This course examines dialogues between objects, making and meaning in craft practice. It proceeds from the assumption that while much craft practice may be medium and use-specific, its products can be most usefully examined across a range of inter-disciplinary contexts. The course will therefore focus on a series of texts drawn from material culture, archaeology, literature, history and philosophy while also examining the role of craft and making in relation to current art practice.



At the completion of this course, students should be able to:

1. Identify key issues in contemporary craft practice 

2. analyse objects/artworks from differing contextual perspectives

3. connect theories of making to own research interests

4. identify and evaluate a range of implications of making

1. Online Contribution: 30% (all semester, assessed week 15) equiv of 1000 wds [1, 4]

2. Audiovisual presentation: 20% (due during intensive workshop, mid semester) 1000 wd script [2, 3, 4]

3. Research essay:50% (due week 15) 3000 wds [LO 1, 2, 3, 4]

Two x 7hr days on campus, 1-2 hrs a week online interaction and 6 hours a week of reading and independent research.

nil

No required skills required.

A Theory of Craft: function and aesthetic expression, Howard Risatti and Kenneth R. Trapp, University of North Carolina Press, 2009.

Students will need access to computers and internet connection - preferably broadband - to access the course website.