Course Title: Gold and Silversmithing 1A2

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Gold and Silversmithing 1A2

Credit Points: 12

Course Code	Campus	Career	School	Learning Mode	Teaching Period(s)
VART1917	City Campus	Undergraduate	340H Art	Face-to-Face	Sem 1 2006, Sem 1 2007, Sem 1 2008, Sem 1 2009, Sem 1 2010, Sem 1 2011

Course Coordinator: Mark Edgoose

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 3540

Course Coordinator Email:mark.edgoose@rmit.edu.au

Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Only for students enrolled in BP201, Gold and Silversmithing 1A2, Vart 1917

Course Description

In first year of Gold and Silversmithing students are introduced to an exploration of the wide parameters of the subject including conceptual and utilitarian aspects of contemporary jewellery.

This course is focused around developmental approaches to contemporary jewellery within a Fine Art Context.  It offers an opportunity to work with a broad range of analytical thinking, visual perception and develop a skills base appropriate to making jewellery.

Processes studied cover basic metal preparation, forming and fabricating, alloying and joining of metals, surface enrichment, finishing, polishing, behavioural characteristics of precious, non-precious, ferrous and refractory metals. Non-metallic media, specifically organic, synthetic and mineral, are covered. This activity is underpinned by introduction to workshop practice, health and safety procedures.

Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

The course aims to:

• To introduce the student to aesthetic and intellectual considerations in jewellery making.
• To develop a competence in the use of tools and exploration of materials
• To establish an understanding of the relationship between form and material and the human context.
• To guide the student to utilise metal as a jewellery making medium for artistic expression
• To encourage the development of an individual aesthetic based on a knowledge and appreciation of historical and contemporary trends within a Fine Art Context.

At the successful conclusion of this subject you should:

• Have a knowledge and understanding of health and safety issues in relation to materials, equipment and work practices and an ability to implement these principles into your activities as a gold and silversmith.
• Have a fundamental understanding of the physical properties of a broad range of metals, alloys and an awareness of non metallic construction materials
• Be able to competently perform basic bench skills of fabrication. Chain making, chenier making, riveting and ring making. Be able to cuttlebone cast and understand soldering processes, alloys, temperatures and uses.
• Demonstrate competency in surface finishing such as filing, emery work and polishing
• Be continuing to develop drawing skills and techniques of 3D development (assemblages) which enable the accurate realisation of projects.
• Begin to initiate and pursue studies in directions that inform and further individual professional and creative growth and catalyse invention, innovation and refinement of personal work.

Overview of Learning Activities

Learning will take place through a program of lectures, demonstrations and studio based learning via projects and assignments
• A program of individual tutorials and group critiques will be scheduled to review progress and to develop the capacity for aesthetic judgement rigorous self analysis.
• Students will be required to develop the practice of using sketchbooks and journals\visual diaries as a means of research and documentation.
• Students must cultivate an awareness of traditional and contemporary practice by regular participation in visits to public and commercial galleries, guest lectures, workshops, scheduled excursions and appropriate use of library facilities.

Overview of Learning Resources

References are provided in Part B

Overview of Assessment

Assessment will be by folio submission at the end of each semester. Assessment will be conducted by a panel of staff from the course area. The assessment will be reviewed by the course co-ordinator.
Semester one folio submission:

Assessment tasks:
1.Presentation of all studio work requirements
2. Presentation of specialist workshop requirements
3. folio of support work which will include visual references, interpretive drawings and assemblages
4. Drawing books and technical journal

Assessment feedback will take the form of a written report available to students on the assessment day.