Course Title: Composite Materials and Forms

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Composite Materials and Forms

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

VART3446

City Campus

Undergraduate

340H Art

Face-to-Face

Sem 2 2012,
Sem 2 2013,
Sem 2 2014,
Sem 2 2015,
Sem 2 2016,
Sem 2 2017

Flexible Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

VART3546

Hong Kong Arts Centre

Undergraduate

340H Art

Face-to-Face

OFFSe22018 (HA21)

VART3546

Hong Kong Arts Centre

Undergraduate

340H Art

Face-to-Face

OFFSe22019 (HA21)

VART3546

Hong Kong Arts Centre

Undergraduate

340H Art

Face-to-Face

OFFSe22020 (HA21)

Course Coordinator: Dr Rhett D'Costa

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 2970

Course Coordinator Email: rhett.dcosta@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: RMIT Melbourne Campus, bld2, level 3, room 09

Course Coordinator Availability: by appointment via email


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

VART3445 Object, Material and Practice.


Course Description

In this course you will focus on the combination of composite materials and their inherent qualities using high and low technology production methods in ceramics and gold & silversmithing. You will experiment with forms and processes to explore the language of materials in ways that expand, transform and deepen your personal approach to art making.

You will have opportunities to critically reflect on your own practice in the broader context of art/craft and design. In consultation with academic staff, you will take responsibility for the determination of your program and will be encouraged to consider appropriate options with a view to realising the final form.

You will also be encouraged to link theoretical and perceptual responses to objects that you have explored in other courses into your studio projects.

This is a work integrated learning course (WIL). The key feature of WIL courses is that learning experiences simulate the working life of professional practitioners. As such this course introduces you to a research based approach to object making and its related practices by working as a practicing artist in a studio based learning context.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Capability Development

In this course you will develop the following program capabilities:

  • find creative solutions to constraints and challenges in a fine art context
  • effectively communicate via artistic production in a range of media and modes with awareness of and sensitivity to a range of local and global contexts and cultures
  • develop a critically reflective arts practice, in order to continually develop, change and plan for a future that is both informed and improved by arts practice
  • engage in autonomous and continued learning, apply new theories of practice and embrace new developments in cultural/artistic production
  • develop individual and collaborative modes of working and apply skills in teamwork, leadership and self-management


Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course you will be able to:

  • experiment with the physical properties of a broad range of construction materials, including metal and ceramics and focus on the combination of composite materials and their inherent qualities
  • successfully use tools and skills to explore a range of low and high technologies in ceramics and jewellery
  • explore multiple directions that inform your professional and creative growth through invention, innovation and refinement of your work
  • critically reflect on the aesthetic and conceptual aspects of your making practice in order to locate your own practice within the broader fine art
  • successfully apply occupational, health and safety measures when making works


Overview of Learning Activities

In this course you will engage with the studio as a process of creation and as a site of practice and enquiry. It is studio based which means your learning is activated through experimenting, exploring, testing, envisioning, observing, and playing with a range of materials and art making processes and methods in a studio environment to develop you as an art practitioner.

You will engage in a range of learning activities such as making works, experimenting with materials, practice based research, workshops, presentations, demonstrations, lectorials, gallery and site visits, reflective writing, group discussions, consultations on your studio work and occupational health and safety demonstrations.

You will also receive verbal and/or written feedback from academic staff and peers through a variety of consultations and tutorials. This feedback will help you to track how your learning is progressing against the specified learning outcomes and capabilities for this course. In classes you will engage in critical reflection and reviews.


Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT University will provide you with a range of resources and tools to engage in this course, including studio and workshop facilities, online systems and professional equipment specific to your studio area. A selected range of supplies are available, as well as support from technical staff. You will also have access to a wide range of online and hardcopy resources through RMIT University Library.

RMIT University is in close proximity to a broad range of galleries and cultural venues which you will be expected to visit as part of your course. Professional studio specific workshops, labs and suppliers are also readily accessible.


Overview of Assessment

You will be assessed on how well you meet the learning outcomes of this course and on your development against the program capabilities. The work resulting from your studio practice will be presented for assessment. It may consist of a range of works and/or presentation that either respond to a project outline or are self-directed and will be assessed by academic staff.

If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the Studio Coordinator or the Disability Liaison Unit if you would like to find out more.

An assessment charter summarises your responsibilities as an RMIT student as well as those of your teachers.

Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies and procedures which are described and referenced in a single document.