VIS3015 Visual Research Methods

Contents

• Staffing
• Synopsis
• Objectives
• Topics
• Texts
• Reference materials
• Student workload
• Assessment details
• Important assessment information
• Assessment notes
• Production date
• PDF version

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

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.

Easthope, A and McGowan, K 1992, A critical and cultural theory reader, Allen & Unwin, Sydney.
(306 CRI)

Gray, C et al 1995, Developing a research procedures programme for artists and designers, Centre for Res in Art & Design, Robert Gordon Uni, Aberdeen.
(Online via the Library catalogue)

Hammond, M 1991, Understanding phenomenology, Basil Blackwell, Oxford.
(142.7 HAM)

Kellehear, 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 2006, Designing qualitative research, 4th edn, Sage, Thousand Oaks, CA.
(300.72 MAR)

National Gallery of Art 1997, Conservation research 1996/97, National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC.
(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: human science for an action sensitive pedagogy, University of Western Ontario, Ontario.
(370.78 VAN)

Whyte, W F 1984, Learning from the field: a guide from experience, Sage, Newbury Park.
(300.723 WHY)

STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS

ASSESSMENT DETAILS

NOTES

1.

This assignment is aligned with Objectives 2 and 3.

2.

This assignment is aligned with Objective 2.

3.

This assignment is aligned with Objectives 1 and 4.

4.

This assignment is aligned with Objectives 3 and 4.

5.

This assignment is aligned with Objective 4.

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. For this course, normal class attendance consists of one 2 hour lecture and one 1 hour tutorial per week.
2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
   To successfully complete an individual assessment item, a student must achieve at least 50% of the marks or a grade of at least C-. This statement must be read in conjunction with Statement 4 below.
3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
   If students submit assignments after the due date without extenuating circumstances and without prior approval, then a penalty of a maximum of 5% of the assigned mark may apply for each working day late, up to a maximum of 10 working days, at which time a mark of zero can be recorded for that assignment.
4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
   To be assured of receiving a passing grade, a student must achieve at least 50% of the total weighted marks available for the course.
5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
   The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the aggregate of the weighted marks obtained for each of the summative assessment items in the course.
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

ASSESSMENT NOTES

This version produced 28 Aug 2009.