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2021/22 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

DESN2633 Colour: Art and Science

10 creditsClass Size: 62

Module manager: Prof. Stephen Westland
Email: S.Westland@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2021/22

Module replaces

DESN1632

This module is approved as a discovery module

Module summary

Is colour an art or a science? This module explores the use of colour in art and the scientific principles that enable that use. The material spans the use of colour by artists through the ages, explanations of how natural colour phenomena (such as the rainbow) occur, and an introduction to how colour is perceived by the human brain. Colour exists only in the mind and if we wish to understand colour and use it effectively (for example, in design processes) then we must understand the colour formation process and the perceptual properties of colour.

Objectives

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students will
1. appreciate the use of colour in art and the scientific principles that underpin colour
2. understand the way in which colour has been used by different artists and the perceptual properties of colour that have been exploited by artists down the ages
3. have a good understanding of the nature of colour and the relationship between the wavelength of light and colour
4. understand the importance of studying the human colour vision system for many areas of colour use (including the design process)
5. appreciate the basic technology of some imaging devices, the use of RGB colour and the notion (uses and limitations) of a colour space


Syllabus

A series of 9 lectures will explore the phenomenal experience of colour including:
- colour vision;
- colour communication;
- colour emotion;
- colour naming;
- colour psychology;
- colour technology.

The central idea of the module is to highlight the colour as a property of our mental processes rather than as a property of the world. An understanding of the true nature of colour perception has profound implications for the effective use of colour in art and design.

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Lecture91.009.00
Private study hours91.00
Total Contact hours9.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)100.00

Private study

Each lecture is supported by material that is available on the Blackboard VLE. This material provides links to appropriate websites and to journal papers and books and students are asked to use this resource to further explore the material presented in each lecture.

Assessment is via an in-course MCQ and an end-of-semester written essay.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Students take part in an on-line MCQ at week 6 and receive feedback on their learning at this stage.

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
Essay2,000 words75.00
In-course MCQThe in-course MCQ is conducted online in the student's own time in Teaching Week 6. The resit (if required) should be taken by the student (again online and in their own time) in the first week of the examination period in August.25.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)100.00

The in-course MCQ is conducted online in the student's own time in Teaching Week 6. The resit (if required) should be taken by the student (again online and in their own time) in the first week of the examination period in August.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 30/06/2021 16:21:15

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