Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to research and analyse history and theory for application to artistic practice. The unit includes the need for critical analysis of information, and the challenging of different points of view to inform personal work. As such the unit goes beyond the skills and knowledge included in CUVCOR11B Source information on history and theory and apply to own area of work and CUVCOR12B Review history and theory for application to artistic practice.

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.

Prerequisite units 

This unit underpins many specialisation units, and combined assessment and/or training with those units is highly recommended.

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised  text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1 Research history and theory .

1.1 Identify relevant sources of information  on history and theory.

1.2 Identify and explore potential  new and alternative sources  which are relevant to own practice .

1.3 Use formal and informal research techniques  appropriately to access information.

1.4 Organise research materials and findings for current and future use.

2 Link research to artistic practice .

2.1 Critically evaluate  information in the context of own artistic practice and the work of others.

2.2 Assess ways in which different aspects of history and theory may be used, adapted or challenged within artistic practice.

2.3 Develop positions in relation to history and theory to inform current practice.

3 Update and maintain knowledge of trends within own area of artistic practice .

3.1 Identify and use opportunities to update and expand knowledge  of history and theory.

3.2 Incorporate and integrate knowledge into artistic practice.

Required Skills and knowledge 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills :

• literacy skills sufficient to critically evaluate complex and varied information on history and theory in the context of own arts practice and the work of others
• research skills sufficient to analyse and interpret complex and varied references for application to work practices.

Required knowledge :

• a broad range of sources of information about history and theory relating to own arts practice and the work of others
• knowledge about information organisation practices and how these can be applied to own arts practice and the practices of others
• copyright, moral rights and intellectual property issues and legislation and how these relate to the use of information in own arts practice.

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

The following evidence is critical to the judgement of competence in this unit:

• application of research and analytical skills to inform specific work practice
• sound knowledge of history and theory references and their application to the relevant area of work.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

The assessment context must provide for:

• project or work activities that allow the candidate to apply research and analytical skills to history and theory for use in own arts practice.

Method of assessment 

Assessment may incorporate a range of methods to assess performance and the application of essential underpinning knowledge, and might include:

• evaluation of presentation or documentation prepared by the candidate explaining research processes and how issues surrounding history/theory have been incorporated into work
• case studies to assess ability to research and use different types of information
• questioning and discussion about candidate's intentions and the work outcome
• written or verbal reports
• visual or written documentation
• review of portfolios of evidence
• third party workplace reports of performance by the candidate.

Assessment methods should closely reflect workplace demands (e.g. literacy) and the needs of particular groups (e.g. people with disabilities, and people who may have literacy or numeracy difficulties e.g. speakers of languages other than English, remote communities and those with interrupted schooling).

Assessment of this unit requires access to the materials resources and equipment need to source, organise and evaluate information. It also requires access to resources, including equipment, which are required for knowledge to be incorporated and integrated into own arts practice.

RANGE STATEMENT 

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised  wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Arts practice  may involve one, or more than one, area of the arts including:

• arts administration
• dance
• design
• multi-media
• music
• photoimaging
• visual arts and contemporary craft
• writing.

Sources  may include:

• dance
• film, Web
• historical texts
• images, objects
• journal articles
• oral histories

• performances, presentations
• religious and spiritual texts
• scientific texts
• secondary texts
• stories
• technical or medium specific information
• the writings of cultural theorists and philosophers.

Information  may relate to:

• aesthetics
• criticism
• cultural issues
• gender and identity issues
• histories of art, craft and design
• land and place
• linguistics
• myth and legends
• new technologies
• philosophy
• politics
• signs and symbols
• spiritual concerns
• technical aspects of performances, presentations
• world histories.

Exploring potential  new and alternative sources of information involves accessing information in a culturally appropriate way and may involve:

• attendance at performances
• interviews with innovative arts practitioners
• participation in performances
• visits to trade fairs, galleries, special events (e.g. biennial exhibitions), laboratories.

Formal and informal research techniques  may include:

• analysis
• comparing information
• critical discourse
• discussion
• judgement
• note taking, listing
• observation
• reflection
• summation.

Organising research materials and findings  may involve:

• charts
• data base
• diagrams
• files
• indices
• mind maps
• sketches.

Evaluating  may include:

• comparing
• considering merit
• contrasting
• critiquing
• discussion and debate
• reflecting.

Developing positions in relation to history and theory  involves examination from a range of viewpoints within:

• culture
• ecology
• gender
• philosophy
• politics
• spirituality.

Updating and expanding knowledge  of history and theory may involve:

• discussions with innovative practitioners in relevant areas of arts practice
• using the Internet
• visits to exhibitions, events, performances, presentations, studios, laboratories, manufacturers.