FX1S01 - Contextual Studies: Visual Effects & Motion Graphics 10 Aug 2020 - 31 Aug 2026 | Version 3

Associated Module Information

Module Code: FX1S01
Module Title: Contextual Studies: Visual Effects & Motion Graphics
Faculty: Faculty of Business and Creative Industries
Faculty Group: Games and Design
Faculty Sub Group: Games
Module Leader: Geraint Thomas
Module Team: Peter Hodges, Emma Davies, Christopher Thomas, Emma Marshman
First Intended Intake: SEP 2018 Final Year of Intake: 2023
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 4
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100632 - visual communication
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 3
Valid From 10 Aug 2020
Valid To 31 Aug 2026

Module Aims

This module will primarily introduce the history of, and provide context for both Visual Effects and Motion Design.

Developing a contextual awareness through introduction, exploration and understanding of key historical works, debates and significant developments that underpin contemporary works in Visual Effects and Motion Graphics, including an understanding of academic study and research techniques.

Content Summary

Visual Effects contextual will look at the evolution of moving image, cinematography and filmic language, editing, colour light and meaning in film, story and style, sound and image, character and representation;
Motion Design contextual will look at Graphic Design History, Images and Iconography, Typography, Layout, sound and design, film and television title sequences, moving typography, advertising, brand and identity.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 32
Tutorial 1
Independent Study 80
Directed Study 87
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Understand the significant aesthetic, technological and historical factors in the development of VisualEffects within film, television and mobile applications.
LO2 Identify appropriate research methods to illustrate knowledge and comprehension of the subject.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Report 1 Filmic Language – Visual effects / Motion Design sequence analysis report 0 2000 50 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Portfolio 1 Research & Development – Visual document showing the idea research and project development 0 N/A 50 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Report 1
Portfolio 1

Reading List

Bordwell, D. & Thompson, K.

Film Art: An Introduction - Edition 10

McGraw-Hill Higher Education, 2012

Cotta-Vaz, M. & Barron, C.

The Invisible Art: The Legends of Movie Matte Painting

Chronicle Books, 2004

Glintenkamp, P.

Industrial Light & Magic: The Art of Innovation

Abrams, 2011

Raizman, D

(2003) History of Modern Design

Perason Education Ltd.

Rinzler, J.

The Making of The Empire Strikes Back: The Definitive Story Behind the Film

Aurum Press Ltd, 2010

Snodin, M. and J. Styles, eds.

(2001) Design and the Decorative Art: Britain 1500-1900

V&A Publications

Sparke, P. (1992)

(1992) An introduction to Design and Culture in the Twentieth Century

Routledge

Weston, R. (1996)

Modernism,