Integrated Learning and Teaching of Creative Subjects
The model is based on four integration hubs: rhythm, composition, narrative and concept, which can be found in every creative field and which are described according to the subject specificities of visual art, music, dance and film. The model supports interdisciplinary creativity and is a toolkit that inspires learning.
Along with the model, the main goals and principles of each field (art, music, dance, film) are outlined, considering contemporary approaches to teaching, fostering creativity and motivation, and promoting integration. The material has been written for both teachers and students.
The teaching material has been compiled within the framework of the project "Development of the Competence Center for Educational Innovation at Tallinn University" under the sub-activity "Integrated Learning and Teaching of Creative Subjects" at the Baltic Film, Media and Arts Institute of Tallinn University.
Authors of the educational material: Jane Remm, MA; Krista Aren, MA; Sille Kapper-Tiisler, PhD; Marit Mõistlik-Tamm, PhD; Gerhard Lock, MA; Vaike Kiik-Salupere, PhD; Tiina Selke, PhD; Veiko Vaatmann, MA; Toomas Sääs, BA; Grete Arro, PhD; Katrin Aava, PhD.
Graphic designer: Anastassia Tšepaikina.
Guidelines of creative subjects
Integrating creative subjects is made easier if you know what their principles and specifics are. Read about visual arts, music, dance and film and find out what commonalities you can find. Think about which principles are also suitable for other creative subjects.
Visual Art
- Concept is a key in contemporary art.
- Skills of realistic depiction may be useful, but not necessarily.
- Visual tropes help you to empower the concept.
- A small intervention or quick and spontaneous act may be enough to create or change meaning.
- Consider the basic elements of composition of visual art: point, line, surface, colour, shape, space and texture.
- Use principles of composition such as contrast, balance, dynamics, proportion, rhythm, focus for greater impact.
- The perceiver of art has a significant role in creating art.
Music
- Listening skill is substantial in music
- Basic elements of music: sounds, rhythm, harmony, dynamics (sound volume), form, texture, room acoustics, timbre.
- Try to feel the analogies of basic elements of music in other creative subjects: i.e. Silence-high dynamic volume in colours, smallness-largeness in shapes, dynamics of motion in other arts.
- Perceive and create atmosphere, emotion and mood.
- Every sound is motion and motion creates sound.
- Notice the information that the sound conveys - is it soothing, stimulating or joyful?
- Use traditional instruments, found instruments and digital tools.
- Consider wider connections: repetition, similarity, variation, contrast, unrelatedness.
- Dare to experiment and improvise!
Dance
- Dance is creative and meaningful movement where the body of a dancer uses force, space and time to express an idea or a feeling.
- Dance is always communication – interaction with the audience, between dancers, with the dancer oneself or between the dancer and one's cultural context.
- Dance helps you express yourself using no words.
- Dance art always integrates other art forms – watching dance we see something visual and usually hear a sound.
- Sometimes the process is more significant.
Film
- Dramatic stories enable the audience an experience through the lense of the character. This way the audience learns without perceiving it as teaching.
- A film is created through cooperation in various fields. What is done with the camera and in front of the camera are of equal importance. Both what happens in the sound and in the picture, matter.
- Detailed planning before shooting helps avoiding surprises and problems.
- Knowing how frames are cut helps to plan them.
- Watch your favourite films and stories. For example, films based on superheroes comics help learning dramaturgy.