Please note! Course description is confirmed for two academic years, which means that in general, e.g. Learning outcomes, assessment methods and key content stays unchanged. However, via course syllabus, it is possible to specify or change the course execution in each realization of the course, such as how the contact sessions are organized, assessment methods weighted or materials used.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

After successfully completing this course, students are able to: (1) Understand the characteristics of glass as a material including its aesthetic and expressive qualities; (2) Implement critical thinking towards glass making; (3) Carry out creative process by relying on means of documentation, reflection and discussions; (4) Produce the project/artefact(s) and present the concept and process of making to others.

Credits: 9

Schedule: 09.01.2023 - 23.02.2023

Teacher in charge (valid for whole curriculum period):

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Maarit Mäkelä, Kirsti Taiviola

Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation):

Kirsti Taiviola, kirsti.taiviola@aalto.fi

Sara Hulkkonen, sara.hulkkonen@aalto.fi

CEFR level (valid for whole curriculum period):

Language of instruction and studies (applies in this implementation):

Teaching language: English. Languages of study attainment: English

CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD

Content
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Depending on the yearly changing theme, the course highlights process, artistic sensibilities or social and environmental responsibility incorporating design, sculpture, architecture and/or craft. Students refine their ability to think and communicate through a multifaceted medium and seek a personal approach to the material and its aesthetics.

    The task is to approach glass and glass making from a critical point of view, challenging oneself to think what glass making stands for in today's world - for both the student and in the wider societal context. The assessment starts from doing background research, sketching and presenting the concept ideas and then proceeding to hands-on studio work and resulting in the making of the actual piece(s) in glass. The concept development, designing and evaluation are processed theoretically in project seminars.

  • applies in this implementation

    Year 2023 edition of the course will engage the students in critically inquiring, exploring, and experimenting with glass and its manifold dimensions. Through the topic PRESERVE we will contemplate what glass leaves behind and what is still ahead. We will reflect on the relationship with material, energy and resources and on the meaning and value of craft and craftsmanship in a contemporary context.

    The course will proceed with readings, museum visits, discussions, practical experiments in the glass studio, and written reflections. Through speculative approaches, material explorations and practice we aim to critique and challenge the paradigms of glassmaking.


Assessment Methods and Criteria
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    For passing the course, the student has to participate in lectures and group activity (80%), and present the final artefact(s). 

    Evaluation criteria: documentation and content of background research, material design process and hands-on experimentations; quality of personal learning diary; visual and verbal communication skills.

Workload
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Course workload 9 cr = 243 hours in total. 80% attendance is required.

    Contact teaching 55 h 

    Individual work 147 h 

    Personal reflection 40 h

    Course evaluation 1 h 

     

DETAILS

Substitutes for Courses
Prerequisites

FURTHER INFORMATION

Further Information
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Please notice that the enrollment time ends three weeks before the course starts. The acceptance will be informed to all applicants before Christmas holidays.

    Teaching Language : English

    Teaching Period : 2022-2023 Spring III
    2023-2024 Spring III

    Enrollment :

    Minimum 10 students - maximum 16. Priority to 1st year Contemporary Design major students who have completed their BA degree.

    Registration for Courses: Sisu. Priority order to courses is according to the order of priority decided by the Academic committee for School of Arts, Design and Architecture: https://www.aalto.fi/en/services/registering-to-courses-and-the-order-of-priority-at-aalto-arts

Details on the schedule
  • applies in this implementation

    There will be some schedule changes to the course plan compared to the version seen in SISU.

    Updated course schedule will be given by 9.1.23.