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2020/21 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

DESN2139 New Materialism: Science and Technology Meet Art, Craft and Design

10 creditsClass Size: 22

Module manager: Dr Elizabeth Willneff
Email: e.a.willneff@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2020/21

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

In current art, craft and design practice science and technology have taken a leading role. Material matters, and matter is material. Artist and designers have always experimented with different forms of materiality. Now this is informed by a new set of concepts that take in bioethics and bioengineering, post humanism and technology, and material science. With the addition of the Arts we have now have moved a considerable way from STEM to STEAM. What roles do new materials, philosophy and political science play in all of this? How are scientists or scientific methods and discoveries helping artists and designers to do their job?

Objectives

The objectives of this module are to:
- introduce relevant historical, conceptual, critical and methodological tools for the analysis and discussion of New Materialism in art and design practices
- provide an historical and theoretical overview of the cultures of materiality in art and design production
- present a broad survey of contemporary ideas about New Materialism in art and design practices
- present examples of relationships between New Materialism and innovations in the scientific and technological properties of materials

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students will have provided evidence of being able to:
- understand the interface of art and design to science and technology in New Materialism
- understand and interpret the concepts of New Materialism within the cultural, historical and contemporary practice contexts of art and design
- produce a logically developed, coherent analysis and interpretation based on research in written form of New Materialism, or a specific development in New Materialism, in the context of contemporary practice in art and design

Skills outcomes
Understanding historical processes, techniques, methods of art and design practices alongside new innovations in materials science, exploration of new methods with materials, new approaches in materials science and corresponding changes to the nature of art and design practice.


Syllabus

The module explores multiple aspects of New Materialism and its historical context beginning with an introduction to the topic and presentation of specific concepts and methodologies associated with New Materialism generally as well as key criticisms of this developing school of thought. Through the remainder of the module the relationship of New Materialism to art and design will be explored. The role of materials will be addressed more concretely through a discussion of the relationship of craft and science to New Materialistic ideas and ways of working. The wider implications of New Materialism for society and humanity in the 21st century will also be considered.

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Lecture101.0010.00
Seminar11.001.00
Seminar66.006.00
Independent online learning hours40.00
Private study hours43.00
Total Contact hours17.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)100.00

Private study

Independent online learning is facilitated by a website resource of lecture slides and readings, which allows students to explore in more detail topics covered in the lectures, and gain familiarity with key concepts and ideas.

Private study includes: set reading, further reading and preparation of an essay assignment. An essay of 2000 - 2500 words is presented for summative assessment (100%).

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Student progress is monitored through registers at lectures and through seminar participation. Students are also offered the opportunity for one to one feedback during office hours. Individual essay tutorials will be given in week five and six in small group seminars.

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
Essay2000-2500 words100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 10/08/2020 08:35:02

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