First year courses
FIN1001W Studiowork 1
Course description
HEQF credits: 72 at level 5.
Compulsory whole-year course.Course code
FIN1001W
Course convenor(s)
Dr S Huigen-Conradie
Course outline
Drawing, two and three-dimensional problem-solving. Projects incorporating: figure-drawing, object-drawing, use of different drawing materials, working procedures and processes, colour theory and its application in painting, three-dimensional work in clay, plaster, cardboard and wood; introduction to the disciplines of New Media, Printmaking and Photography as well as the development of visual research methodologies.
Entrance requirements
This course is open only to students registered for BA(FA).
Lecture times
Monday to Friday, 09h00 to 17h00.
Dp requirements
At least 80% attendance of studio classes and critiques, satisfactory completion of all projects.
Assessment
Mid-year coursework examination 45%, year-end coursework examination 45%, attendance & participation 10%.
FIN1005W Fine Art Foundation
Course description
HEQF credits: 36 at level 5.
Compulsory whole-year course.
Course code
FIN1005W
Course convenor(s)
Dr S Mguni
Course outline
The course introduces creative thinking and critical and visual literacy, paying attention to academic reading and writing and communication skills. Case studies will be used to introduce core concepts, issues, theories and approaches to knowledge-construction. The common theme will be "representation and display" and the ways in which this reflects power, politics, gender and identity. Students will be introduced to both African and other comparative examples. This course aims to enable students to articulate and contextualise their own creative production. Visualisation and visual retention will be stressed. Fieldwork in the form of gallery visits introduces art criticism and reporting.
Entrance requirements
This course is open only to students registered for BA(FA).
Lecture times
Tuesday and Thursday, 12h00 to 13h30.
Dp requirements
At least 80% attendance of tutorials, 80% of weekly assignments and satisfactory completion of 1 essay assignment per semester.
Assessment
Semester coursework 70%, 2-hour examination in November 30%.
Second year courses
FIN2011W Painting 2
Course description
HEQF credits: 24 at level 6.
Optional whole-year course.Course code
FIN2011W
Course convenor(s)
G Van Der Byl
Course outline
This course provides a broad exposure to a range of painting techniques including acrylic and oil. Projects emphasise mimetic skills, the development of colour and composition, and painting in the expanded field. The course demands a conceptual engagement with contemporary painting and the genres of landscape, narrative and still life are critically addressed.
Entrance requirements
FIN1001W Studiowork 1. Due to the nature of the discipline, spatial and technical limitations and Health and Safety legislation, student numbers will be limited and students’ results will be taken into consideration.
Lecture times
Monday to Friday, 09h00 to 17h00
Dp requirements
At least 80% attendance of studio classes and critiques, satisfactory completion of all projects.
Assessment
Mid-year coursework examination 45%, year-end coursework examination 45%, attendance & participation 10%.
FIN2012W Sculpture 2
Course description
HEQF credits: 24 at level 6.
Optional whole-year course.Course code
FIN2012W
Course convenor(s)
Associate Professor J van der Schijff
Course outline
This course introduces the theory and practice of conventional sculpture techniques as well as contemporary forms of three-dimensional construction, emphasising the development of concepts in relation to particular skills. Projects include: metalwork; modelling and the casting of multiples; woodwork.
Entrance requirements
FIN1001W Studiowork 1. Due to the nature of the discipline, spatial and technical limitations and Health and Safety legislation, student numbers will be limited and students’ results will be taken into consideration.
Lecture times
Monday to Friday, 09h00 to 17h00
Dp requirements
At least 80% attendance of studio classes and critiques, satisfactory completion of all projects.
Assessment
Mid-year coursework examination 45%, year-end coursework examination 45%, attendance & participation 10%.
FIN2013W Photography 2
Course description
HEQF credits: 24 at level 6.
Optional whole-year course.Course code
FIN2013W
Course convenor(s)
Associate Professor J Brundrit
Course outline
This course introduces the theory and practice of photography. Technical, conceptual and critical skills are taught through specific problem-solving projects. Students are encouraged to refer to relevant contemporary and historical practice and theory to inform their work. This course may include an introduction to portraiture, documentary and narrative photography, street photography, and related topics such as ethics and voyeurism. A number of technical skills are taught including colour and black and white photography; digital and camera skills; artificial and low-light photography; and basic digital image manipulation for print.
Entrance requirements
FIN1001W Studiowork 1
Lecture times
Monday to Friday, 09h00 to 17h00
Dp requirements
At least 80% attendance of studio classes and critiques, satisfactory completion of all projects.
Assessment
Mid-year coursework examination 45%, year-end coursework examination 45%, attendance & participation 10%.
FIN2024W Printmedia 2
Course description
HEQF credits: 24 at level 6.
Optional whole-year course.Course code
FIN2024W
Course convenor(s)
Associate Professor F Langerman
Course outline
This course introduces the theory and practice of printmaking and projects demand a conceptual engagement with both the historical and contemporary aspects of the discipline. Processes include intaglio, relief and lithographic techniques as well as book arts. Students are introduced to aspects of printmaking such as editioning, paper care, print collections and the traditions of the print studio.
Entrance requirements
FIN1001W Studiowork 1. Due to the nature of the discipline, spatial and technical limitations and Health and Safety legislation, student numbers will be limited and students’ results will be taken into consideration.
Lecture times
Monday to Friday, 09h00 to 17h00.
Dp requirements
At least 80% attendance of studio classes and critiques, satisfactory completion of all projects.
Assessment
Mid-year coursework examination 45%, year-end coursework examination 45%, attendance & participation 10%.
FIN2026W Core Practice 2
Course description
HEQF credits: 36 at level 6.
Compulsory whole-year course.Course code
FIN2026W
Course convenor(s)
G Van Der Byl
Course outline
This course is divided into four thematic projects. Within these sessions traditional, exploratory and contemporary approaches to drawing will be presented as well as an introduction to digital technologies. The focus is on developing observational, perceptual and formal sensitivity as well as encouraging creative and conceptual approaches to production through both drawing and digital means. The development of visual research methodology is emphasised.
Entrance requirements
FIN1001W Studiowork 1
Lecture times
Monday to Friday, 09h00 to 17h00
Dp requirements
At least 80% attendance of studio classes and critiques, satisfactory completion of all projects.
Assessment
Mid-year coursework examination 40%, year-end coursework examination 40%. 20% year mark derived from the visual research book.
Third year courses
FIN3011W Painting 3
Course description
HEQF credits: 60 at level 7.
Optional whole-year course.Course code
FIN3011W
Course convenor(s)
F Saptouw
Course outline
First semester: Surface and medium are key components in the generation of meaning in contemporary painting. Students are expected to explore historical precedents from 20th century modernism and postmodernism and to create works where the implications of surface and materiality in painting are primary. Students are required to expand the range of painting medium and consider using substances that might function as alternatives to paint, thereby expanding the range of paint beyond that which is commercially available. Traditional supports may be used or alternatives considered. Scale and format are also examined to encourage students to move beyond the conventions of the rectangle. After immersion into alternative media students are then engaged in ideas generation and conceptual responses to painting. Historically rooted in modernist minimalism and conceptualism, process work is key here. Second semester: Utilising the ideas and methods generated in the first semester students move into a self-motivated development of their own work conceived within the terrain of contemporary painting.
Entrance requirements
FIN2011W Painting 2. Due to the nature of the discipline, spatial and technical limitations and Health and Safety legislation, student numbers will be limited and students’ results will be taken into consideration.
Lecture times
Monday to Friday, 09h00 to 17h00.
Dp requirements
At least 80% attendance of studio classes and critiques, satisfactory completion of all projects.
Assessment
Mid-year coursework examination 40%, year-end coursework examination 50%, attendance & participation 10%.
FIN3012W Sculpture 3
Course description
HEQF credits: 60 at level 7.
Optional whole-year course.Course code
FIN3012W
Course convenor(s)
Associate Professor J van der Schijff
Course outline
During the first semester advanced sculpture techniques are introduced, building on the technical, conceptual and critical skills learnt during the second year of study. These include bronze casting and contemporary three-dimensional art forms such as site-specific installation. In the second semester, students are required to work on a self-motivated project, drawing on ideas and methods developed in earlier projects to produce a coherent body of work. Students are encouraged to continue to explore relevant contemporary theory and practice, as well as historical examples to inform their practice.
Entrance requirements
FIN2012W Sculpture 2. Due to the nature of the discipline, spatial and technical limitations and Health and Safety legislation, student numbers will be limited and students’ results will be taken into consideration.
Lecture times
Monday to Friday, 09h00 to 17h00.
Dp requirements
At least 80% attendance of studio classes and critiques, satisfactory completion of all projects.
Assessment
Mid-year coursework examination 40%, year-end coursework examination 50%, attendance & participation 10%.
FIN3013W Photography 3
Course description
HEQF credits: 60 at level 7.
Optional whole-year course.Course code
FIN3013W
Course convenor(s)
Associate Professor S Josephy
Course outline
This is an advanced course on the theory and practice of photography. It builds on the technical, conceptual and critical skills learnt during the second year of study. Projects encourage an exploration of the medium and emphasise the generation of ideas. Students are exposed to studio and advanced photographic lighting techniques, various format cameras and postproduction skills through specific problem solving projects. During the second semester students work on a selfmotivated project, which draws upon their previous photographic knowledge and further develops personal expression and critical understanding. Students are encouraged to explore relevant contemporary practice and theory, as well as historical examples to inform their practice. Fieldwork introduces new technology and methodology as well as conceptual thinking in alternative environments.
Entrance requirements
FIN2013W Photography 2. Due to the nature of the discipline, spatial and technical limitations and Health and Safety legislation, student numbers will be limited and students’ results will be taken into consideration.
Lecture times
Monday to Friday, 09h00 to 17h00.
Dp requirements
At least 80% attendance of studio classes and critiques, satisfactory completion of all projects.
Assessment
Mid-year coursework examination 40%, year-end coursework examination 50%, attendance & participation 10%.
FIN3024W Printmedia 3
Course description
HEQF credits: 60 at level 7.
Optional whole-year course.Course code
FIN3024W
Course convenor(s)
Dr S Huigen-Conradie
Course outline
Advanced printmaking techniques are introduced in the first semester. These include photomechanical print technologies: lithography and screen printing; colour printing; digital applications used in the production of books; curatorship; catalogue and exhibition design. Conceptual emphasis is on the expansion of notions of print. Ideas generated and technologies learned in the first semester are used toward a self-motivated area of study in the second semester. Fieldwork introduces industrial methodology and processing techniques.
Entrance requirements
FIN2024W Printmedia 2. Due to the nature of the discipline, spatial and technical limitations and Health and Safety legislation, student numbers will be limited and students’ results will be taken into consideration.
Lecture times
Monday to Friday, 09h00 to 17h00
Dp requirements
At least 80% attendance of studio classes and critiques, satisfactory completion of all projects.
Assessment
Mid-year coursework examination 40%, year-end coursework examination 50%, attendance & participation 10%.
FIN3030W Studiowork 3 Electives
Course description
36 NQF credits at HEQSF level 7
Compulsory (core) whole-year course. Students are required to choose two electives from the following options (in some years, not all options will be available): Videography, Animation and motion graphics, Curatorship, Lithography and screen-printing, Computer aided design, Social responsibility, Physical computing, Historical photographic processes and Environmental Interventions.
Course code
FIN3030W
Course convenor(s)
Professor B Searle
Course outline
This course exposes students to alternative forms of art production outside of their major studio work areas. Contemporary in orientation, the various sub-courses will familiarise students with developments in digital image production, video editing and computer aided design as well as social responsiveness and curatorship. A strong creative relationship to other studio work options will be sought. Fieldwork introduces new technologies and methodologies as well as industrial applications of computer design and manufacturing techniques.
Entrance requirements
FIN2026W and two of FIN2011W, FIN2012W, FIN2013W, FIN2024W, FIN2025W
Dp requirements
At least 80% attendance of studio classes and critiques, satisfactory completion of all projects.
Assessment
Mid-year coursework examination 50%, year-end coursework examination 50%.
Fourth year courses
FIN4012W Theory and Practice of Art
Course description
48 NQF credits at HEQSF level 8
Course code
FIN4012W
Course convenor(s)
Associate Professor Kurt Campbell
Course outline
This course examines the place of the artist in contemporary society and the skills and tools (both practical and theoretical) that may be needed to traverse this terrain. Through the course students will be exposed to the conventions of professional art practice; examine the relationship between theory and practice; look at how the current internal art world is structured and discuss the economics and ethics of art production both globally and locally. They will learn to write catalogue essays and design exhibition catalogues.
Entrance requirements
FIN2027F, FIN2028S and a pass in both Studiowork 3 courses.
Lecture times
Wednesday, 3rd and 4th period
Dp requirements
The submission of satisfactory assignments and satisfactory participation in the work of the class
Assessment
Research essay on a South African artist: 30%; Catalogue of professional practice: 20%; Senior theoretical essay: 50%
FIN4015W Fine Art 4
Course description
HEQF credits: 108 at level 8.
Compulsory whole-year course.Course code
FIN4015W
Course convenor(s)
Associate Professor Svea Josephy
Course outline
This course is self-motivated study and research into an area of contemporary fine art practice that may include painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography or the expanded field of contemporary art, including Interdisciplinarity. Familiarisation with the historical and contemporary trajectories of the chosen practice is emphasised, as are display and exhibition methodologies. Students work towards an exhibition or other realisation presented at the end of the year. Students work in consultation with supervisors and peers in a studio-based learning student-centered model.
Entrance requirements
Both FIN3000 level third-year Studiowork courses.
Lecture times
Monday to Friday, 09h00 to 17h00
Dp requirements
Satisfactory presentation of coursework at mid-year assessment, at least 80% attendance of studio classes and critiques.
Assessment
Year-end coursework examination 100%
Postgraduate courses
FIN5008W Postgraduate Diploma in Fine Art
Course description
The Postgraduate Diploma in Fine Art offers a coherent, graduate study path for artists and teachers who have Fine Art degrees and wish to upgrade their academic status, or those who have not yet acquired degree status, but who hold recognised diplomas in aspects of the visual arts.
This programme develops practical skills and conceptual thinking in fine art practice. Students work within a studio of senior students and develop a practical proposal of choice. This culminates in a professional exhibition at the end of the year of study that demonstrates a sound understanding of contemporary practice.
The submission is accompanied by a visual catalogue with an introductory essay. A weekly reading group introduces core readings and critical issues.
Applicants must submit the following:
(a) A portfolio of recent work on CD in PDF format not exceeding 10MB file size;
(c) A statement of motivation that outlines a research project for the year (500 -1000 words).
a) Portfolio:
The portfolio must represent a recent body of work or a previous body of work that gives the higher degrees committee an indication of the direction you wish to pursue while registered. This work, including your name, title of each work and medium used, must be submitted in PDF format on a CD not exceeding 10MB file size. Please check that your CD is working and is formatted to be read on all computers (MAC and PC)
Course code
FIN5008W
Course outline
The diploma programme provides a framework for a one-year course of practical creative study, technical study or materials research in a chosen discipline, process or medium. The Michaelis School of Fine Art will appoint a supervisor for each candidate enrolled in the programme.
Assessment:
- Students enrolled in the programme will offer for examination an exhibition of creative work at the end of the academic year in which they wish to graduate. This creative work must have been completed during the period of registration and must not have been exhibited prior to examination. In the event that the work is exhibited publicly after the successful completion of the diploma, acknowledgement must be made to the School and the University.
- See also: Michaelis School of Fine Art, “Guidelines for the documentation of practical work”.
- The Postgraduate Diploma in Art may be awarded with Distinction, or at the level of a Pass. No re-submission is possible in the event of a Fail.
Entrance requirements
- Faculty requirements are set out under Rule FG3.
- Programme requirements:
Admission to the Postgraduate Diploma in Fine Art is subject to the submission and acceptance of a portfolio of recent creative work and the availability of appropriate teaching staff and studio space. Acceptance is on the recommendation of the Head of Department. - The deadline for receipt of these application materials is 31 October each year. Late applications may be considered at the discretion of the School
FIN4061S Local issues in curatorship
Course description
HEQF credits: 24 at level 8.
Elective course.Course code
FIN4061S
Course convenor(s)
Associate Professor Goerge Mahashe
Course outline
In this course, students will focus on developing their insight into the local and contemporary issues impacting curatorial practice, and specifically the way in which the colonial legacy of South Africa continue to affect this practice. At the heart of this investigation are the three areas of “care”, “visibility” and “embodiment”. These notions speak to the task of local curators in relation to justice and restoration, latent collections and absence, as well as public vs. private space, ownership and agency. In order to address these issues, students will critically engage with existing material in the University of Cape Town, IZIKO, and city collections; and draw on current events and developments in the local context. With this focus on local issues, students will be required to conceptualise the specific relationship between the museum and its publics in a way that is embedded in and speaks to the South African and African context. Students will further be challenged to imagine ways in which imaginative curatorship of historical material might serve to challenge existing hierarchies and knowledge production. Field trips will be organised with on-site discussions about current exhibitions and displays.
Entrance requirements
Acceptance into the Honours in Curatorship programme.
Lecture times
First semester course in 2018.
FIN4060S Virtual Display
Course description
HEQF credits: 24 at level 8.
Elective course.Course code
FIN4060S
Course convenor(s)
Fabian Saptouw
Course outline
In this course, students will be required to translate their Research Project into the virtual domain. They will need to take into account not only the context of this space, but also the objects/artworks discussed or exhibited as part of their research, investigating different taxonomies and displays, as well as various possible approaches to interpretation. A historical overview of the virtual (from the panorama and diorama to current artistic and curatorial practices in the virtual realm) will be paired with practical and successful strategies of artists, curators and gallerists using social networking as a tool for increasing global visibility and community outreach. The elective will result in the translation of the research project in multiple online curatorial platforms. Training and support will be provided by a developer who will facilitate online exhibitions.
Entrance requirements
Acceptance into the Honours in Curatorship programme.
Lecture times
1 double seminar per week x 10 (second semester)
FIN4059F Working with Collections
Course description
HEQF credits: 24 at level 8.
Elective course.Course code
FIN4059F
Course convenor(s)
Dr Siyakha Mguni
Course outline
This course explores museum collections as resources for research, interpretation and exhibition. To be an effective curator of a collection requires a broad, holistic understanding of the collection, including its historical, social, aesthetic and scientific contexts. A curator also needs to acquire specialized knowledge to unlock the research and educational potential of the collection, and make it accessible to broad audiences through exhibitions and public programmes. The focus of the course is interdisciplinary and outcomes include: ability to apply research methodology in interpreting and representing museum objects, tracing provenance and significance of collections; understanding of the relationship between the tangible and intangible aspects of collections, and hands-on experience of working with museum collections. Museum and site visits provide the basis for critical engagement with collections and curators. The course also introduces students to the ethical considerations and challenges that are presented by different objects in museum collections.
Entrance requirements
Acceptance into the Honours in Curatorship programme.
Lecture times
Second semester in 2018.
FIN4056F Critical Thinking in Curatorship
Course description
HEQF credits: 24 at level 8.
Compulsory course.Course code
FIN4056F
Course convenor(s)
Associate Professor George Mahashe
Course outline
The first part of this course will introduce students to critical practice around curatorship, and interrogate the meaning of the term in different spaces and contexts. Students will be exposed to institutional and independent curatorial practices, as well as to the practicalities of mounting critical curatorial programmes. The course will also examine the responsibilities of the curator to the public with a strong focus on African issues and communities. In the second part of this course, students will deepen their critical understanding of the various intellectual frameworks that inform curatorship practices. Special attention will be given to contemporary artists and curators who have engaged beyond the museum, as well as critical texts on these works. Imaginative approaches to the curatorial, and strategies of rendering ideas public will be examined through specific local and foreign case studies.
Entrance requirements
Acceptance into the Honours in Curatorship programme.
Lecture times
1 double seminar per week x 10 (first semester)
FIN4050W Curatorship Research Essay/Project
Course description
HEQF credits: 108 at level 8.
Compulsory whole-year course.Course code
FIN4015W
Course convenor(s)
Associate Professor George Mahashe
Course outline
An appropriate research paper of approximately 15,000 words in length, or project with catalogue, chosen in consultation with the convener of the Art Historical Studies Honours programme OR the Curatorship Honours programme. Draft chapters of the research essay must be submitted by stipulated dates and the completed project must be submitted by no later than 30 October (Curatorship – 28 October).
Entrance requirements
A FIN3000W third-year studiowork course
Lecture times
Monday to Friday, 09h00 to 17h00
Dp requirements
Satisfactory presentation of coursework at mid-year assessment, at least 80% attendance of studio classes and critiques.
Assessment
Year-end coursework examination 100%