Reflections on Part 4 and self-assessment

I must admit to struggling with the theories of difference in Part 4. I particularly found it really hard to understand Deleuze and had to do a lot of reading. Unfortunately, the more I read the deeper into the realms of philosophy I got and found myself lost a lot of the time. Watching simple introductions on you tube by lecturers and students helped me to grasp the basics – hopefully!

I knew instantly when I reached Assignment 4 that I wanted to investigate Fred Wilson’s installation. I had briefly come across this work watching a you tube lecture and knew then that I should explore this further. I commented in my notes how relevant this work is today in light of the death of George Floyd and the removal of certain statues. Although fascinated by this work of art, I struggled immensely interpreting it in terms of difference and had to do a lot of background research to achieve this.

Assessment Criteria

Demonstration of subject based knowledge and understanding

I completed a lot of reading around theories of difference because I felt lacking in confidence and unsure that I had understood them properly. I was especially drawn to the work of Deleuze because his philosophy seemed to resonate with my own beliefs. The subject of difference is something that I have never consciously considered on a deeper level before and was amazed at how it can affect the way that we perceive the world. Assignment 4 provided me with an opportunity to actively apply these theories to a piece of art work and allow for a deeper interpretation of it.

Demonstration of Research skills

I have been successful at researching the relevant areas for part 4. Where I have become stuck and unable to comprehend certain works, I have looked to secondary sources that were easier to understand. This included you tube tutorials and secondary journals and books about relevant philosophers.

Demonstration of critical and evaluation skills

I have effectively engaged with concepts and theories and applied them to my written work. I have analysed and investigated theories of ‘difference’. Through critical thinking I have been able to evaluate and interpret these theories and apply them relevantly to a piece of art. I have also been able to reflect on the relevance of the art and the theories in today’s current issues.

Communication

I feel more confident when communicating my ideas in written form. This is due to responding to my tutor’s feedback and breaking up my assignment into relevant sections. I have ensured that any points or insights have been fully explored and have explained them fully without the assumption that the viewer has any prior knowledge to the subject.