Университет Данди, BA (Hons), Art, Philosophy, Contemporary Practices

Level 1: The purpose of the 6 modules of level 1 is to introduce students to the basics of visual language and associated disciplines, to some of the principal arguments of aesthetics and the philosophy of art as well as to contemporary visual culture, its history and theory; from different perspectives the modules draw out the connections between art practice and theory; students acquire a range of personal transferable study skills that lay the foundations for the development of their creative, imaginative and critical potential; areas covered include: studio projects 1/1; studio projects 1/2; introduction to visual culture 1; introduction to visual culture 2; introduction to aesthetics; introduction to the philosophy of art. Level 2: extends the aims and purposes of level 1; students continue to take 2 modules each in the areas of studio projects, philosophy and interdisciplinary studies; it prepares students to increasingly express their own thoughts through images and texts; areas covered include: studio projects 2/1; studio projects 2/2; interdisciplinary studies 2/1: concepts, methods, perspectives; interdisciplinary studies 2/2: concepts, seeing difference; analytic aesthetics; aesthetics in transition, Schopenhauer, Nietzsche and Heidegger. Level 3: consists of a year-long module in studio practice and 1 semester-long module each in philosophy and another level 3 module, usually film studies; in the visual practice component a greater emphasis is placed on the development of students’ identity as artists through explorative and experimental work; in philosophy students can choose from 2 1-semester module options; the additional module expands students’ critical exploration of contemporary visual culture and/or theory through a focus on film, or on literature; an exchange with a foreign university is an option; areas covered include: studio practice 3; questions of vision in art; or the aesthetics of the sublime; film and art; or another module, by approval; or 1 semester of foreign exchange. Level 4: takes a similar shape to level 3; the studio practice module provides students with a period of sustained visual enquiry and practice which culminates in the presentation/exhibition of their work for examination at the end of the year; the philosophy component offers students a choice of modules on a range of topics; depending on their individual strengths and interests students have the option to write a dissertation that either closely reflects on their creative practice or engages in a philosophical argument; the final semester of independent readings in philosophy culminates in a 1/2 hour presentation students deliver, linking their philosophical enquiries with their artistic practice; areas covered include: studio practice 4; dissertation; independent directed Honours studies; exhibition; oral presentation.

This course has an overall weighting between fine art and philosophy of 60:40 per cent; the programme reflects current cultural practices integrating practical and theoretical studies beyond disciplinary boundaries; this course is suitable for students who wish to consider art and who have a strong interest in philosophical issues but also seek practical studio experience as an artist; the programme is centred upon a productive dialogue between art practice and theory within, across and beyond individual academic disciplines; it incorporates its own tailor-made level 1 Foundation course.