Program Overview

CCI301 Research and Reflective Practice

This subject provides an understanding of the context in which creative practitioners work and an introduction to contemporary art and design theory. Students will study the emergence and development of design and the creative industries as an area of professional practice, focusing on key points of change from the nineteenth century to the present. Selected key issues will be covered, including the influence of political, social, and technological changes on practice historically and in the present. An independent research component provides an opportunity for in-depth investigation of an area of art and design relevant to each student, to introduce diverse research methodologies, and encompass practice-led and practice-as-research strategies and content. The subject gives emphasis to students situating their own research and reflective practice.

Subject Information

Grading System

• HD/FL

Duration

• One session

School

• School of Communication and Creative Industries

Enrolment Restrictions

• Not available to students who have completed ART304 Aspects of Design

Subject Relationships

• ART304 ART304 made obsolete

Incompatible Subjects

• ART304

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

• be able to evaluate and explain the impact of political, social, and technological changes on historic and contemporary art and design
• be able to demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of an area of research in art and design relevant to their own professional practice
• be able to situate their own professional practice in relation to historical and contemporary contexts
• be able to engage in debates on a range of contemporary issues in art and design including ethical and responsible practices
• be able to demonstrate the use and structure of appropriate critical academic writing, research, and referencing
• be able to demonstrate informed knowledge of diverse research methodologies towards creative practice

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:

• Design reform and the emergence of the profession
• Early twentieth century design: from 'craft' to mass production
• Post WW2 design: consumerism and affluence
• The late twentieth century: pluralism and diversity
• The twenty-first century: globalisation, sustainability, and beyond
• Research methodologies towards creative practice
• Situating practice in relation to historical and contemporary art and design contexts
• Possibilities for preferred futures