Contextual Studies Nurtures Critical Thinking
The World Economic Forum rates critical thinking as the second most important skill to thrive in 2020. From its moment of inception, the foundation course of Contextual Studies has been focussed on developing critical thought.
The seeds for a curious engagement with visual culture is planted in CS100, when we introduce the basic theories behind visual literacy. During the first semester, the CS auditorium turns into a classical and modern art history timeline as our first year courses unfolds. Critical and flexible thinking is further nurtured in CS200, when the focus shifts to the theoretical frameworks informing identity politics and the construction of the ‘self’. Tutorial sessions for second year students come alive with animated class discussions on various relevant topics, ranging from critiques of ideology, to the unpacking of the complexities of postcolonial discourse and the representation of gender.
In the final year our critical enquiry becomes philosophical, as we start to question the ethical implications of our engagement with the constructs that inform our everyday cultural, social and political interactions. CS300 investigates the pressing issues of presented by the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the invisible workings of language and power, and the nature of ‘being’ and ‘becoming’ through the lenses various philosophical thinkers. Throughout the year, Third Year students harness their powers of critical thought to produce a larger independent Research Project which investigates a topic of their choice.
With Contextual Studies we aim to sow, nurture and grow the seeds of critical thought so that it can blossom into a responsible personal ethics that will continue growing in the world of work and personal life outside of the CTCA.
Learning is not always limited to the classroom, as the CS courses include gallery visits, guest lectures and film and documentary screenings.
More from our Blog
INTERNATIONAL EXPOSURE ON LOCAL SOIL
Visit our campus in the Silo District at the V&A WaterfrontCreativity demands the right environment to flourish.The new CTCA campus is situated at the heart of Cape Town’s most creative hub,the...
Cape Town Creative Academy Students collaborate with Ziro
Discovering FinTech with ZiroPay In a world increasingly driven by technology and digital innovation, gaining real-world experience is invaluable for students entering the field. This year, Cape...
Meet Our Alumni Honours Graduate Wessel Albertse
We are thrilled to introduce our Honours graduate, Wessel Albertse, an Art Director and lecturer with over 15 years of experience in motion graphics, entertainment, and live events. Wessel’s Honours...
Cape Town Creative Academy Triumphs at the Prestigious Loeries Student Awards 2024 – Again
We are thrilled to announce that Cape Town Creative Academy has once again solidified its place as one of the leading creative institutions on the continent following outstanding success at this...
Designing with purpose: a student collaboration with Orthocross Amputee Foundation
At Cape Town Creative Academy, students in the elective Makers Lab have taken their creative skills outside of the classroom, collaborating with the Orthocross Amputee Foundation to design...