Art and Ideas: space and place

What is the course about?

This course is designed for developing and experienced students with an interest in space and place, or for those engaged in creative practice in these areas. Over 6 weeks this course will explore a number of different theories related to culture, space and place and investigate works by historical and contemporary artists and makers who respond to these themes through their practice. Students are invited to share their own ideas and work, and use the course to help enhance the critical and conceptual aspects of their own creativity.

This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.

What will we cover?

Topics explored on this course include landscapes and mapping, the urban environment, architecture, place and non-place, site-specific and installation art, and globalisation. Students are invited to share their own ideas and work where appropriate, and discussions can be adapted to themes related to group interests where appropriate.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- Read, understand and discuss with confidence a wide range of critical and theoretical ideas and texts
- Analyse creative practices that explore landscape, space, place and sites
- Draw on critical and theoretical ideas and texts to enhance your own creative and artistic thinking and practice.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This course is for intermediate and experienced art and design students or practitioners. Alternatively, you will have relevant experience in art and design, and be involved in producing art or design independently with a desire to extend the theoretical basis of your work. The course is ideal for those who have completed a Foundation, intermediate level or degree course and wish to maintain their critical thinking, or those looking to refresh or enhance their theoretical understanding of this fascinating area of thought.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

You will be taught through a mixture of tutor presentation, paired and group discussions, debate and the sharing of work and ideas (where appropriate). The course involves a weekly theoeretical reading which will be available digitally on Google Classroom. Students will be expected to be developing their creative work outside of classes, and support their study through independent theoretical readings and gallery visits.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

You are encouraged to have a notebook and pen to record notes from talks and discussions. You may wish to buy some of the books or journals on any reading list given out in class. You will also need access to a computer and Zoom to join the class, and will be expected to access or download readings from the City Lit Google Classroom in preparation for classes.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

You may be interested in other Cultural Studies courses, looking in depth a key cultural and theoretical themes in the context of creative arts such as VB645 Self and Identity or VB653 Time and Memory. You may also be interested in art history courses, or certain courses within the humanities department.