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

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:

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.

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.

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.

This unit contains employability skills.