Module 'GENERAL MODULE'

GENERAL MODULE

I. General theoretical subjects
• Professional English, 2 ECTS
• Written and Oral communication in Estonian, 5 ECTS.
• Art history, 7 ECTS
• Philosophy, 6 ECTS
• Protection of intellectual property 2 ECTS

II. General practical subjects
• Drawing, 12 ECTS
• Painting, 6 ECTS
• General composition, 2 ECTS
• Colour studies, 2 ECTS
• Sculpture 2 ECTS
• Three-dimensional composition, 2 ECTS
• Art Geometry, 2 ECTS
• Computer graphics, 2 ECTS
• The basics of photography and video, 2 ECTS



GENERAL MODULE

I. General theoretical subjects

Professional English, 2 ECTS

Objective
Upon completion of the course, students will be able to communicate in everyday situations and participate in discussions in English, read and summarise texts.

Description and topics
• General art-related vocabulary;
• Work with texts;
• Giving art-related presentations;
• Conversation and discussions on a variety of topics.

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students will
• have developed their English language skills;
• have acquired the basic skills for preparing and presenting a short oral presentation in English on an art-related topic;
• have acquired the English grammar and vocabulary corresponding to the level B1/B2 of the language skills scale designed by the Council of Europe;
• will be able to read and summarise both orally and in writing professional and art related texts at an appropriate level;
• be able to communicate in English.


WRITTEN AND ORAL COMMUNICATION IN ESTONIAN, 5 ECTS


The objective is to develop systematic oral and writing skills, provide knowledge for compiling acadamic written texts, and to defend them in public.


Written and Oral Communication in Estonian I, 2 ECTS

Description and topics
• Different types of written texts and the requirements for academic writing;
• Ways and methods for finding information;
• Practical exercises for consolidation.

Learning outcomes
Upon completion of the course, students will
• be familiar with various types of written texts;
• know how to compile academic and commercial texts;
• comprehend the strategy, structure and order of the text;
• understand the specifics of compiling academic texts; know how to refer to other authors, and compile the list of references;
• be familiar with search engines and have practical skills of finding speciality-related information;
• be able to express their ideas logically.


Written and Oral Communication In Estonian II, 2 ECTS

Description and topics
• WORD. Native word. Quote word. Foreign influences.
• Choice of words: avoiding repetition, bureaucratic jargon, officialise.
• Spoken and written language.
• Word in writing and speaking. Normative language.
• Practical ortography (capitalization, compounding rules, orthographic nuances, numerals, abbreviations).
• SENTENCE. Word order. Coordination and ellipsis.
• Incorporation of sentences into a coherent text.
• Conjunctions and punctuation as part of semiotics.
• TEXT: composition. Creative writing. Consumer-oriented text. Academic text.
• Cooperation with academics of other specialities with regard to writing consumer-related texts (product introduction, project formulation, etc.).
• Integration with other subjects through text (art history, philosophy, linguistic analysis of written texts).
• Cooperation with students in editing texts, in case of need.
• Comparison of oral and written texts. Linguistic and stylistic editing.

Learning outcomes
Upon completion of the course, students will
• have systematically studied written and oral communication;
• have improved their orthography;
• be able to compile speciality-related and consumer-oriented texts that have a logical structure, an appropriate style and the correct language;
• avoid repetition and logical mistakes;
• be informed about and can use language resources.



Written and Oral Communication in Estonian III, 1 ECTS

Description and topics
• Thesis requirements, the principles of the thesis choice and evaluation;
• Introduction to various speciality databases;
• Preparation of the first draft of the thesis.

Learning outcomes
Upon completion of the course, students will
• be familiar with the requirements for drawing up and formatting written academic texts;
• be able to choose a research topic, find theoretical source materials, formulate research questions and objectives;
• differentiate between qualitative and quantitative research methods and be able to select an appropriate method for their research;
• be able to refer to the sources used, cite materials, format the list of references and appendices of the research paper according to the requirements;
• be familiar with main principles of public speaking and be able to justify their choices in a rational, logical and clear manner.



ART HISTORY, 7 ECTC

The objective is to provide general knowledge about historical aspects, nature and various trends of art history.

Art History I, 2 ECTS 1st semester, differentiated assessment

Description and topics
• Rediscovering the Antique and (Neo) Classicism in Europe.
• Different forms of Romanticism.
• The Baltic-German art culture in Estonia during the 17th and 18th centuries.
• French art in the 19th century.
• Art in Great Britain in the 19th century.
• Impressionism and Post-Impressionism.
• Art Nouveau, Symbolism, Romantic Nationalism.
• German Expressionism. Fauvism. Cubism.
• Geometric and Lyrical Abstractionism.
• Futurism, Dada, Surrealism.
• Estonian art in the first half of the 20th century.

Learning outcomes
Upon completion of the course, students will
• have an overview of the Estonian art culture, its versatility and trends.
• comprehend the most important social and cultural processes influencing artistic creation.
• be able to discuss the architecture and visual arts, and compare the Western and Estonian art.
• have an overview of the classics of modernism
• have acquired a certain amount of knowledge related to art history.
• be able to find and work with speciality-related literature, interpret and define visual material.


Art History II 2ECTS, 2nd semester, differentiated assessment

• Developments in art during the post-World War II period.
• Abstract developments in America and Europe.
• Figurative art during the post-World War II period.
• From Pop Art to Hyperrealism.
• Defining art in the 1960s: Minimalism, Conceptualism, Post-Minimalism.
• Body art and action painting.
• Art developments in Estonia during the post-World War II period.

Learning outcomes
Upon completion of the course, students will
• be familiar with the changes in art from the 1940s to 1980s;
• be familiar with significant artistic movements during this period;
• be able to identify the greatest art movements and artists by observation;
• be able to relate the art pieces created during the post-World War II period to social, historical and cultural developments in the society;
• be aware of the diversity of the types of visual art and the reasons for that during the first half of the 20th century;
• be able to relate the developments of Estonian art during the recent history to art developments in the world.


Art History III, 2 ECTS, 3rd semester, differentiated assessment

Description and topics
• Postmodernism
• Transavantgarde
• New media in art
• Art in the 21th century
• Defining contemporary art
• Mechanisms of the contemporary art world
• Sources and developments of Estonian contemporary art

Learning outcomes
Upon completion of the course, students will
• be aware of the changes and developments in the art world from postmodernism to nowadays;
• be familiar with the significant art developments during this period and be able to identify the greatest art movements and artists by observation;
• be able to relate contemporary art pieces to social, historical and cultural developments in the society;
• be aware of the versatility of the art (historical) movements in modern art and of different interpretations;
• be aware of mechanisms of the contemporary art world.


Art History IV. Basics of Folk Art I, 1 ECTS, 1st semester, non-differentiated assessment
Description
• Concept and nature of folk art.
• Historical, social and environmental factors influencing folk art.
• Architecture. Dwelling furnishing. Consumer articles and tools.
• Traditional peasant clothing, the definition of a folk costume, factors influencing the development of clothing, clothing as a social sign, clothing traditions.
• Folk art as a source of inspiration today.
.
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of the course, students will
• have an overview of factors influencing folk art;
• have an overview of different aspects of Estonian folk art;
• be familiar with the regional characteristics, symbolics, different techniques and materials of Estonian folk costumes, jewellery and consumer items;
• be prepared for creative development of Estonian folk art in the contemporary social and cultural environment.

PHILOSOPHY, 6 ECTC

The objective is to acquire traditional principles of philosophy along with their development and to understand the relation between philosophical questions and cultural reality.

Philosophy I, 2 ECTS, 3rd semester, differentiated assessment

Description and topics
• The definition and aims of philosophy, philosophical questions
• Sub-fields of philosophy
• Development of philosophy (Thales, Parmenides)
• The societal role of philosophy (sophists, Socrates)
• Division of philosophy (Plato and Aristotle)
• The Good Life Philosophy (Stoics, Epicuros)
• Aesthetic questions in ancient philosophy
• Sources and influences of Neo-Platonism
• Main issues of medieval philosophy
• Medieval philosophy in art

Learning outcomes
Upon completion of the course, students will
• be aware of the most important aspects of the development of philosophy from the ancient times to the medieval period;
• know the sub-fields of philosophy;
• be aware of the multidisciplinary importance of philosophy;
• be able to analyse the importance of some of the early philosophical questions regarding the modern society and art.

Philosophy II, 2 ECTS, 4th semester, differentiated assessment


Description and topics
• Main questions in Western philosophy
• The Renaissance and the developments of philosophy
• Political philosophy in the modern era
• Rationalism and empiricism
• Scientific worldview and philosophy
• The Age of Enlightenment
• Immanuel Kant
• Kant’s Aesthetic theory
• Utilitarianism
• Ethical theories

Learning outcomes
Upon completion of the course, students will
• be aware of the main developments in the philosophy of the modern era and ;
• be aware of the role of philosophy in the development of the scientific worldview;
• relate philosophy with the developments of art and society in the modern era;
• analyse contemporary (art) issues in the context of different theories of ethics.


Philosophy III, 2 ECTS, 5th semester, differentiated assessment


Description and topics
• Modernism
• Idealism, Marxism, Positivism
• The developments of the Philosophy of Life to existentialism
• Psychoanalysis in philosophy and art
• Important movements in the 20th century philosophy (from phenomenology to the philosophy of mind)
• The role of art philosophy in the 20th century (Danto), antiphilosophy (Groys)
• The developments of postmodern philosophy (from feminism to poststructuralism)
• Argumentation methods
• Philosophical reading and writing

Learning outcomes
Upon completion of the course, students will:
• be aware of the main philosophical movements during the 19th and 20th centuries;
• be aware of the influence of philosophy on culture and art;
• know the important developments in modern aesthetics and be able to apply them in the analysis of art pieces;
• be able to apply some of the argumentation methods;
• be able to read (art) philosophical texts


PROTECTION OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, 2 ECTS

The objective is to provide an overview of the definition and essence of the protection of intellectual property, and of the related legislation

Description and topics
• The definition and essence of intellectual property
• Copyright
• Author’s contract and licence agreement
• The rights deriving from copyright
• Industrial property
• Trade marks
• Industrial design
• Invention and the utility model
• Exercising intellectual property rights and its legal protection

Learning outcomes
Upon completion of the course, students will
• be aware of the types of intellectual property and the theoretical basis of intellectual property rights;
• comprehend the meaning, content and legislation of copyright;
• be aware of the types of industrial property (trade marks, designs, inventions);
• be aware of the industrial property rights and its legal protection.



II. General practical subjects

DRAWING, 12 ECTS

The objective is to offer drawing options for visual communication and tools for completing different assignments.


Drawing I, 3 ECTS, 1st semester, differentiated assessment (by a committee)
Description
• Geometrical forms and still-life
• Structure and composition
• Proportions and size
• Light and shadow
• Rules of perspective
• Different materials, facture and texture
• Sketches of objects


Learning outcomes
Upon completion of the course, students will
• be familiar with and can apply the compositional principles of a drawing;
• be able to depict geometrical forms, objects and still-lifes taking into account the shape, size and material of objects;
• be able to convey proportion, form and perspective as adequately as possible through the use of light and shadow and considering integrity (distinction between essential/non-essential);
• capture the nature of the visualised object (short-term sketches);
• know how to use graphite pencils of different grades and other graphic materials (charcoal, sanguine, pastel, sepia)

Drawing II, 3 ECTS, 2nd semester, differentiated assessment (by a committee)
Description
• Wire head, plaster cast angular head, plaster cast head and human head.
• Hands and feet.
• Objects and settings
• Light/shadow and lightness/darkness.
• Rules of anatomy, proportion and perspective.
• Sketching.
• Drawing techniques and materials.

Learning outcomes
Upon completion of the course, students will
• be able to compose a plaster cast angular head and a wire head
• be able to draw a plaster cast and human head, hands and feet in compliance with the rules of proportion and anatomy;
• be able to convey form as adequately as possible through the use of light and shadow and taking into account integrity (distinction between the essential/non-essential);
• be familiar with the principles of using rules of perspective;
• capture quickly the characteristic pose of a figure in sketching;
• know how to use graphite pencils in different grades and other drawing media (charcoal, sanguine, pastel, sepia), and employ different drawing techniques


Drawing III 3 ECTS III semester, differentiated assessment (by a committee)
Description
• Portrait.
• Human torso and figure.
• Composing the picture surface
• Form/light/shadow.
• Rules of anatomy, proportion and perspective.
• Sketching.
• Drawing techniques and materials.

Learning outcomes
Upon completion of the course, students will
• be able to draw a portrait and a figure in compliance with the rules of proportion and anatomy of the human head and body;
• be able to convey the characteristic features of the model
• be familiar with the general structural principles of the human skeleton and torso;
• be able to convey form through light/shadow and perspective;
• capture quickly the characteristic pose when sketching a figure;
• be able to compose the picture surface, be familiar with and know how to apply the rules of perspective;
• use graphite pencils in different grades and other drawing media (charcoal, sanguine, pastel, sepia) and employ different drawing techniques.


Drawing IV. Figure 3 ECTS IV semester, differentiated assessment (by a committee)
Description
• Figure and nude.
• Rules of anatomy and proportion.
• Light/shadow and lightness/darkness.
• Perspective. Space.
• Sketching.
• Drawing techniques and materials.
• Creative tasks.


Learning outcomes
Upon completion of the course, students will
• be able to depict a human figure and nude in compliance with the rules of proportion and anatomy of the human body:
• be able to convey form through the use of light/shadow;
• apply the rules of perspective when depicting space and the human figure;
• use graphite pencils in different grades and other drawing media (charcoal, sanguine, pastel, sepia) and employ different drawing techniques;
• be able to capture quickly the characteristic poses of a human figure when sketching
• combine the rules of drawing from a life model with the elements of free drawing



PAINTING 6 ECTS

The objective is to provide a practical painting experience, with a purpose to creatively express oneself and one’s ideas by using painting techniques.


Painting I 3ECTS II semester, differentiated assessment

Description and topics
• Different techniques and base materials.
• Objects and settings.
• Form, space, structure, texture
• Colouring, colour contrast and balances. Interaction between colours.
• Light and shade
• Solving painting and composition problems

Learning outcomes
Upon completion of the course, students will:
• know and use different painting techniques and materials;
• have the basic practical painting skills and techniques in depicting objects, form and space;
• be able to compose the picture surface and put together a pictorial whole;
• see the relations between colours, the rules of colour contrast and know the different possibilities to use colouring.


Painting II 3ECTS III semester, differentiated assessment


Description and topics
• Watercolours and/or body colours, mixed media.
• Objects and settings, depicting people.
• Colouring, colour contrast and balances. Interaction between colours.
• Natural and artificial light.
• Abstract and realistic depiction.
• Composition possibilities, creating an independent composition.
• Expressing a creative idea.

Learning outcomes
Upon completion of the course, students will:
• be familiar with the use of different materials/painting techniques;
• be able to depict objects, settings and people in different ways;
• apply different possibilities to use colouring;
• know how to compose a picture surface, put together a pictorial whole and solve problems related to detail/generalisation;
• have some experience in using different colouring;
• comprehend the principles of changing colour tints and intensity through light;
• express their emotions and ideas through painting.



GENERAL COMPOSITION 2 ECTS

The objective is to provide basic knowledge and skills about the foundations, history and different principles of composition.

Description
• Statics and dynamics.
• Rhythm and ornament. Creating rhythm in an ornament.
• Limited and unlimited surfaces.
• Symmetry and asymmetry.
• Background.
• Density and sparseness. Accent.
• Compositional balance.
• Golden ratio.

Learning outcomes
Upon completion of the course students will
• comprehend the structural unity and the wholeness of the art piece;
• have acquired the basic knowledge, principles and manual skills of composition;
• apply the acquired working methods in expressing their ideas and carrying out assignments;
• systematically perceive the relations between surfaces, shapes and ratios;
• be able to use a line, surface, texture, form in the visualisation of their ideas
• have a better sense of style and understanding of eras through composition


COLOUR STUDIES 2 ECTS

The objective is to provide basic knowledge and skills about the foundations, history and different principles of colour studies.

Description and topics
• Work techniques and principles of creating colours;
• Relations between colours, balances and influences;
• Colour wheel as a system;
• Colour characteristics;
• Different contrast principles;
• Colour harmonies;
• Qualities of colours and their application;
• Colour theory.

Learning outcomes
Upon completion of the course, students will:
• have acquired the basic knowledge, principles and manual skills of colour theory;
• be able to apply colour characteristics and colour wheel as a system of producing colours;
• be able to use colours in visualising their ideas;
• apply the work techniques in performing various tasks;
• comprehend the systemic nature of colour wheel;
• be able to mix the lightness and saturation of colours and to sequence and proportion them, if necessary.


SCULPTURE 2 ECTS I semester, differentiated assessment (by a committee)

The objective is to provide the basic knowledge of how to create sculptural forms and develop creativity, spatial thinking, visual memory and imitation skills.

Description
• Modelling form in clay.
• Geometric shapes – sphere/cube/pyramid.
• Facial detail (nose/mouth/eye/ear).
• Hand/foot/head.
• Relief from a plaster mould.
• Forms in the round according to the assignment (animal, spatial monogram or similar).
• Modelling from life and/or stylisation.

Learning outcomes
Upon completion of the course, students will
• be able to mould a three-dimensional sculptural form in clay;
• be familiar with the principles of geometrication and stylisation in form abstraction;
• be able to mould objects, hands and/or feet in the round on the basis of a provided plaster cast and/or from life model;
• be able to depict a portrait and/or a self-portrait in low or high relief;
• be able to conceive and create an animal sculpture and/or (stylised) object in the round according to the assignment.


THREE-DIMENSIONAL COMPOSITION 2 ECTS


The objective is to see and understand the three-dimensionial form and to find practical ways for performing spatial ideas.

Three-Dimensional Composition 2 ECTS II semester, differentiated assessment

Description and topics
• Creating sculptural volumetric spatial objects and compositions from different materials.
• Architectonics/decorative sculpture.
• Folding, breaking, bending and cutting.
• Different technical methods depending on the materials used.
• Object in space. Open and enclosed space.
• Space composition, spatial composition, composition in space.

Learning outcomes
Upon completion of the course, students will:
• be able to create spatial-formal objects from different or/and prescribed materials;
• comprehend the essence of sculptural form and be able to visualise them;
• have developed the vision of composition harmony, spatial thinking and manual skills;
• be able to create a decorative three-dimensional form or architectonics;
• be able to express their emotions and ideas in a form and spatial shapes;
• be able to create compositions and structure space.


ART GEOMETRY 2 ECTS II semester, differentiated assessment

Objective
Students will be introduced to the history of the perception of space from the prespective of present-day geometry and will be able to apply the theoretical principles of visual geometry in their activities.

Description
• The concept of space, its perception and depiction in history and now.
• Classic descriptive geometry. Monge’s method. Parallel projection.
• The study of perspective and its different methods.

Learning outcomes
Upon completion of the course, students will:
• comprehend the history of perceiving and depicting space;
• perceive the essence of visual space based on the contemporary geometry;
• be broadly aware of the theoretical principles of depicting three-dimensional space in a horizontal plane and know how to apply this knowledge;
• have analytically and creatively developed their own space perception.


COMPUTER GRAPHICS 2 ECT I semester, differentiated assessment

Objective
Upon completion of the course, students will have the basic skills of the programs Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator.

Description
• Nature of design graphics, types of computer graphics.
• Scanning and saving.
• Colour systems (RGB and CMYK).
Vector graphics
• Tools and features of Adobe Illustrator software.
• Creating and colouring shapes.
• Modifying line thickness and structure, overdrawing bitmap images;
• Creating alignments and repetitions to produce surfaces, combining shapes (with the pathfinder tool).
Raster graphics
• Adobe Photoshop.
• Retouching and colour correction.
• Selecting, cutting objects, collage.

Learning outcomes
Upon completion of the course, students will
• be familiar with the different types of computer graphics (vector and raster graphics), most popular file formats, CMYK and RGB colour systems and resolution;
• be familiar with and know how to use the main tools of vector graphics software (Adobe Illustrator);
• be familiar with and know how to use the main tools of raster graphics software (Adobe Photoshop);


THE BASICS OF PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO 2 ECTS I semester, differentiated evaluation

The objective is to learn the application of the possibilities and different ways of visual communication related to the photography and video and to understand the essence of the surrounding environment in-depth, by using a camera.
Description
• Light, white balance (daylight, tungsten light, light in shade, mixed light, etc.).
• Movement, shutter speed, using a moving or static camera.
• Depth of field, closed or open aperture.
• Using flash.
• Introduction into reproduction, lighting the object to be reproduced, using Photoshop.
• Composition, structure, space, perspective, light/time/sensitivity of a photo.
• Various practical and technical creative assignments.
• Basic knowledge of making a video with a camera.
• The introduction to the advantages of a video regime and video processing programs.

Learning outcomes
Upon completion of the course, students will
• be familiar with the use of a camera and photographic means of expression;
• apply the basic photographic knowledge of composition/structure, space/perspective, light/time/sensitivity according to the objective of the photo;
• apply the aforementioned knowledge in photographing landscapes, interiors, movement and objects;
• be able to convey their ideas through photos and take photos of their works;
• be able to record their professional works by using the camera’s video regime;
• be familiar with the video processing programs.