Course - Drawing as a Tool for Thinking - AAR1025
Drawing as a Tool for Thinking
About
About the course
Course content
The course introduces drawing as a tool for thinking in connection with academic work. Each student taking the course will be challenged to identify relevant subject-specific issues within their own field of study that can benefit from drawing as a method for thinking, creative problem-solving, and/or conveying complex information.
The course involves practical aesthetic experimentation and interdisciplinary discussions related to the drawings students are working on. Students will be exposed to various drawing methods and tools that contribute to developing their ability to "think with drawing." Through various exercises and workshops, students will develop a more precise perception and increased understanding of what drawing can contribute to an academic perspective.
The course covers both analog and digital techniques, as well as mixed media.
Learning outcome
Knowledge:
The course will provide a fundamental understanding of drawing as a tool for thinking and developmental work, as well as an increased understanding of the breadth of drawing as a discipline.
Furthermore, the course will introduce basic concepts in drawing and various tools that can be used in visual communication through drawing. There will be an introduction to various drawing techniques and media and how these can be applied in different academic contexts.
The course will facilitate both analog and digital presentation of students' work, providing an introduction to both analog and digital formats.
Skills:
Students will receive practical training in various drawing techniques, both individually and in collaboration with other professionals. Group work will be encouraged, both for concrete drawing exercises and as a tool for communication, interdisciplinary problem-solving, and critical thinking. There will be a combination of both analog and digital techniques, so students will gain experience in handling the interplay between these. Some basic introduction to digital tools may be necessary depending on the composition of the student group during the course.
General Competence:
Students will develop a more conscious critical evaluation ability and an understanding of the potential of drawing as a language within their own field of study and in interdisciplinary collaborations. The course aims to increase students' understanding of the importance of drawing as a tool for development and communication in problem-solving and other creative processes.
Learning methods and activities
-Hands-on exercises in a wide range of drawing techniques and methods
-Peer-to-peer feedback exercises and discussions
-Documentation, processing, and compilation of self-produced work, as well as communication to a given audience
-Reflective text work related to both collective and individual work processes
This course is offered to incoming exchange students and will be taught in English if necessary.
Further on evaluation
The course is assessed based on portfolio evaluation. For general information about portfolio assessment at NTNU, see: https://lovdata.no/dokument/LTI/forskrift/2021-03-11-720.
At the start of the semester, students will be presented with a set of assignments to be completed during the semester. These assignments require exploration through drawing, reflective text work, and compilation of materials completed by each student.
The delivered material must be readable and comprehensible both in digital and printed formats. This means that students must be able to compile a cohesive presentation of drawings, text, and photos into a clear and communicative whole.
Specific instructions regarding format, technique, and methodology will be provided at the start of the semester. Since the course is practice-based, with a primary focus on drawing as a tool, it will be difficult for students to pass without participating in lectures, guidance sessions, and group exercises.
All assignment submissions must be completed to be eligible for evaluation. Failure to submit all or parts of the assignment set will automatically result in a non-passing grade.
Re-sit exams are usually scheduled for the next exam period.
Recommended previous knowledge
It is advantageous for the student to have experience with and an interest in drawing, as well as experience with digital software such as Adobe Photoshop and InDesign or similar.
Required previous knowledge
Bachelor's degree in a field where drawing is relevant for professional or academic work.
Course materials
It is beneficial if the student has access to their own drawing equipment, as well as a computer capable of handling software suitable for image processing and visual presentation (such as Adobe Photoshop and InDesign or equivalent).
Subject areas
- Architecture