepts that lie behind the work), ways of assessing what is done, or the processes of actually handling materials and techniques. Its methods of collection may be quantitative and qualitative.


OBJECTIVES:

On successful completion of this course students will:

  • Identify a variety of visual research methods currently used by researchers in the visual arts and relevant fields of interest.

  • Describe and discuss major principles and methods used in visual arts research.

  • Describe and discuss characteristics of research using qualitative and quantitative data.

  • Demonstrate an ability to conceptualise and plan a range of visual research tasks according to appropriate theoretical frameworks.



    • TOPICS:


    DescriptionWeighting (%)
    1. Introduction to visual arts research.
    		 14.00
    2. Dimensions of research.
    		 14.00
    3. Theory and contemporary issues in visual research.
    		 14.00
    4. Meanings of methodologies and applications for practice.
    		 14.00
    5. Establishing a research design.
    		 14.00
    6. Documentation.
    		 14.00
    7. Evaluation of research.
    		 16.00

    TEXT and MATERIALS required to be PURCHASED or accessed:

    Books can be ordered by fax or telephone. For costs and further details use the 'Book Search' facility at http://bookshop.usq.edu.au by entering the author or title of the text.

    To be advised.




    REFERENCE MATERIALS:

    Reference materials are materials that, if accessed by students, may improve their knowledge and understanding of the material in the course and enrich their learning experience.

    Centre for Research in Art and Design 1995, Developing a Research Procedures Programme for Artists and Designers, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen (Online via the Library catalogue).

    Easthope, A and McGowan, K 1992, A Critical and Cultural Theory Reader, Allen & Unwin, Sydney, 306 CRI.

    Hammond, M 1991, Understanding Phenomenology, Basil Blackwell, Oxford, 142.7 HAM.

    Kellenhear, A 1993, The Unobtrusive Researcher: A Guide to Methods, Allen & Unwin, Sydney, 300.72 KEL.

    Lather, P 1991, Getting Smart: Feminist Research and Pedagogy with/in the Postmodern, Routledge, New York, 305.42 LAT.

    Marshall, C and Rossman, G B 1999, Designing Qualitative Research, 3rd edition, Sage, London, 300.72 MAR.

    National Gallery of Art 1997, Conservation Research 1996/97, National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C., 708.13 CON.

    Pollard, E B 1986, Visual Arts Research: A Handbook, Greenwood, New York, 707.2 POL.

    Tilley, C 1994, A Phenomenology of Landscape: Places, Paths and Monuments, Berg, Oxford, 936.26 TIL.

    Van Manen, M 1990, Researching Lived Experience, University of Western Ontario, Ontario, 370.78 VAN.

    Whyte, W F 1984, Learning from the Field: A Guide from Experience, Sage, Beverley Hills, 300.723 WHY.




    STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS:

    ACTIVITYHOURS
    Lectures26
    Private Study67
    Project Work56
    Tutorial14


    ASSESSMENT DETAILS:

    DescriptionMarks Out ofWtg(%)RequiredDue Date
    SHORT ESSAY10.0010.00Y21 Mar 2003
    RESEARCH PROJECT PROPOSAL20.0020.00Y28 Mar 2003
    DRAFT LITERATURE REVIEW20.0020.00Y02 May 2003
    RESEARCH PROJECT REPORT40.0040.00Y02 May 2003
    VISUAL JOURNAL10.0010.00Y13 Jun 2003

    OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

    1. Students are strongly advised to attend all classes.
    2. Late submissions will be subject to penalty of 10% of assignment mark for each working day late for the first 5 working days after which a zero grade will be awarded, unless medical certificates are provided or extenuating circumstances are appropriately demonstrated.
    3. Grades will normally be awarded according to Faculty guidelines and based on the cumulative total of marks for the various assessment items: 50-64% = C; 65-79% = B; 80-89% = A; 90% and over = HD.