- Remaking theory, Rethinking Practice
- Theory provides the basis with which to ask questions not only about work, but also through work. And if nothing else, what design lacks in terms of interesting is not necessarily more visual variety, but rather more provocative questions and polemical answers.' (Blauvelt in Noble and Bestly, 2005:166)
What COP3 is
- A new module introduced in 2013/14
- A common module across all degrees at LCA
- An academic module, designed to assess your intellectual engagement and theoretical understanding of your creative practice
- Individually driven, synthesised research project with interrelated practical and written elements - and individually managed
- Topic chosen by you, investigated through the means of writing and through making
- Dissertation of up to 9000 words, formally bound and a related body of practical work and supported research
What COP3 isn't
- A dissertation
- A dissertation with a related piece of practical work
- An academic module unrelated to studio concerns
- The same on every course
Learning Outcomes
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
6A1: Demonstrate an independent critical understanding of the aesthetic, cultural, historical, technological, social, political or other contexts relevant to individual subject disciplines.
COGNITIVE SKILLS
6B1: Evidence the ability to use logic, reasoning and critical judgement to analyse ideas from a range of primary and secondary sources, and employ critical and theoretical methodologies to evaluate examples from the relevant subject disciplines.
PRACTICAL AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS
C1: Evidence the capacity fro undertaking a wide range of independent practical and theoretical research that demonstrates
KEY TRANSFERRABLE SKILLS
6D1: Organise, plan and effectively
6A1: Demonstrate an idependant critical understanding of the aesthetic, cultural, historical, technological, social, political or other contexts relevant to individual subject disciplines
Synthesis
- All component parts of the project engaging in one complex, dynamic process
- Informed engagement
- The realisation of theory in, and through, practice
- PRAXIS
COP3 is a synthesised research project from the very beginning
COP3 Proposal Form
- Kickstarts the module
- Makes you consider all aspects of your project in detail
- Allows you to receive focussed feedback before summer
- Allows staff to consider the viability of your research
- Download from the COP2 section
- Complete the form and subbit to Drop-Box on eStudio
- Try to complete in as much detail as possible
- A detailed response will probably mean better feedback
Subjects of Contextual Research Already Undertaken
- List Context of Practice 1 and 2 essay topics / titles - This work might act as a springboard for COP3
- Try to define a subject
- Be as specific as you possibly can
- Think about it, then be more specific again
What research needs to be undertaken into the general and specific contexts of your practice?
- Factors sit 'behind' your chosen subject?
- How have historical, cultural, social. technological economic, political and other factors influenced it?
- Who are the key figures within my chosen subject?
- Are there any dominant or prevailing attitudes that inform my subject?
- Is my subject culturally specific? If so, how?
What approaches will you take and what processes, methods, materials and tools are to be involved in research into your practice?
- How will you approach your chosen subject?
- What sort of questions will you ask? Why?
Methodology
- Method - A way of proceeding about something in a systematic manner
What approaches will you take and what processes, methods, materials and tools are to be involved in research into you practice?
- Research constructed 'through' practice
- 'Thinking through doing'
- Reflective practice
- What effect do changing the materials that you use have on the end result?
- What factors could disrupt your creative practice?
- What is the relationship of techniques that you use to other techniques in the sector?
What preparation or investigations do you need to undertake for you creative practice to take place?
- How will you go about investigating my chosen subject?
- Do you have to research into methods of research?
- How do you improve you research skills?
- How do you maximise the effectiveness of your research?
What research do you need to undertake regarding who you creativity is for?
- Who is your research project for?
- What professional contexts could your research be aimed at?
- What specific organisations could use your research and how?
- How would your tone of voice (visual or written) change if you targeted your research at a different audience?
- Does your work challenge existing knowledge in the field?
The Hermeneutic Circle
- Developed by Heidegger
- Interpretation is a process designed to clarify an experience and assign meaning to it
