Title: Art and Psyche: Maps and Models
Credits: 20 credits across the full academic year
read more »Art and Psyche: Maps and Models. At the outset, this module provides the context for the creative imagination and its origins. It introduces ‘maps’ and ‘models’ of psyche using methods of experiential learning together with theoretical paradigms of interpretations. It critically considers mythological structures (maps) such as Joseph Campbell’s monomyth and Maureen Murdock’s Heroine’s Journey in relation to personal and cultural contexts. Models of the Psyche from the depth psychological tradition (with emphasis on analytical psychology) are introduced and applied using experiential learning, and evaluated through critical reflection in light of contemporary developments in the field. Here, an understanding of the nature of the psyche provides a foundation for personal development and change, but also for the application of theory to the broader sociocultural sphere and in light of contemporary social and cultural problematics. In this context the arts, with emphasis on the visual arts, are used as case studies, of where depth psychology can be used as an interpretative paradigm for the creative, especially visual arts. This module depends on a range of guest lecturers, including the possibility of international notables in the field
Assessment: Creative & Reflective Journal; Online Contributions as etivity-based discussion forum; Presentation and an Essay.
Title: Professional Portfolio: Reflective and Reflexive Strategies
Credits: 5 credits across the first semester
read more »Professional Portfolio: Reflective and Reflexive Strategies supports students in developing or extending a personal, professional or expressive practice centered and grounded in an exploration in the field of art, psyche and the creative imagination. This will facilitate the development of a more authentic, in-depth position as reflective practitioners, at the juncture of theory and practice. Professional identity, and developing an understanding individual voice, expression and contribution to the field is pivotal here. In tandem with experiential and praxis centered activities, students will compile a Professional Development Portfolio (PDP). This will take the form of an audio-visual and textual document, to be maintained continuously throughout the semester. As a digital archive, it will contain critical reflection on learning experiences, visual documentation of activities, extracts from reflexive journals, examples of individual engagement with the ideas, thoughts, creative and imaginative activities experienced throughout the learning journey. In Year 1, practical support for the (PDP) will include workshops in how to create photo/video stories, including skills training in photo & video, editing to create a professional and compelling portfolio of learning.
Assessment: Etivity-based discussion forum; Praxis & Digital Workshops and a Professional Development Portfolio.
Title: Research Skills: Methods
Credits: 5 credits across the second semester
read more »Research Skills: Methods introduces students to the value of research, and a range of methods applicable to the professional use of research in the areas of art, psyche and the creative imagination, and/or art therapy. These methods will equip students with effective critical, theoretical and analytical skills while also selecting appropriate methodologies as relevant to an identified research question. Students will apply selected methods as relevant to the formulation and exploration of a chosen question/hypothesis. Emphasis will be on Qualitative Research methods including e.g. Grounded Theory, Aesthetic Analysis, Hermeneutics, Phenomenology, Ethnography & Auto-Ethnography, the Reflective Practitioner, Inductive and Deductive reasoning, Case-Studies and Practice-Based Research (PRB). Conceptual frameworks as well as avant-garde methods, such as derived from Jungian Arts Based Research, are introduced and evaluated. Locating the research within relevant philosophical worldviews is also considered (such as Post-positivism, Constructivism, Transformative, Pragmatic).
Assessment: Etivity-based discussion forum, Presentation and a Methods Report.