CONTEXTUAL STUDIES
UNIT 2: CONTEXTUAL STUDIES
CONTEXT: Contextual Studies provides a historical, cultural and theoretical framework to allow you to make sense of art and design, as well as to consider how they may help you to understand the wider world. This unit is designed to introduce you to key cultural developments, practices and movements related to the history of art, design, visual and popular culture since 1900. Emphasis will be placed upon developing a broad knowledge of art and design contexts, considering the technological, economic, social and aesthetic causes which have, and continue to, inform our understanding of art and design within the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. You will be introduced to the theoretical methods with which to research and analyse works of art and design, helping you to understand the importance of being able to contextualise your own practice, as well as enhancing your understanding of the wider art and design landscape. On successful completion of this unit you will have developed your contextual knowledge and your conceptual tool kit by undertaking a contextual investigation of your own, linked to your subject specialism.
GRADING CRITERIA
TASK 1: RESEARCH METHODS: Create an infographic which: • Identifies different forms and methods of research for creative practitioners. • Identifies the ethics of these practices and explains their relevance and importance. • Discusses why these methods may provide value for creative practitioners. This task provides evidence for P5 & M3 Checklist of Evidence required to complete task: •
Infographic analysing key research methods, ethics and practices for creative practitioners.
TASK 2: RESEARCH FILE: Conduct and present relevant research into key cultural developments, practices and movements related to the history of art, design, visual and popular culture since 1900. Your research must be annotated throughout and should include: • • • •
A written outline identifying the areas you will investigate. Annotated contextual research into your chosen topics, providing a timeline with the key societal events and practitioner responses. Reference List & Bibliography with annotated justifications as to the relevance of selected sources. Evaluation of the use of sources in their development of your knowledge.
This task provides evidence for P4, P6, P8 & M3 Checklist of Evidence required to complete task: •
An annotated research file (minimum 1000 words) to include an in-depth bibliography of relevant resources
TASK 3: CASE STUDY: From your previous research, you are required to choose two design movements you have investigated and create an in-depth case study comparing and analysing the social, historical and cultural events of that period. You are to further identify two artists linked to your chosen movements and analyse how their work is influenced by society and the cultural contexts in which it was made. This task provides evidence for P1, P2, P3, P8, M1, M2, D1 Checklist of Evidence required to complete task: •
A case study analysing two design movements (500-1000 words).
TASK 3: PRESENTATION Based on your previous research and case studies, you will prepare a visual presentation, accompanied by a visual slideshow/video, featuring key visual evidence from the movement and practitioners you have researched. You will deliver this to your tutor and peers and answer questions related to your area of discussion. Your presentation must include a section on the contemporary usage and future potential of your chosen movement within modern design. This task provides evidence for P7, M4 & D2 Checklist of Evidence required to complete task: • •
A visual presentation, accompanied by a visual slideshow or video. Participation in Q&A, critique and group discussions.