Bachelor of Arts Honours in Visual Art

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to prepare learners for research-based postgraduate study and entry into a diverse range of careers in the visual arts industries. This qualification will enable learners to produce creative solutions to complex problems within a specialist area of studio practice, to exhibit this work professionally and conduct and report on research under supervision. The design of the curriculum accommodates learners who wish to pursue a Studio Practice-based/led (Practical) major and those who want to pursue Theoretical research.

Rationale

The qualification will offer qualifying learners an opportunity to continue with their studies. A qualification at this level provides access to employment in a variety of arts, culture and heritage positions. Lastly, several academic offer four-year BA (Visual Art) or (Fine Art) (or related) qualifications, the new three-year Bachelor's Degree will instead facilitate learner access to this proposed Honours qualification. This qualification will facilitate access to a Master's study.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The Faculty accepts Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) as an integral part of education and academic practice. The purpose of the institution s' RPL Policy, which directs the RPL procedure, is to recognise prior learning, to provide access into qualifications, grant advanced placement in qualifications, and credits for modules on the principles and processes that serve as a basis for faculty-specific RPL practices. Through RPL a learner may gain access, or advanced placement, or recognition of status, on condition that he/she continues his/her studies at the institution.

RPL in the case of a learner not complying with the formal entry requirements

• Is conducted after payment of the prescribed fees by the policy and guidelines of the institution;
• Is based on other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience;
• Is considered only where prior learning corresponds to the required NQF-Level;
• Takes place where prior learning in terms of applied competencies is relevant to the content and outcomes of the qualification.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Arts, NQF Level 7.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory or elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 7 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, 48 Credits

• Art and Visual Theory, 48 Credits.

Elective Modules (Art History and Humanities Stream), 72 Credits

• Art History and Theory 4A, 36 Credits.
• Art History and Theory 4B, 36 Credits.

Or

Elective Modules (Visual Art Stream), 72 Credits

• Studio Practice 4, 48 Credits.
• Visual Art Professional Practice 4, 24 Credits.

1. Present a proposal and a literature review on a chosen research focus.
2. Demonstrate a professional standard of presentation in a curatorial project, which is both written and presented verbally.
3. Apply research methods and academic writing skills to the writing of a long essay under supervision, which indicates competencies required for further studies at Master's Level.
4. Apply research methods and academic writing skills to several set essays and seminar presentations to demonstrate an understanding of topics addressing South African and international book arts; gender studies; iconoclasm; or post-colonial manifestations in African and South African art.
5. Apply research methods and academic writing skills in several set essays and seminar presentations, to demonstrate understanding of traditional topics addressing the arts of Africa; the theories and philosophies of African art; visual identities in South African art; The art of protest, parody and satire; art for social change; contemporary South African art; the rise of African nationalism in the 21st Century.
6. Demonstrates an awareness and understanding of the mode(s) of contemporary art production and presentation.
7. Provide a well-designed and printed, professional art catalogue of the learners' final exhibition of practical work.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Content is appropriate to contextualise the chosen research focus of the study.
• Written work follows academic conventions to be presented in an acceptable format as set out by the institution style guide.
• An in-depth reading of suitable and relevant texts is evident.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• The curatorial project relates to the chosen research focus of the study.
• Written work follows academic conventions and indicates careful thought in constructing a coherent virtual exhibition.
• The visual presentation demonstrates competency in power-point presentation skills and coherent, confident verbal delivery skills.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Demonstrates evidence of appropriate content to contextualise the chosen research focus of the study.
• Show evidence of the understanding and application of selected contemporary art theories.
• Construct a coherent argument through long essays.
• Contextualise, the learner's practical work.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Research capabilities are evident in the selection of appropriate content concerning the topic of study.
• The application of the relevant theories and content of the topic being studied are clear in essays and projects.
• Written work follows academic conventions to be presented in an acceptable format as set out by the institution style guide.
• Use relevant contemporary art theories.
• Construct coherent arguments in essays and other written submissions.
• Seminar presentations demonstrate competency in power-point presentation skills and coherent, confident verbal delivery skills.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Written work shows evidence of research capabilities and contains appropriate content concerning the topic of study.
• The application of the relevant theories and content of the topic is discernible in the essays and projects.
• Use relevant contemporary art theories.
• Construct coherent arguments can be constructed in essays and other written submissions.
• Seminar presentations skills and coherent, confident verbal delivery skills are evident in a seminar context.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• The quantity of work produced equals at least ten fully resolved, professionally presented works, or the equivalent thereof.
• Organisation and competency in the hanging of works can be demonstrated.
• Show coherence, neatness, and cleanliness in the exhibition space.
• The sophistication of presentation is evident in the choices of lighting and labelling of works.
• An artist's statement to accompany the final exhibition reflects the relationships of material and technical decisions to the central theme or concept.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• A well designed and professionally printed artist's catalogue that reflects a synopsis of their visual art practice undertaken in the year of registration is successfully produced.
• Demonstrate professional writing and analysis skills by including an essay in the catalogue about the artist's work and an artist's statement in which they contextualise the practical work and explain the theoretical foundation for the work.
• Present well-documented examples of the practical work.

Integrated Assessment

Formative Assessment

• Interim presentations.

Summative Assessment

• Written Research Essay.
• Exhibition of practical work.
• Community-engagement report and supervised fieldwork.
• Written reports (work supervisor and own report).