Between & Across Disciplines: Art & Science in Higher Education

About

GV Art gallery, London presents a panel discussion on interdisciplinarity and cross-disciplinary collaboration in Higher Education. A number of recently established courses are developing innovative pedagogical models that endeavour to build connections between disciplines. The discussion will focus on art/science programmes established in recent years, with an overview of interdisciplinary and progressive teaching methods in Higher Education. We wish to generate a discussion on the structure and aims of the courses, as well as their impact on pedagogical practice in higher education and art/science practice in general. Broad Vision was established in 2010 at the University of Westminster. The programme supports art and science collaborative research and interdisciplinary learning for undergraduate students. Broad Vision encourages students to recognise and exchange disciplinary expertise. The MA Art and Science at Central Saint Martins is a studio based MA which encourages transdisciplinary and interdisciplinary practices, the course investigates the creative relationships between art and science and how to communicate them. The Arts and Sciences BASc at University College London is a bespoke degree programme incorporating subjects from the humanities and sciences along four pathways. Some of the topics and questions we will address include course curricula and pedagogical methods, student engagement and learning outcomes, specialism versus T-shaped skills, transferable skills and professional development. Academic rhetoric encourages and promotes collaboration and interdisciplinarity, but how do these work in practice? How is research incorporated into the learning process? What is the future of progressive pedagogical models currently in development? Is education developing in a more pluralist and integrated direction? The discussion will be chaired by Gary Hall, Professor of Media and Performing Arts, Director of the Centre for Disruptive Media at Coventry University. The panel includes Heather Barnett, Artist and Lead Researcher for Broad Vision and Senior Lecturer in Art/Science at the University of Westminster. Heather is also Lecturer, MA Art and Science at Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London. Nathan Cohen, Artist and Director of the MA Art and Science at Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London. Dr Carl Gombrich, Programme Director of the Arts and Sciences BASc at University College London. Dr Silke Lange, Director of Learning and Teaching in Media, Arts and Design and Broad Vision Educational Researcher at the University of Westminster.