AD3020 - Nature and Technologies

Through directed and self-directed approaches around a range of studio and workshop practices you will produce a portfolio of work that interrogates an aspect of nature and leads to the production of a final output.
Academic staff from across the department will give presentations on their research interests linked to the arts and sciences and outline the evolution process of projects through a number of diverse case studies.
Study visits will introduce you to the Tyne and Wear Natural History archive at the Hancock Museum and our Conservation of Art and Life Sciences laboratories.
Technical staff will deliver a number of demonstrations in analogue and digital processes in lighting, image capture and sound production. The module encourages you to apply speculative science/pseudo science research activity to produce new imaginings about the natural world and to learn how to use appropriate methodologies to investigate and articulate your ideas. You will do this both individually and collectively in small groups.
You will be given formative feedback on the progress of your work to support your development towards a final output which along with your research material will inform a final assessment at the end of semester 2.

You will be supported through guided studio and workshop activity by your academic tutors and technical support staff.
The module handbook provides details of sessions, reading lists and assessment criteria. Teaching and learning materials are made available on the e-learning portal. The module tutors will be available in taught sessions, as well as in feedback and consultation hours and on email, to discuss any queries or concerns you have about how to succeed on the module. Moreover, feedback on formative work and the first summative assessments will also serve as ‘feed forward’, giving guidance on how to improve during the module.
In addition, you have a designated Personal Guidance Tutor throughout the entire duration of your programme. The academic side of the Personal Guidance Tutor’s role includes:

• monitoring your ongoing academic progress
• helping you to develop self-reflection skills necessary for continuous academic development
• directing you to further available services which can help them with their academic skills (e.g. Library’s Skills Plus)

You are advised to see your Personal Guidance Tutor at least twice each semester to review your academic progress.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Be able to demonstrate an understanding of Nature and Technologies as a subject in historical and contemporary art practice

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
2. To develop skills to align appropriate use of traditional or new technologies in the production of work

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
3. A cultural awareness of the significance of nature and the sciences and their relationship with the arts

Formative Assessment
Formative feedback is provided as an intergral part of teaching and learning sessions

Summative Assessment
Portfolio submission of research and a final presentation of artwork output responding to the theme of Nature and Technologies (MLO 2), that is culturally located (MLO3) as a subject in historical and contemporary arts practice (MLO1). Portfolio submission and evidence/documentation of workshop based activities are linked to induction and development of technical skills.

Art and the City AD3018
The Body AD3017

Identity AD 3019
Arts Portfolio: Skills for University AD3021

The subject of Nature continues to have currency across the visual and performing arts disciplines. The advance in new technologies, especially through digital media highlights new methodologies about how we see and explain the natural world.
This module positions you in a university culture that is research rich in a number of arts and science disciplines and provides you with skills and knowledge that will allow you to discern about what processes are best engaged in shaping your own evolution as a student of the arts.
The multi-disciplinary nature of the module activities will promote enterprise and innovation in your thinking and creative attitude, and build confidence in your ability to work with others beyond your own specific subject specialism.