Study-Unit Description

Study-Unit Description


CODE LAS1089

 
TITLE Between the Folds: The Art of Paper Manipulation

 
UM LEVEL I - Introductory Level

 
MQF LEVEL 5

 
ECTS CREDITS 4

 
DEPARTMENT Centre for the Liberal Arts and Sciences

 
DESCRIPTION This study-unit is suitable for beginners and anyone interested in three-dimensional form and working with paper as a base material. You will cover the basic principles of paper folding and learn the necessary techniques required to create a range from basic to complex structures. Paper is an inexpensive sculptural material it is pliable and easily folded, pleated, cut and manipulated with simple tools. This is a study-unit with a focus on practical learning with one-to-one, individual tutor support covering some key basic techniques, hand folding, scoring and paper manipulation. There will also be group discussions and reviews with a brief history of folding and the work of several contemporary paper and origami artists to examine how folding is used in fashion, architecture and design. As part of the study-unit, students will work on several projects and on completion, will be equipped with the skills and confidence to continue to fold independently and be able apply your newly acquired skills to your own practice.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Knowledge & Understanding:

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

Have a strong understanding of:
• the foundational “basics” of origami;
• the real-world applications of origami, the future and importance of the Art;
• the various paper folding techniques & terms;
• solid foundation in paper sculpture basics;
• the scientific and mathematical reasoning behind different folds in paper models.

Work with triangular modules, both while folding them and when assembling into more complex shapes.

2. Skills:

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

• Make use of the key basic techniques - hand folding, scoring and manipulation to produce simple forms;
• Fold the well-known Japanese Paper Crane amongst other popular origami models;
• Create beautiful and practical models using the 3D Oorigami technique also called Modular Origami;
• Create an array of models and 3-dimensional static and kinetic paper structures.

Main Text/s and any supplementary readings:

• McArthur, M. & Lang, R. J. (2013) Folding Paper: The infinite possibilities of Origami, Tutle Publishing, ISBN: 978-0-8048-4338-6
• Jackson. P. (2011) Folding Techniques for Designers: From sheet to form, Laurence King Publishing Ltd, ISBN:978-1-85669721-7

 
STUDY-UNIT TYPE Lecture, Tutorial and Project

 
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Assessment Component/s Assessment Due Sept. Asst Session Weighting
Assignment SEM2 Yes 30%
Portfolio SEM2 Yes 70%

 
LECTURER/S James Dimech

 

 
The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints.
Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice.
It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2024/5. It may be subject to change in subsequent years.

https://www.um.edu.mt/course/studyunit