2019/20 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

ARTF2054 State of the Art: Contemporary Perspectives in Art, Science and Technology

20 creditsClass Size: 25

Module manager: Liz Stainforth
Email: e.m.stainforth@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2019/20

This module is approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module explores how art and curatorial practice can offer an investigative lens on scientific and technological innovation. The module both engages with and challenges the logic of art as a medium for the communication of science, instead considering the collaborative potential within these fields and the reciprocal dialogue between artistic and scientific methods and practices. Through discussion of contemporary issues in art, science and technology, students are encouraged to critically reflect on the socio-political context of current debates and the ethical implications of their treatment in curated settings.

Objectives

This module introduces students to current practices and debates in the context of art, science and technology. It investigates a range of themes at the intersection of these fields and considers the dialogues and questions they provoke about innovation in contemporary society. It enables students to critically reflect on these issues – through case studies and a site visit – and develops their understanding of the social and political context within which cultures of art and science are shaped and governed.

Learning outcomes
1. Develop students’ engagement with a broad range of contemporary art-science interventions, forms and curated practices;
2. Develop students’ understanding of the social and political context within which cultures of art and science are shaped and governed;
3. Enable students to critically reflect on key issues in contemporary debates about art, science and technology;
4. Equip students with the ability to use case studies and site visits as learning and research resources.

Syllabus

The module will draw from both philosophical theories and practice-based debates concerning art, science and technology. Case studies and a site visit will enable students to analyse contemporary art-science interventions and practice, in order to develop the critical resources for the final essay. Representative seminar themes include: what is art-science?; curating science and technology; imagination and scientific discovery; science fiction, science fact; prototyping the future; the ethics of technological innovation.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Art Gallery visits	1	2.00	2.00
Seminar	9	2.00	18.00
Private study hours			180.00
Total Contact hours			20.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Private study

Independent research, keeping and compiling the reflective log, reading and preparation for seminars and essay.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

1 x 1500-word reflective log mid semester.
1 x 10 min presentation to assess students’ understanding.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	2,500 word essay	60.00
Presentation	10 mins	10.00
Reflective log	1,500 words	30.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

For the written components, a resit option is available in the form of re-submission of coursework in August. For the verbal presentation component, a resit option is available in the form of a 200-300 word reflective essay in August. All assessed components must be passed in order to pass the module.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 14/05/2019

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