Drawing as a Tool for Thinking

Description

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. 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).