THE UNIVERSITY of EDINBURGH

DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2022/2023

Timetable information in the Course Catalogue may be subject to change.

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DRPS : Course Catalogue : Centre for Open Learning : Creative Arts

Undergraduate Course: Introduction to Artists' Books (LLLA07019)

Course Outline
SchoolCentre for Open Learning CollegeCollege of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 7 (Year 1 Undergraduate) AvailabilityNot available to visiting students
SCQF Credits10 ECTS Credits5
SummaryThis course will introduce students to the diverse ways artists use the book, exploring a range of basic binding techniques such as pamphlet sewing, Japanese binding, hardbound books and concertina folds.
Course description Academic Description: This course will introduce students to the diverse ways artists use the book as a form by considering works from William Blake to Damien Hirst. Students will make books using a range of basic binding techniques such as pamphlet sewing, Japanese binding, hardbound books and concertina folds to create and construct a blank book or incorporate 'found' materials, photographs, drawings or paintings to develop a narrative.

Outline of Content: The course teaching is typically delivered over weekly class sessions of around 3 hours each and totaling 30 hours. Alternatively, the course can be delivered more intensely or as a block if required.

Students will be encouraged to make at least one finished piece to demonstrate their individual choices and visual aesthetic.

Over the class sessions the course will cover:
Learn different book structures from simple folded forms to more complex sewing. Make a rubber stamp to create a quick way of making images.
Using more personal imagery, learn how to combine content and structure. Make at least one kind of container for a book.
Visit the ECA collection of artists' books. Develop a personal project using printmaking, drawing or re-cycled papers.

The Learning Experience: The teaching will be based and delivered in specialist art and design studios or workshops and will typically include a range of practical exercises, introductions to techniques, processes and concepts, and set projects which lead to more focused and personal exploration. Over the course, student progress will be monitored and supported by the tutor. Teaching will include practical demonstrations, one to one tuition, group discussions and critiques.

For work required to be undertaken after the class hours are complete, the course tutor will set students a 'directed study plan' which can be undertaken without the need for specialist workshops or access to models.

Directed study will include research into a range of suggested artists and their associated movements to engender a contextual awareness. Students are expected to demonstrate how their research has informed their work through annotated sketchbooks, a visual digital journal and practical outcomes.

The Directed Study Plan will include preparing evidence of research and practical work to form an appropriate presentation for assessment.
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements None
Additional Costs In addition to the course fee, students are expected to provide the following list of indicate tools, materials and equipment:
(Estimated cost: £10 - £30 depending on usage)
Scalpel
Pencil
Scissors
Glue brush
Specialist papers - guidance from tutor to determine requirements.
Course Delivery Information
Academic year 2022/23, Not available to visiting students (SS1) Quota:  8
Course Start Lifelong Learning - Session 2
Timetable Timetable
Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) Total Hours: 100 ( Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 2, Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours 98 )
Assessment (Further Info) Written Exam 0 %, Coursework 100 %, Practical Exam 0 %
Additional Information (Assessment) Formative Assessment: A formative assessment session will occur in week 6 or 7 of the taught element of the course. Each student will undertake a 5 minute verbally presentation with their practical work in progress to other members of the class group followed by a 5 minute group critique supported by the course tutor. Each student will also electronically submit their work in progress digital journal to the course tutor.

Indicative and supportive feedback will be summarised in written form on the digital journal which will give an indication of what areas requires to be address in order to meet the published learning outcomes. This will comprise of short written summary of action points.

Summative Assessment: Two weeks after the end of the class teaching, this course will be assessed by the submission of:

A digital journal documenting a summary of the learning journey as evidenced in the portfolio (20 hours)
This will include a summary of idea development, media exploration, contextual research, critical reflection and outcomes through notes, annotation, illustration and photography.

A portfolio of visual art/design works (80 hours)
This will include a selection of resolved design works, sketchbook works, preparatory studies, visual research and evidence of a contextual awareness.

The Digital Journal and Portfolio must be presented in a clear and professional manner appropriate to the discipline. The submission should include work undertaken within the class as well as directed and independent study out with the class.

The combined Digital Journal and Portfolio submission will be assessed against the three learning outcomes for this course. These are equally weighted (33.3% each) and each will be given a percentage grade. To pass, students must achieve a minimum of 30% in each learning outcome and an overall combined mark of 40% minimum.
Feedback Formative Assessments: This will comprise of short written summary of action points of areas requiring addressing to meet the learning outcomes, but no indicative grades will be given.

Summative Assessments: On completion the assessment, each student will receive a % mark for each learning outcome along with written feedback putting in context the % mark and outlines areas for development.
No Exam Information
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  1. Research, context and ideas (33.3%): Demonstrate a range of practical research to develop personal ideas supported by contextual knowledge, discovering the work of artists who have incorporated the book form into their work.
  2. Practice, skills and techniques (33.3%): Show a confidence in use several methods for making books, including Japanese binding, concertina bindings and pamphlet sewing.
  3. Selection, presentation and reflection (33.3%): Evidence appropriate judgement to document, select, edit and present at least one original finished book using original images and drawings.
Reading List
BURY S., 1995. Artists' books: the book as a work of art, 1963-1995. Aldershot: Scolar Press.
BODMAN, S., 2005. Creating artists' books. London: A&C Black.
WEITMAN, W. and Wye, D., 2006. Eye on Europe: prints, books & multiples, 1960 to now. New York: Museum of Modern Art.
BODMAN, S., ed., 2011. Artist's book yearbook 2012-2013. Bristol: Impact Press.
Additional Information
Graduate Attributes and Skills The ability to make effective use of book making techniques.
Develop design ideas for artists' books.
The ability in understanding to process and transform visual ideas.
The ability to undertake research and reflective practice and apply these in the context of artists' books within visual culture.
KeywordsArtists' Books,printmaking,book structures
Contacts
Course organiserMr Robbie Bushe
Tel:
Email: r.bushe@ed.ac.uk
Course secretaryMs Kameliya Skerleva
Tel: (0131 6)51 1855
Email: Kameliya.Skerleva@ed.ac.uk
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