VIS 3015 Visual Research Methods

STAFFING:

SYNOPSIS:

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. Throughout the course students will develop a research report which reflects upon, theorizes and describes the studio-based research.

OBJECTIVES:

On successful completion of this course students will:

1. Identify a variety of visual research methods currently used by researchers in the visual arts and relevant fields of interest.
2. Describe and discuss major principles and methods used in visual arts research.
3. Describe and discuss characteristics of research using qualitative and quantitative data.
4. Demonstrate an ability to conceptualise and plan a range of visual research tasks according to appropriate theoretical frameworks.

TOPICS:

TEXT and MATERIALS required to be PURCHASED or accessed:

ALL textbooks and materials are available for purchase from USQ BOOKSHOP (unless otherwise stated). Orders may be placed via secure internet, free fax 1800642453, phone 07 46312742 (within Australia), or mail. Overseas students should fax +61 7 46311743, or phone +61 7 46312742. For costs, further details, and internet ordering, use the 'Textbook Search' facility at http://bookshop.usq.edu.au click 'Semester', then enter your 'Course Code' (no spaces).

To be advised.

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS:

ASSESSMENT DETAILS:

IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

1. Attendance requirements:
   It is the student's responsibility to attend and participate appropriately in all activities (such as lectures, tutorials, laboratories and practical work) scheduled for them, and to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration.
2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
   To complete each of the assessment items satisfactorily, students must obtain at least 50% of the marks available for each assessment item.
3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
   If students submit assignments after the due date without prior approval, then a penalty of 10% of the total marks available for the assignment will apply for each of the first FIVE working days late, after which a zero mark will be given.
4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
   To be assured of a passing grade, students must demonstrate, via the summative assessment items, that they have achieved the required minimum standards in relation to the objectives of the course by obtaining at least 50% of the total weighted marks for all summative assessment.
5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
   Grades will normally be awarded according to Faculty guidelines and based on the cumulative total of marks for the various assessment items.
6. Examination information:
   There is no exam for this course.
7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
   Given the details under (6) above, there are no deferred exams for this course. However, if any deferred/makeup work is granted, it would have to be submitted by a date set by the examiner.
8. University Regulations:
   Students should read USQ Regulations 5.1 Definitions, 5.6. Assessment, and 5.10 Academic Misconduct for further information and to avoid actions which might contravene University Regulations. These regulations can be found at the URL http://www.usq.edu.au/corporateservices/calendar/part5.htm or in the current USQ Handbook.

ASSESSMENT NOTES