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65 402 Powers of ten: Representing a Territory in Transition

Credits: 
10
Full course name in Norwegian Bokmål: 
Powers of ten: Representing a territory in transition
Course code: 
65 402
Level of study: 
Master
Teaching semester: 
2018 Spring
Assessment semester: 
2018 Spring
Language of instruction: 
English
Year: 
2018
Required prerequisite knowledge
  • Basic hand drawing skills
  • Skills in the use of Adobe CS/CC
  • Skills in the use of QGIS
  • A willingness to experiment
Course content

This elective course in advanced drawing takes inspiration from the experimental documentary film Powers of Ten: A Film Dealing with the Relative Size of Things in the Universe and the Effect of Adding Another Zero (1977) directed by Charles and Ray Eames. As suggested by the title, this film addresses the effects of scale concerning the representation of our physical environment highlighting the relative size of things.

In the course, the same methodology – adding another zero – will be used in a series of drawings ranging in scale from 1:1 to 1:100.000 to represent elements and material conditions which are evidence of a territory in transition. The core brief is to investigate how numerous changes on a micro level might give shape to more substantial transformations on a macro level and vice versa. The focus will be on spatial and material condition addressing the aesthetic dimension of the changes and transformations.

The primary learning objective is to gain confidence in using drawings as a means of investigation emphasizing the relevance of working across various scales of representation. Additionally, the course will provide the students with an insight into the natural and human forces shaping a territory in the high North. Students are expected to experiment with different drawing technics. The course will finish with an exhibition.

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

  • Knowledge about natural and human forces shaping a territory
  • Knowledge about advanced drawing techniques
  • Knowledge about scale and power of representation

Skills:

  • Skills in advanced drawing and representation

General competence:

  • The ability to use drawings as a means of an investigation
  • The ability to represent a territory in transition
Working and learning activities

The course is structured around a weekly session where each student will present her/his work.

The course will start with a small excursion and end with a collective exhibition. 

Curriculum

Recommended reading: Denis Cosgrove: Mappings, Reaction Books. London 1999

Form of assessmentGroupingGrading scaleComment
Oral ExamIndividualPass / fail
Vurderinger:
Form of assessment:Oral Exam
Grouping:Individual
Grading scale:Pass / fail
Comment:
Workload activityComment
AttendanceAll activities are mandatory. Students are expected to work on their drawings on a weekly basis.
ExcursionStudents are expected to organize independent excursion in a pre-selected area to gain information on spatial and material conditions.
Forventet arbeidsinnsats:
Workload activity:Attendance
Comment:All activities are mandatory. Students are expected to work on their drawings on a weekly basis.
Workload activity:Excursion
Comment:Students are expected to organize independent excursion in a pre-selected area to gain information on spatial and material conditions.