Module manager: Dr Catherine Stones
Email: c.m.stones@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module aims to equip you with a core understanding of the techniques and principles of illustration for a contemporary audience. The module will use a historical foundation of the subject as a base to consider new approaches to the practice and investigate the ways in which the field continues to innovate and push creative boundaries. Practical workshop sessions will apply these methods in a contemporary context. You will be encouraged to engage with a variety of illustration techniques and approaches before establishing an original illustrative response to a creative problem. The solution will be discussed in relation to its strengths and weaknesses as well as its semiotic significance. These responses will be generated through a thorough and applied development process. Please note this is an optional module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module
The module aims to equip students with knowledge and skills in contemporary illustration. Its objectives are to:
1) provide students with key theories and principles that drive contemporary illustration;
2) provide illustration skills for a range of outcomes;
3) Support students to generate research-informed ideas;
4) Enhance students’ ability to evaluate their graphic design outcomes with respect to semiotic theory.
Learning activities consist of interactive workshops. Workshops consist of information delivery and interactive episodes of illustration practice. As such they are designed to meet all 4 learning objectives.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
LO1 – Produce original and appropriate illustrations in relation to a brief.
LO2 – Apply knowledge of key semiotic principles to inform illustration practice and evaluation.
LO3 - Explore a range of illustrative styles.
LO4 - Critique the aesthetic strengths and weaknesses of their outcome and process.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
LO5 - Utilise advanced research and analysis skills
LO6 - Apply effective written and visual communication skills to professional standard
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical | 20 | 2 | 40 |
| Independent online learning hours | 10 | ||
| Private study hours | 150 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 40 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Students will show their work in progress for individual formative feedback in Semester 1.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Portfolio | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 30/04/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team