Fine Arts

Practical Studio 1A (20 CU)
This module lays the foundation and approaches of the programme, which are divided into the areas of practical explorations and research methods.

The classes for this module are primarily workshop-based, with some weeks allocated for small group tutorials and consultations. In the workshops, tutors impart the core skills needed to train the student, which will be developed and augmented over the three years of study.  The workshops introduce a series of class-based exercises and hands-on activities designed to develop technical dexterity in the various fine art mediums.

During tutorial sessions, you will receive personal tutoring and be introduced to the varied conceptual approaches in contemporary art practice as well as the different ways of approaching research. Visual conceptualisation is valued and aims to encourage awareness of individual imaginative resources, introducing you to the principles of visual play, developing spontaneity and stimulating an awareness of process as a source for ideas.

Through these two types of teaching approaches, you discover ways to investigate and build your visual ideas from a wide range of techniques, methodologies and materials as well as bibliographical resources. You will also be introduced to qualitative research methods through the use of sketchbooks and journals.

Studio Elective 1 (20 CU) 
This module comprises technical workshops that introduce you to a range of mediums and approaches not addressed in the Practical Studio module. You have to commit to two electives, one being Figure Drawing and another from a selection of media and technical skills which the module offers that can intersect the knowledge and understanding of materials/skills learnt in Practical Studio.

This module primarily serves as a supplementary to the Practice Studio module, and offers a menu of complementary studies that allow you to broaden your inquiry both in practical terms and in relation to critical and professional contexts. There is an opportunity to gain additional experience and strengthen your practice, as well as deepen a particular stream of critical enquiry or expand technical skills in specific medium or processes.

Studio Electives will further enable you to develop an understanding of the roles and function of skills and interdisciplinary approaches in the process of conceptualising your works.

Contextual Studies 1A (20 CU) 
This module comprises of two components: Art History and Art Theory. The interrelation of the two components facilitates a critique of contemporary art practice and introduces you to the fundamental theoretical concepts and philosophical ideas that underpin historical art movements and artworks. The approach is to raise issues and discourses through analysing diverse cultural practices and historical periods in order to focus on how meaning is produced and histories constructed.

The Art History component provides you with a fundamental overview of key visual arts traditions from different cultures and across time, proceeding on with art movements in modernism to the emergence of contemporary art practices. Cultural and aesthetic concerns will be emphasised to show the shifting nature and role of art in relation to broader social contexts. The module also adopts a thematic approach discussing recurring genres and themes in art history that persist in relevance to contemporary issues such as portraiture and representation, landscape and nature, gender and sexuality, postcolonial culture and identity, among others. Semester 1 will introduce the art historical traditions of different cultures,  examining their influence on art developments in the 20th century with the rise of modernism and postmodernism.

The Art Theory component introduces key concepts, ideas and issues that inform and develop modern and contemporary art practice. Designed to support your practical work in the studio, it links theoretical discourse to application and positioning in art-making. Providing the foundational theoretical frameworks with historical and contemporary examples from the art world, the emphasis is to link critical investigation and creative physical making, thought and practice. Research, writing and presentation methods are introduced as pedagogical tools to develop your critical thinking, creative problem solving and self-reflexivity in your own practice. In Semester 1, the module introduces the frameworks of aesthetic judgement to build your ability to discuss, debate, analyse and interpret works of art from both art history and the contemporary art world.

Practical Studio 1B (40 CU) 
This module introduces you to a number of projects that are thematically designed. Using the range of skills and knowledge acquired in Semester 1, you learn how to discern which methods, materials and mediums to adequately apply to the thematic projects in this module.

The classes for this module are primarily workshop-based, with some weeks allocated to small group or one-to-one tutorial sessions. In workshops, there will be acquisition of skills pertaining to particular materials and mediums not introduced previously in Semester 1. The emphasis is shifted towards activities and exercises that are geared towards a more conceptual understanding of materials and how to relate them to the thematic projects.

In the tutorial sessions, you will be able to consult the tutor who will supervise your project development and processes throughout the semester. In these individual and small group sessions, you will continue to learn varied conceptual approaches in contemporary art practice and different ways of approaching research. The tutor will introduce a wider range of artistic and visual references to assist you in broadening your visual language and articulation.

Application of skills to conceptual ideas is valued and aims to encourage awareness of individual imaginative resources, introducing you to the principles of visual play, developing spontaneity and stimulating an awareness of process as a source for ideas.

This module emphasises the rigorous nature of artistic training and requires you to develop a strategy of effectively integrating the materials and mediums with thematically driven interests. Emphasis on qualitative research methods through the use of sketchbooks and journals will continue to be emphasised.

Towards the end of the semester, you are required to articulate the final project’s processes and application of techniques, approaches and materials in a presentation with your peers and tutors. This formative feedback and review of the presentation is meant to help you to resolve the final work to be presented for the Studio assessment at the end of the semester.

Contextual Studies 1B (20 CU)
The Contextual Studies module comprises of two components: Art History and Art Theory. The interrelation of the two components facilitates a critique of contemporary art practice and introduces you to the fundamental theoretical concepts and philosophical ideas that underpin historical art movements and artworks. The approach is to raise issues and discourses through analysing diverse cultural practices and historical periods in order to focus on how meaning is produced and histories constructed.

The Art History component provides you with a fundamental overview of key visual arts traditions from different cultures and across time, proceeding on with art movements in modernism to the emergence of contemporary art practices. Cultural and aesthetic concerns will be emphasised to show the shifting nature and role of art in relation to broader social contexts. The module also adopts a thematic approach discussing recurring genres and themes in art history that persist in relevance to contemporary issues such as portraiture and representation, landscape and nature, gender and sexuality, postcolonial culture and identity, among others. This component focuses on the contemporary, dealing with both historical factors, cultural and theoretical issues that have shaped artistic practices, with reference to the visual art field internationally, paying particular attention to Southeast Asia and Singapore.

The Art Theory component introduces key concepts, ideas and issues that inform and develop modern and contemporary art practice. Designed to support your practical work in the studio, it links theoretical discourse to application and positioning in art-making. Providing the foundational theoretical frameworks with historical and contemporary examples from the art world, the emphasis is to link critical investigation and creative physical-making, thought and practice. Research, writing and presentation methods are introduced as pedagogical tools to develop your critical thinking, creative problem solving and self-reflexivity in your own practice. This component introduces the field of visual culture, the subject of gaze and semiotics applied to subject areas that are relevant to contemporary society such as modernity and tradition, materiality and space, politics and society, gender, sexuality and the body, and science and technology.

Practical Studio 2A (20 CU) 
This module invites you to explore and experiment with various skills to apply to a self-directed research project in this semester. The two types of classes – Seminars and Tutorials, provide the platform for increased discussion, discourses, debate and feedback to enhance the progress of your specific area of research and inquiry. Seminars are focused on your ability to prepare and articulate your work-in-progress in 2 presentation sessions. You are expected to express how your research and conceptual interests are translated and transformed into art works.

Tutorials are designed to be individual or small group sessions, where a small group of students will be allocated to a pair of tutors who will supervise them throughout the semester. The tutors will oversee your studio work progress and will advise you on materials, research methods and time management.

In this module, the keeping of a visual and written journal as an investigative record of processes and ideas is an important resource for the development of your art practice. In research methods, you continue to hone skills in investigating and building your visual ideas from a wide range of techniques, methodologies, materials and bibliographical resources.

Studio Elective 2 (20 CU) 
This module comprises of two electives – one related to Art History and the other more related to studio practice.

The studio-related elective comprises a selection of technical and conceptual workshops to broaden your experience of interdisciplinary approaches and methodologies. These elective workshops could include the study of Drawing, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, Time-based, Painting, Film Narratives, Installation, Sound, Community and Craft, Performance Art, Art and Science, Curatorial practices, etc. that are compatible and relevant to the interests of each cohort of students.

For the Art History elective, there will be focus on specific mediums, material or genre such as History of Narrative Arts, History of Video Arts, History of Photography, History of Situationist Art, etc. This will provide a complementary contextual understanding to the set of skills and approaches that you will choose to use in your Practical Studio and in the Elective.

Projects in each elective aim to motivate you to broaden your skills set through the application of different expressions and methodologies in various mediums and gain a deeper contextual understanding of medium and approaches. You learn diversity of interpretation and expression, while referencing local, regional and international artists’ works.  Studio Elective further develops your understanding of the roles and function of skills in the process of conceptualising your works.

Contextual Studies 2A (20 CU) 
This module comprises Art Theory and Professional Practice.

In the Art Theory component, lessons are planned in a manner that allow for cross-examination of a number of key themes and debates associated with 20th century art, cultural politics and contemporary art practice that has grown internationally. You will be exposed to key issues in the Western as well as Asian contexts in the burgeoning contemporary art world that has grown dynamically. The emphasis on postmodernism on key relevant theoretical concepts will be bolstered with references to key major developments in various disciplines, from visual art to film. This semester starts with a broad, extensive approach which will later narrow its focus onto a range of topics and issues in Semester 2.

The Professional Practice component is designed to highlight the fundamental and essential points of being a practising artist within the constantly changing art industry. Drawing from some of the concerns that underscore the discussions in Art Theory classes, the Professional Practice course encourages you to gain a broader perspective of the contemporary arts industry, understanding how it operates and how to stay relevant within it. In this semester, the course prepares you for professional life with an array of skills that complement your art practice, which ranges from preparation of portfolio, websites, interview skills and presentation and writing skills. Writing and presentation skills are emphasised, for diverse situations, such as writing professional documents like resumes and grant application, presenting proposals for conducting workshops and curating exhibitions, and writing about art and culture.

Practical Studio 2B (40 CU) 
This module continues to advance the research topic and practice started in Semester 1. Explorations and experimentations with materials and approaches are expected to be more focused in its application to self-directed research. In Semester 2, you will work on a written proposal to provide a thoughtful and reflexive piece of writing that relates closely to the research intent, resources, methodologies and references used.

In this semester, the seminar class will include critique sessions where you are expected to present your work-in-progress, studies and research materials to a group of lecturers and peers. For tutorials, you will continue to be allocated to a pair of tutors who will supervise your studio practice and research.

Both seminars and tutorial sessions provide the platform for increased discussion, discourse, debate and feedback to enhance the progress of your specific area of research and inquiry. The keeping of a visual and written journal as an investigative record of processes and ideas will be an important resource for the development of your art practice. In research methods, you continue to hone skills in investigating and building your visual ideas from a wide range of techniques, methodologies, materials and bibliographical resources.

Interdisciplinary Project
Interdisciplinarity is a key principle of a LASALLE arts education. Exploration of interdisciplinarity in your creative practice will provide you with the platform to work across disciplinary boundaries and explore new ways of developing ideas, concepts and practices.

In this module, you will be required to undertake an interdisciplinary project. You will have the opportunity to work with team members from different programmes and disciplines on a common project brief. As a team, you will learn to integrate knowledge and skills from various disciplines to produce new insights and/or outcomes.

Contextual Studies 2B (20 CU) 
The Contextual Studies module comprises of two components: Art Theory and Professional Practice.

In the Art Theory component, lessons take their earlier cue from Semester 1 and build on more focus on specific topics. It continues to allow for cross-examination of a number of key themes and debates associated with 20th century art, cultural politics and contemporary art practice that has grown internationally, and you will be exposed to key issues in the Western as well as Asian contexts in the burgeoning contemporary art world that has dynamically grown internationally. This semester narrows its focus onto a range of topics and issues that are more specific and caters to your conceptual interests reflected in your studio practice.

The Professional Practice component in this semester focuses on the ethics and etiquettes of working in the art industry, so that as future practitioners, you understand the value of good work practices and sustaining mutually respectful working relationships. With projects and assignments based on simulated situations, you continue to develop life skills such as creative problem-solving, teamwork and critical self-reflexivity in collaborative projects. Professional Practice also provides the opportunity for you to meet a range of staff and visiting guests who represent important professional resources or come from organisations that can provide insight and information about career development for artists. The module aims to develop flexible, self-motivated, ethically responsible and multi-skilled artist-trained professionals for a range of career possibilities.

Student Exchange Elective (60 CU) 
This module gives you the opportunity to explore fresh perspectives and alternative approaches to your creative discipline, by undertaking a semester-long international learning exchange in another institution. The aim of the module is to provide interested students an opportunity to enrich their learning journey, enhance their creative practice, learn from a socio-culturally different educational setting, and be exposed to new cultural and creative industries.

Please note that this is an elective module. Students who undertake this module will not be required to take additional modules.

In this module, you will spend a semester studying in a cognate programme or a selection of relevant modules at one of LASALLE’s partner institutions. You will also be expected to be an independent learner to relate and integrate the experience, knowledge and skills acquired to the assessments required for this module. Through this international experience, you will be able to strengthen your ability to adapt and react to changing trends and environment. You will build your capacity to contribute effectively as an active and informed local and global citizen, while broadening your network and enhancing your career prospects in the arts and creative industries. 

You are responsible for applying to this elective option through the College’s Division of Quality and Planning (Email: [email protected]) before Week 7 of Semester 1 . 

Your application for this elective module must be supported by your Programme Leader. You are expected to adhere to the regulations, guidelines and planned curriculum issued by the host institution. At the same time, you are expected to regularly update your assigned lecturer on the progress of your learning at the partner institution, and also seek guidance on the completion of the units of assessment for this module.

Industry and Community Engagement (20 CU)
This module is designed to enable you to broaden your knowledge of the cultural and creative industries by placing you, as a learning professional, within a professional work environment. The aim of the module is to help you develop work-related knowledge, skills and capabilities, prepare you to pursue opportunities in fields relating to your study, and expose you to a diverse set of professional trajectories. You will map your acquired skills, interests and aspirations against current (and future) opportunities in the cultural and creative industries, while putting to practice skills and knowledge gained in the classroom. You are required to attend various industry preparation workshops, such as resume-writing, interview skills, and etc., as part of this module.

In fulfilment of this module, you can choose one of the following options: 

Option A: Industry-based Internship(s)
You will independently source and apply for internship opportunities. You are required to identify your interest and career-trajectory. These opportunities should be in an organisation where the job functions are related to your discipline. 

The internship may be with a single organisation or an accumulation of short-term work with different companies, to accumulate the minimum 200 hours of on-the-job training. The internship may be spread across a number of days/weeks and need not be a full-time position. Where possible, you are encouraged to go beyond the minimum hours in order to showcase your talent and abilities, which will aid your quest for permanent employment and/or gain more opportunities to learn about the job and industry. 

All internships must be approved by the Programme Leader, prior to commencement, to align with learning aims and outcomes. 

Option B: Negotiated Projects 
You will take a proactive and entrepreneurial approach to identify and create a niche for yourself, within the cultural and creative industries. You may undertake a combination of the following types of projects:

• Industry Live Project: You can source for an industry project, or this can be facilitated through the programme.
• Entrepreneurial Project: You may devise a business proposal and execute it. 
• Community Engagement Project: You can engage with a community of your preference, and develop and execute an initiative for them. 
• Short-term internship (about 100 hours)

To ensure that you fulfil the learning outcomes of this module, all proposals and short-term internship opportunities must be discussed and approved by the Programme Leader. 

Dissertation (40 CU)
This module is the culmination of the research and contextual knowledge that you have acquired during the course of your study. You will be required to undertake in-depth critical research, and present a coherent argument based on investigation and analysis. The chosen topic will be relevant to your main course of study, and will be used to support and inform your specialist practice. It will demonstrate your deep appreciation of your field, and competency of key approaches and methodologies to contextualise it.

You will demonstrate an ability to identify a research topic that is close to your practice or field of study through a clear literature review, and present relevant arguments and hypotheses in the written form of between 6,000 to 8,000 words.

Before commencing your dissertation, you will be required to develop a research proposal outline to demonstrate your research question and approach to completing the dissertation. In consultation with your supervisor, you may form your dissertation around an exegesis that foregrounds your major creative studio practice. Programmes where you are eligible to develop a piece of creative practice as part of your dissertation may be negotiated with your supervisor. In this instance, the word count for the written element may be negotiated, but a minimum word count of 4,000 words is required.

You are expected to undertake a significant amount of independent and self-motivated research. You will be assigned a supervisor who will provide guidance in your research work. You will also be required to attend all dissertation-related classes.

Graduation Project (60 CU)
The Graduation Project Module comprises of 2 main components: Studio Elective in Semester 1 and Practical Studio in Semester 2. 

In order to expose you to a range of experimental and artistic practices and approaches, the Studio Elective component in Level 3 looks into the expansive nature of interdisciplinary areas by introducing a broad range of conceptual, thematic- and technological-based mediums that will complement your particular research topics. This elective will further emphasise your investigative experiences in Level 2 and aims to challenge you to incorporate the earlier learnt methods into your research. This component provides another opportunity and platform for you to investigate and explore a broad cross-section of processes and media.

It has become apparent that some cases of traditional fine art media limit the creative aspirations of certain students. These elective workshops were therefore considered as a viable elective option, in which activities that fall outside of, or between, existing areas of study could be legitimately pursued.

The Studio Elective component critically examines the strategies used by contemporary art practitioners today by providing the motivation and methodologies to stimulate a unique dialogue with your research and art activity undertaken. This component consists of workshops and tutorial classes, which are designed to purposefully lack the definition of a specialised and traditional studio practice. This is so that it can intentionally provide opportunities for you to manipulate and combine media and technology in order to create new forms.

In Semester 2, you are expected to consolidate your work independently and work towards a clearly directed set of skills to a Practical Studio research topic and finalising a body of artwork for presentation. The advance development of research methods, in both practice and in the field of contemporary art, enables you to consolidate and resolve a professional body of work.

With both seminar classes and tutorials, these teaching and learning approaches continue to provide a platform for in-depth discussion, debate and feedback to enhance the progress of each student’s body of work. Within the Research Portfolio, the keeping of a visual and written journal as an investigative record of processes and ideas will be the reflective resource for the progressively autonomous development of individual art practice.