Bachelor of Arts in Visual Art

Purpose

The purpose of the proposed Bachelor of Arts (BA) Visual Art qualification is twofold first, to provide theoretical, conceptual and technical knowledge for the creative production of artworks appropriate to diverse visual-cultural industries and second, to facilitate access to postgraduate studies in art. In keeping with the institution's core values and the implicit need for social relevance, the new qualification is structured to develop the skills and knowledge that support specific visual industries. Amongst others, these include, visual art practice; art education; curatorial management; arts writing; and community arts projects. The rationale is to enable eligible and committed persons to develop an understanding of the theoretical, technical and visual research skills that address the conceptual relevance of visual art practice in the construction of meaning.

Rationale

Given the growing demands of the contemporary art world, it is becoming clear that learners require an ever-greater sophistication in creative intelligence and visual expression, as well as an awareness of contemporary art discourses combined with credible levels of digital and arts management skills to inform and underpin their visual art practice. We believe that the new Bachelor of Arts (Visual Art) Degree will support a greater depth of specialised, theoretical knowledge, creative innovation, and social relevance that can also lead to an increase in postgraduate studies in art.

The proposed Bachelor of Arts (Visual Art) Degree has been conceptualised to incorporate cross-faculty collaboration with the Faculty of Humanities, enabling Visual Art learners at the institution to do two years of a select Bachelor of Arts module, and Bachelor of Arts learners to do History of Art as a major in the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture.

A key component of the proposed qualification is the possibility for cross-faculty collaboration between the Department of Visual Art, in the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture, and the Faculty of Humanities. The new qualification is designed to allow Humanities learners to register for certain modules in the new Bachelor of Arts (Visual Art) Degree, as well as allow Visual Art learners to access certain Humanities modules, in order to enrich their study.

The Bachelor of Arts Visual Art qualification is particularly suited to learners who wish to engage in creative, contemporary visual expression through critical knowledge skills and research capabilities, informed by a qualification content that is geared towards meaning-making in art within the context of its critical discourses and histories.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

This qualification may be achieved in part through the Recognition of relevant Prior Learning and through prior experience. Providers are required to develop structured means for the assessment of individual learners against the exit level outcomes of the qualification on a case-by-case basis. The necessary evidence as required by the exit level outcomes, and presented by the learner, should meet the following principles: currency of evidence, sufficiency of evidence, validity of evidence and authenticity of evidence. RPL must be in accordance with the policies and procedures of the individual providers and in agreement with procedures.

Entry Requirements

Learners are required to have one of the following qualifications in order to be considered for admission

• National Senior Certificate (NSC) allowing entry to Bachelor's Degree studies.

Or

• Senior Certificate (SC) with endorsement.

Or

• National Certificate Vocational (NCV) allowing entry to Bachelor's Degree studies.

The qualification comprises 15 compulsory modules and electives at NQF Level 5, 6 and 7 totalling 400 Credits. Learners must choose at least 1 elective from each group of Electives for each Level.

Modules

Compulsory Modules at NQF Level 5; 100 Credits

• Art History 1A, 16 Credits.
• Art History 1B, 16 Credits.
• Studio Practice 1, 48 Credits.
• Drawing 1, 20 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at NQF Level 6; 100 Credits

• Art History 2A, 16 Credits.
• Art History 2B, 6, 16 Credits.
• Studio Practice 2, 48 Credits.
• Drawing 2, 20 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at NQF Level 7; 104 Credits

• Art History 3A, 16 Credits.
• Art History 3B, 16 Credits.
• Studio Practice 3, 50 Credits.
• Drawing 3, 22, Credits.

Electives at NQF Level 5

Elective 1

• English 1A, 16 Credits.
• Development Studies 1A, 16 Credits.
• IsiZulu 1A, 16 Credits.
• Historical Studies 1A, 16 Credits.
• New Media Studies 1, 32 Credits. (Optional).

Elective 2

• English 1B, 16 Credits.
• Development Studies 1B, 16 Credits.
• IsiZulu 1B, 16 Credits.
• Historical Studies 1B, 16 Credits.

Electives at NQF Level 6

Elective 1

• English 2A, 16 Credits.
• Development Studies 2A, 16 Credits.
• IsiZulu 2A, 16 Credits.
• Historical Studies 2A, 6, 16 Credits.
• New Media Studies 2, 32 Credits.

Elective 2

• English 2B, 16 Credits.
• Development Studies 2B, 16 Credits.
• IsiZulu 2B, 16 Credits.
• Historical Studies 2B,16 Credits.

Electives at NQF Level 7

Elective 1

• English 3A, 16 Credits.
• Development Studies 3A, 16 Credits.
• IsiZulu 3A, 16 Credits.
• Historical Studies 3A, 16 Credits, Optional.
• New Media Studies 3, 32 Credits.

Elective 2

• English 3B, 16 Credits.
• Development Studies 3B, 16 Credits.
• IsiZulu 3B, 16 Credits.
• Historical Studies 3B, 16 Credits.

1. Solve complex visual art problems innovatively by applying integrated knowledge and advanced conceptual thinking skills.
2. Use a range of visual art methods, processes and techniques competently to create, present and argue for professional visual art outcomes or artworks.
3. Act ethically and professionally in a creative art context.
4. Demonstrate detailed knowledge of visual art history and theory and conduct art criticism and research.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Knowledge of visual elements and principles is innovatively applied to solve complex creative visual art problems of an acceptable range and scope.
• Visual Art History and theories are applied in an integrated manner to solve complex creative problems.
• Advanced conceptual thinking and research skills are applied in an integrated manner to solve complex creative visual problems.
• Solutions to complex visual and creative problems regarding intellectual property rights, copyright and plagiarism and conservation sectors is understood.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• A range of image-generation, autographic and digital skills is competently used to create and articulate professional solutions for visual art practice.
• Presentation techniques and professional discourse are persuasively used to support and clarify solutions to visual art practice.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Appropriate ethical values and approaches are drawn on to make decisions in a creative visual art context.
• Professional standards of conduct are adhered to in the visual art and art historical contexts.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Detailed knowledge of relevant South African and international visual art history and seminal theory is demonstrated in writing.
• Research in Art History and Theory is competently conducted by using a range of research methods.
• Research findings are correctly presented using appropriate academic conventions.
• Evaluation and critiques of visual art practice and outcomes are competently conducted, based on a systematic and defined framework.

Integrated Assessment

Summative Assessments

All visual art modules are year modules, for which each module has six summative assessment opportunities per year. A minimum of three summative assessment opportunities per semester (14 weeks) is acceptable. These assessments comprise:

• Tests.
• Studio-based projects.
• Assignments.
• Portfolio exhibitions.
• Presentations depending on the module and the learning guide.

Formative assessment

• Tests.
• Assignments.
• Portfolios.