Higher Certificate in Drawing

Purpose

The Higher Certificate in Drawing gives learners a solid foundation in techniques, practice and theoretical aspects of drawing. It focuses on traditional, mostly observational, drawing and the theory that underpins this practice. As such, there is an exploration of design principles and elements through the figure, object and constructional drawing. In this process, there is the development of ways of looking, seeing, understanding and rendering. The institution divided the practical section of the curriculum into four parts, namely: Figure Drawing, Constructional Drawing, Object and Conceptual Drawing, and Digital Drawing, and the theoretical aspects in History of Drawing. Additionally, Methods and Techniques is a combination of both practical and theoretical aspects which explores the different drawing materials and substrates. The following section will give a brief overview of each subject.

Figure Drawing will focus on understanding the human form and drawing the body in various poses. Consequently, the understanding of anatomy and proportion is essential to this practice. Most of these sessions will entail drawing from life and will include drawings of gesture, action, rhythm and flow as well as longer more sustained anatomical studies and rendered poses. Other essential aspects are the figure-ground relationship, foreshortening as well as tonal/light rendering and mood. This subject aims to give learners an understanding of the human form and allows them to draw a believable visual impression thereof.

Constructional Drawing will deal with the structural understanding of organic and geometric objects and shapes and their relationship within space and perspective. In this subject, learners will understand the underlying and internal structure to draw objects and spaces. This process will involve working from core/simple shapes and forms to more complex objects. Additionally, the understanding of space and the relationship between perspective and objects placed within this space (architectural or other) is of fundamental importance. The constructional understanding will also inform the use of light to achieve mood and atmosphere.

Object and Conceptual Drawing will initially focus on drawing static forms. As such, the copying and rendering of 2D and 3D reference material will be the focus. Learners will use the basic still-life drawing to explore aspects such as composition, tone, light and texture. After that, learners will explore a more experimental approach in terms of making and materials. Additionally, the rendering of conceptual ideas will form part of this subject. In this context, a learner will, in the latter half of the year develop a self-initiated brief.

Digital Drawing is primarily concerned with using technology and software as a drawing tool. Initially, some of the exercises and drawing done in the other subjects learners will recreate them on a digital platform. Once learners are more familiar with the technical aspects, they will also explore the unique aspects of the digital medium.

While these three subjects are primarily practice-orientated, the theoretical aspects of image-making such as design elements and principles, perspective and anatomy theory, informs practice. Additionally, an exploration of material practice which deals with the methods, techniques and materials involved in the drawing will form part of these subjects. As such, this will involve the explanation of different mediums and paper and the best use thereof.

History of Drawing will trace the historical developments of drawing as a discipline. In this context, the drawn image and the process of drawing will use as a catalyst to explain how we came to understand the world and our place in it. Significant concepts will be memory and myth, negotiating religion, exploration, scientific understanding and conceptualising the future.

Methods and Techniques will explore both the practical and theoretical aspects of drawing materials and substrates. Learners will be made familiar with the different qualities and production methods of these material and substrates and explore the traditional and experimental use thereof. Additionally, learners will learn gallery functioning and practice and the use of social media to create an online presence.

Rationale

Drawing is a fundamental building block for any form of Visual Communication, whether in the field of Fine Art or the Design disciplines. However, in the current digital age, this discipline is often disregarded or neglected in curriculum design in order to make place for technological skills. This programme will enable learners to acquire a solid practical foundation in drawing as well as having insight into the theory and historical aspects thereof. In other words, the thinking behind the development of this programme is that core drawing skills will enhance any further studies in the field of Visual Communication.

This Higher Certificate will allow learners to gain access to entry-level employment in various sectors of the visual communication industry such as animation, storyboarding, book publishing, infographics and design studios. They could also embark on an artistic career. In terms of articulation to Higher Degrees, the design if the qualification is in line with the NQF. As such, the necessary skills, competencies and theory have been built in to allow access to higher qualifications in the area of visual communication or related fields.

Benefits to learner, society and economics

Drawing is an integral part of communication. There is often information overload where people take time to read. Drawing is essential, to sum up, written communication in an infographic or piece of communication that is immediately accessed by the viewer. Images in the form of drawings are also visually retained by the viewer far easier than the lengthy written form. They are accessible forms of communication for many people who do not have the time to read, who require a visual to explain a concept/s or for the illiterate where images give a visual narrative of a concept that requires communication and understanding thereof.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution conducts RPL in terms of the policy and guidelines of the institution to recognise other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience. In cases where learners do not comply with the formal admission requirements, the institution applies its RPL policy.

1. Learners must complete the Academy RPL1 or CAT1 form (and pay the prescribed application fee before being considered for the RPL or CAT application).
2. Upon receipt of the RPL2 or CAT2 form (response) from the Academy, the learner submits the necessary portfolios and other documentation relative to his/her application (information supplied by the Admissions Coordinator).
3. The RPL/CAT Panel (Academic Head, RPL facilitator, Academic Development Coordinator, subject specialist and Academic Board member) assess the portfolio and documents.
4. The Management Committee ratifies the decision of the RPL/CAT Panel.
5. The learner receives a response advising of the Panel's decision via the Admissions Coordinator.
6. In the event of an appeal against the decision of the RPL/CAT the candidate may complete the RPL or CAT form within ten working days of issue of the notification of the outcomes of the assessment, stating the reasons for the appeal and providing any further relevant evidence. (See detailed RPL/CAT policy).

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Senior Certificate, NQF, Level 4.

Or

• National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Higher Certificate studies.

Or

• National Certificate Vocational, NQF Level 4 granting access to Higher Certificate studies.

This qualification consists of one compulsory module at Level 5, totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Module, 120 Credits

• Figure Drawing, 25 Credits.
• Constructional Drawing, 25 Credits.
• Object and Conceptual Drawing, 25 Credits.
• Digital Drawing, 15 Credits.
• History of Drawing, 20 Credits.
• Methods and Techniques, 10 Credits.

1. Produce technically and conceptually sound observational drawings which reflect discipline-related core skills and theories in the subcategories of figure, constructional, object and digital drawing.

2.Utilise drawing skills, theories and principles to communicate creative concepts in the subcategories of conceptual, figure, constructional, object and digital drawing.

1. Understand the fundamental ideas and concepts in the historical development of drawing practice.
2. Understand current/contemporary issues, trends and emerging technologies that affect the discipline.
3. Apply different drawing mediums, tools and methods to achieve the desired aesthetic outcome/effects.
4. Understand a variety of different drawing genres and materials and methods in order to explore aesthetic problems.
5. Conduct basic visual and theoretical research in order to solving defined routine and new problems.
6. Exercise critical judgment and imaginative/innovative thinking to solve defined, routine and new problems.
7. Conduct themselves professionally and utilise their discipline-related knowledge and interpersonal skills to make a positive contribution when working in a team.
8. Effectively communicate in written, verbal and visual formats, which demonstrate the ability to articulate ideas and concepts to diverse audiences.
9. Have insight into the commercial aspect of building an online presence and gallery practice.
10. Understand the commercial possibilities of drawing.
11. Manage the different phases of the creative process to produce technical and conceptually sound drawing.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Complete drawing briefs/exercises which require the utilisation of core discipline-related skills, general principles and theory to produce representational drawing.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Demonstrate the use of skills, theories and principles that effectively communicate conceptual ideas by means of drawing.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Understand and reflect on the ideas and concepts evident in historical drawing.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Understand and reflect on the ideas and concepts evident in contemporary drawing.
• Understanding of current and emergent technologies by including the appropriate use thereof to effect visual aesthetic drawing solutions.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Use drawing mediums (experiment) and tools, skills and methods to effectively communicate aesthetic ideas and concepts.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Demonstrate the use of experimental drawing (various mediums) to explore aesthetic possibilities.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Conduct research with the aim of solving defined routine and new drawing-related problems (whether theoretical or practical), implying the analysis and synthesis of visual, verbal and textual information (research).

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• Show the ability to produce and critically evaluate a multitude of ideas and select the most appropriate solution.
• Demonstrate the ability to independently conduct and manage the creative process in order to produce imaginative/innovative and problem-solving ideas.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9

• Show an understanding of the positive role that individuals can play in the social and creative knowledge-creation process and make positive contributions in this context.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10

• Demonstrate the ability to draw on a number of presentation formats (multimedia, text, etc.) to clearly articulate concepts and artistic expression.
• Verbally present ideas/concepts and engage in critical constructive dialogue with others in defence of these ideas/concepts.
• Produce logical arguments in the field of Drawing and related subjects by means of academic writing that complies with academic standards and protocol.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11

• Produce a professional online presence and a professional exhibition.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 12

• Explain the commercial possibilities of drawing practice.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 13

• Demonstrate the ability to independently conduct and manage the creative process in order to produce imaginative/innovative and problem-solving ideas.

Integrated Assessment

Formative assessments

Continuous feedback and critique throughout the year on assessment events, e.g. presentations, essays and research proposals. The number of formal formative assessments is dependent on the number of credits assigned to a specific subject (see subject guide).

Summative assessment

The final assessment using portfolios and examinations (in specific subjects) takes place throughout the year to demonstrate the skills and knowledge that learners have gained.