METAL DESIGN
      BA 2        
code subject name ECTS type of class type of examination lecturer additional info
      THE DEPARTMENT'S SPECIALTY SUBJECTS        
      Specialty subjects in the student's chosen subfield. These subjects account for a significant part of the total semester or study year programme percentage.        
MākZ2002 Composition 3 Using plant form, silhouette, bionic structure, philosophical content in the creation of design objects. Creative and stimulating activities. Ability to analyze and justify ideas concerning constructive and technical solutions. The semester's final work — visual material in the form of ketch/panel/presentation. Lecture, practical work, group work Assessment show Andris Silapēters  
MākZ2003 Practical Work with Materials 3 Linked to the "Composition" course. Realization of design objects or jewelry ideas using precision metal casting technique. Knowledge and skills in making casting models from technical wax. Skills for making models for the metal casting process. Application of cast parts in connection with other metalworking techniques. Practical work Assessment show Andris Silapēters  
MākZ1575 History of Jewelry 1.5 Lectures include presentations accompanied by the lecturer's commentaries. The course includes visits to museums and exhibitions in line with the exhibitions available at the designated time. Topics: Prehistory, Ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, India, China, Japan, Antique Art, Byzantium, Jewelry Found in the Excavations in Latvia. Lecture Test Ginta Grūbe  
Mainīsies Fundamentals of Graphic Design 3 Graphic design as a basic tool for visualizing ideas. Introduction to fundamental rules for good graphic design, ways of presenting information, and principles of interaction between text, photo, collage. Introduction to the basic principles of modern calligraphy. The final work — poster design on the given topic. Lecture, practical work Assessment show Rasma Pušpure Basic knowledge of Adobe software or any other vector and raster software is required.
MākZ2301 Descriptive Geometry. Project Design 1.5 The course covers drawing using AutoCAD. Goals: To understand the computerized drawing process from data entry and precision drawing to printing on paper. Practical basic skills: To create simple design objects in the computer program, resize, process the drawing, get the scale printout on paper or electronically, transfer drawings to other software for future use. To have a good knowledge of information sources for further independent skill development. Lecture, practical work Assessment show Henrijs Sinkevičs  
      GENERAL ART SUBJECTS        
      Students of all disciplines take general art subjects to gain skills and understanding of academic drawing, painting, and sculpture. Study assignments are designed to provide students with an opportunity to learn about proportions, scale, and relationships between light and dark, and creatively interpret the given setting and assignment at the same time. If a department does not offer any of the general art subjects (drawing, painting, modeling), it is possible to take it by joining another department or course.
       The department teaching the subject assesses the student's skill level and individually adjusts the assignments.
MākZ2008 Modeling  3 I - Creating a simple model of the human head. The aim is to acquaint students with the principles of modeling the human head and the geometry of the major facial details. II - Creating a geometric portrait. The aim is to acquaint students with the specifics of human portraiture, the creation of an image. The main focus is on studying the details of the human head, forming them using geometric shapes. Practical work Assessment show Valtis Barkāns  
MākZ2025 Drawing 3 Standing nude figure. Composition. Understanding the proportions of the figure. Dimensional drawing. Pencil, A2 paper. Practical and individual work Assessment show    
MākZ2025 Sketching There are no separate credits for sketching; students are marked for the Drawing course Sketching the human figure for 5, 10, 15 minutes.
Objective: the act of drawing using various materials (charcoal pencil, pencil, felt-tip pen, sepia, acrylic, ink, etc.), developing visual perception, transferring it to the sketch.
Results to be achieved: a developed ability to understand proportion and to create individual handwriting in drawing using a variety of materials, taking a step back from the classical academic drawing.		 Individual work Assessment show An individual class without a lecturer  
      HUMANITIES SUBJECTS        
      As theoretical lectures are delivered to the students of the Art Academy of Latvia in Latvian, some theoretical subjects in English are offered separately to the visiting students.        
MākZ1687 Art History of Latvia 6 The course is taught to Erasmus+ students, and its purpose is to give an insight into and a general idea of the development of Latvian art history in a cultural and historical context. Alongside art history, the course provides basic knowledge of Latvian history, ethnography, and architectural history. The lecture course chronologically covers the period from prehistory to the 20th century. Visits to exhibitions and museums are organized as part of the course to broaden and improve students' knowledge and to promote connection with contemporary cultural progress. Lecture, visits to exhibitions and cultural sites Written course paper Ieva Rosne Special subject for Erasmus+ students.
MākZ1686 Theory of Contemporary Art  3 The academic course deals with all the significant events in recent art history, starting from the international conceptual tendencies in the 60s, like land art, minimalism, Art Povera, Nouveaux Réalisme, Fluxus, and others, the postmodern narratives in the 80s and the 90s. The final part will be dedicated to the actual debates in the global contemporary art scene. Each lecture will be accompanied by rich visual materials, including films originating from museums. After finishing the course, the students will be able to recognize the most prominent personalities and their most iconic artworks. Lecture, visits to exhibitions and cultural sites Presentation Raimonds Kalējs Special subject for Erasmus+ students.
MākZ1677 Anatomy 1,5 Digitalized and interactive anatomy for art and design students to improve their drawing, painting, and sketching skills in anatomy. Based on Anatomy Next — anatomy learning tools for students and teachers. Anatomy Next is a very successful, world-known educational technology start-up to help students learn anatomy faster and more efficiently. Lecture Test Uldis Zariņš Special subject for Erasmus+ students.
MākZ1376 Art Pedagogy in a Cultural Environment 3 The course prepares students to conduct practical visual arts lectures in art exhibitions or a broader cultural environment. Such an experience is useful in any art communication process. Graduates will gain hands-on experience in discussing art with people of all ages, conducting informal art classes, and evaluating the learning process. Practical work, seminar or discussion Presentation Ilze Vītola Special subject for Erasmus+ students.
      ELECTIVE SUBJECTS OFFERED TO ERASMUS+ VISITING STUDENTS        
      Elective subjects for Erasmus+ visiting students offered by different departments in different specialties. The list of available elective subjects will be published shortly before the start of the semester with online registration. The number of elective subjects depends on the number of remaining ECTS required for the student after the student's basic curriculum of the department's specialty subjects, general art subjects, and humanities subjects has been approved by the department.        
      BA 3        
code subject name ECTS   type of class type of examination lecturer additional info
      Specialty subjects in the student's chosen subfield. These subjects account for a significant part of the total semester or study year programme percentage.        
MākZ3003 Composition 3 Design of metal objects for interior or exterior. Designing light, kinetic, interactive objects, developing decorative metal objects. From conception, sketches, mock-ups using various materials to a project with a technical solution. Jewelry design specializes in all varieties of decorative, functional, and conceptual jewelry collections. In addition to a wide range of metals, projects also include other synthetic and natural materials. Projects are developed using a variety of graphic techniques and layouts. Lecture, practical work, group work Assessment show Arvīds Endziņš Prior knowledge of metal properties and technologies is required.
MākZ3001 Practical Work with Materials 3 Realization of projects developed in composition lessons using a wide range of technical means. Working with metalworking machines (lathe, milling cutter, power saw, etc.) and welding equipment (MIG, MAG, TIG). Production of the designed light, furniture, interactive objects.
Jewelry design specializes in working with classic metal art hand tools and techniques, combining them with new technologies. Learning electrochemical techniques — aluminum anodizing, galvanic etching. Experimental work with different materials for the development of the author's technique.		 Practical work Assessment show Arvīds Endziņš Prior knowledge of metal work is  required.
MākZ2669 History of Jewelry 1.5 Lectures include presentations accompanied by the lecturer's commentaries. The course includes visits to museums and exhibitions. Studying the industries that service jewelry will help understand the latest trends and tendencies. Topics: Definition of Art, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Bauhaus, US Jewelry Art in the 30s–70s of the 20th Century, Jewelry Art in Europe, Scandinavia, Jewelry Art Trends in the 20th–21st centuries. Lecture Test Ginta Grūbe  
MākZ3271 2D Computer Graphics 3 Students study the basics of 3D computer graphics, coordinate system, structure, creation of basic objects, polygon and NURBS geometry, fundamental visualization possibilities, frame composition, visualization. At the end of the course, students realize 3D computer graphics visualization using the acquired knowledge of 3D computer graphics. Lecture, practical work Assessment show Gita Straustiņa Basic knowledge of 2D vector and raster computer graphics, CAD design is required.
      GENERAL ART SUBJECTS        
      Students of all disciplines take general art subjects to gain skills and understanding of academic drawing, painting, and sculpture. Study assignments are designed to provide students with an opportunity to learn about proportions, scale, and relationships between light and dark, and creatively interpret the given setting and assignment at the same time. If a department does not offer any of the general art subjects (drawing, painting, modeling), it is possible to take it by joining another department or course.
       The department teaching the subject assesses the student's skill level and individually adjusts the assignments.
MākZ3131 Modeling  3 I - Creating a simple model of the human head. The aim is to acquaint students with the principles of modeling the human head and the geometry of the major facial details. II - Creating a geometric portrait. The aim is to acquaint students with the specifics of human portraiture, the creation of an image. The main focus is on studying the details of the human head, forming them using geometric shapes. Practical work Assessment show Valtis Barkāns   
MākZ3100 Drawing 3 Large-format drawings. Same task as for painters, sculptors, and graphic artists.  Practical and individual work Assessment show    
MākZ3101 Sketching There are no separate credits for sketching; students are marked for the Drawing course Sketching the human figure for 5, 10, 15 minutes.
Objective: the act of drawing using various materials (charcoal pencil, pencil, felt-tip pen, sepia, acrylic, ink, etc.), developing visual perception, transferring it to the sketch.
Results to be achieved: a developed ability to understand proportion and to create individual handwriting in drawing using a variety of materials, taking a step back from the classical academic drawing.		 Individual work Assessment show An individual class without a lecturer  
      HUMANITIES SUBJECTS        
      As theoretical lectures are delivered to the students of the Art Academy of Latvia in Latvian, some theoretical subjects in English are offered separately to the visiting students.        
MākZ1687 Art History of Latvia 6 The course is taught to Erasmus+ students, and its purpose is to give an insight into and a general idea of the development of Latvian art history in a cultural and historical context. Alongside art history, the course provides basic knowledge of Latvian history, ethnography, and architectural history. The lecture course chronologically covers the period from prehistory to the 20th century. Visits to exhibitions and museums are organized as part of the course to broaden and improve students' knowledge and to promote connection with contemporary cultural progress. Lecture, visits to exhibitions and cultural sites Written course paper Ieva Rosne Special subject for Erasmus+ students.
MākZ1686 Theory of Contemporary Art  3 The academic course deals with all the significant events in recent art history, starting from the international conceptual tendencies in the 60s, like land art, minimalism, Art Povera, Nouveaux Réalisme, Fluxus, and others, the postmodern narratives in the 80s and the 90s. The final part will be dedicated to the actual debates in the global contemporary art scene. Each lecture will be accompanied by rich visual materials, including films originating from museums. After finishing the course, the students will be able to recognize the most prominent personalities and their most iconic artworks. Lecture, visits to exhibitions and cultural sites Presentation Raimonds Kalējs Special subject for Erasmus+ students.
MākZ1677 Anatomy 1,5 Digitalized and interactive anatomy for art and design students to improve their drawing, painting, and sketching skills in anatomy. Based on Anatomy Next — anatomy learning tools for students and teachers. Anatomy Next is a very successful, world-known educational technology start-up to help students learn anatomy faster and more efficiently. Lecture Test Uldis Zariņš Special subject for Erasmus+ students.
MākZ1376 Art Pedagogy in a Cultural Environment 3 The course prepares students to conduct practical visual arts lectures in art exhibitions or a broader cultural environment. Such an experience is useful in any art communication process. Graduates will gain hands-on experience in discussing art with people of all ages, conducting informal art classes, and evaluating the learning process. Practical work, seminar or discussion Presentation Ilze Vītola Special subject for Erasmus+ students.
      ELECTIVE SUBJECTS OFFERED TO ERASMUS+ VISITING STUDENTS        
      Elective subjects for Erasmus+ visiting students offered by different departments in different specialties. The list of available elective subjects will be published shortly before the start of the semester with online registration. The number of elective subjects depends on the number of remaining ECTS required for the student after the student's basic curriculum of the department's specialty subjects, general art subjects, and humanities subjects has been approved by the department.        
      BA 4        
code subject name ECTS   type of class type of examination lecturer additional info
      Specialty subjects in the student's chosen subfield. These subjects account for a significant part of the total semester or study year programme percentage.        
MākZ7464 Composition 3 The course aims to develop students' ability to think creatively and to understand the context of contemporary jewelry art. To support students' initiative and search for individual handwriting through practical tasks. To develop students' ability to prepare and evaluate sketch material. Expected learning outcomes: Understanding the possibilities of composition in the context of contemporary jewelry. Ability to integrate the acquired knowledge into their creative activity. Ability to maintain individual handwriting while performing a predefined task. Students' activity and involvement in the study process is evaluated.   Lecture, practical work, group work Assessment show Guest lecturer  
MākZ7466 Composition for Bachelor's Work Development 3 The goal of the course is to produce a Bachelor's thesis project. Expected learning outcomes: to understand the creative process; to be able to capture ideas in the form of sketch/note, and to develop sketches into a complete project; to be able to integrate the acquired knowledge into the creative activity. The curriculum involves designing a jewelry or object collection. Searching for and selecting individual topics. Exploring materials, forms, structure; sketching a particular jewelry collection. Sketch selection, analysis, extension. Lecture, practical work, group work Assessment show Thesis supervisor Within the course, the visiting student works on his/her individually chosen theme and develops a project.
MākZ4001 Practical Work with Materials 6 The goal of the course is to produce a Bachelor's thesis project by experimenting with materials, their properties, and compatibility. Ability to customize materials and techniques to suit ideas. Ability to apply the acquired knowledge in the creative work. Ability to realize a creative activity in three dimensions. The curriculum includes searching for individual topics, mock-ups. Exploring materials, forms, structure, work on the realization of a specific idea in the material. Choice of techniques, the realization of the finished work. Practical work Assessment show Thesis supervisor  
MākZ4245 Design Research 3 Introduction to design research methods. Overview of qualitative and quantitative methods. Visual methods, brainstorming group assignments, focus group assignments to assist in the process of formulating a thesis idea. The result: the structure of the research part of the diploma paper, formulation of the methods, the task, the aim, and the results to be achieved. Lecture, seminar Written course paper Rasma Pušpure  
MākZ7465 3D Computer Graphic 3 Studying portfolio samples, structure, content requirements, technical structure, and composition. At the end of the course, students develop a personal portfolio. Lecture, practical work, group work Assessment show Gita Straustiņa Basic knowledge of 2D vector and raster computer graphics, CAD design is required.
      GENERAL ART SUBJECTS        
      Students of all disciplines take general art subjects to gain skills and understanding of academic drawing, painting, and sculpture. Study assignments are designed to provide students with an opportunity to learn about proportions, scale, and relationships between light and dark, and creatively interpret the given setting and assignment at the same time. If a department does not offer any of the general art subjects (drawing, painting, modeling), it is possible to take it by joining another department or course.
       The department teaching the subject assesses the student's skill level and individually adjusts the assignments.
  Drawing 3 Large-format drawings. Same task as for painters, sculptors, and graphic artists.  Practical and individual work Assessment show   Elective subject
  Sketching There are no separate credits for sketching; students are marked for the Drawing course Sketching the human figure for 5, 10, 15 minutes.
Objective: the act of drawing using various materials (charcoal pencil, pencil, felt-tip pen, sepia, acrylic, ink, etc.), developing visual perception, transferring it to the sketch.
Results to be achieved: a developed ability to understand proportion and to create individual handwriting in drawing using a variety of materials, taking a step back from the classical academic drawing.		 Individual work Assessment show An individual class without a lecturer Elective subject
      HUMANITIES SUBJECTS        
      As theoretical lectures are delivered to the students of the Art Academy of Latvia in Latvian, some theoretical subjects in English are offered separately to the visiting students.        
MākZ1687 Art History of Latvia 6 The course is taught to Erasmus+ students, and its purpose is to give an insight into and a general idea of the development of Latvian art history in a cultural and historical context. Alongside art history, the course provides basic knowledge of Latvian history, ethnography, and architectural history. The lecture course chronologically covers the period from prehistory to the 20th century. Visits to exhibitions and museums are organized as part of the course to broaden and improve students' knowledge and to promote connection with contemporary cultural progress. Lecture, visits to exhibitions and cultural sites Written course paper Ieva Rosne Special subject for Erasmus+ students.
MākZ1686 Theory of Contemporary Art  3 The academic course deals with all the significant events in recent art history, starting from the international conceptual tendencies in the 60s, like land art, minimalism, Art Povera, Nouveaux Réalisme, Fluxus, and others, the postmodern narratives in the 80s and the 90s. The final part will be dedicated to the actual debates in the global contemporary art scene. Each lecture will be accompanied by rich visual materials, including films originating from museums. After finishing the course, the students will be able to recognize the most prominent personalities and their most iconic artworks. Lecture, visits to exhibitions and cultural sites Presentation Raimonds Kalējs Special subject for Erasmus+ students.
MākZ1677 Anatomy 1,5 Digitalized and interactive anatomy for art and design students to improve their drawing, painting, and sketching skills in anatomy. Based on Anatomy Next — anatomy learning tools for students and teachers. Anatomy Next is a very successful, world-known educational technology start-up to help students learn anatomy faster and more efficiently. Lecture Test Uldis Zariņš Special subject for Erasmus+ students.
MākZ1376 Art Pedagogy in a Cultural Environment 3 The course prepares students to conduct practical visual arts lectures in art exhibitions or a broader cultural environment. Such an experience is useful in any art communication process. Graduates will gain hands-on experience in discussing art with people of all ages, conducting informal art classes, and evaluating the learning process. Practical work, seminar or discussion Presentation Ilze Vītola Special subject for Erasmus+ students.
      ELECTIVE SUBJECTS OFFERED TO ERASMUS+ VISITING STUDENTS        
      Elective subjects for Erasmus+ visiting students offered by different departments in different specialties. The list of available elective subjects will be published shortly before the start of the semester with online registration. The number of elective subjects depends on the number of remaining ECTS required for the student after the student's basic curriculum of the department's specialty subjects, general art subjects, and humanities subjects has been approved by the department.        
      MA 1        
code subject name ECTS   type of class type of examination lecturer additional info
      THE DEPARTMENT'S SPECIALTY SUBJECTS        
      Specialty subjects in the student's chosen subfield. These subjects account for a significant part of the total semester or study year programme percentage.        
MākZ6A39 Composition 3 The course aims to develop students' ability to solve complex concepts and to understand the context of contemporary jewelry art and design. To support students' initiative and search for individual handwriting through practical tasks. To develop students' ability to prepare and evaluate sketch material. Expected learning outcomes: Understanding the possibilities of composition in the context of contemporary art. Ability to integrate the acquired knowledge into their creative activity. Ability to maintain individual handwriting while performing a predefined task. Lecture, practical work, group work Assessment show Thesis supervisor  
  Experimental Composition 3 The relationship between art and design projects and exhibition environment and scale. Combining the artistic principles of different genres of art and design to create creative projects. Land Art. The use of nature's visual element materials and processes in creating art projects. Exploration of the creative work of the world's leading artists. Social responsibility and the ecology aspect. Development of a concept for work that can be exhibited in nature or the urban environment. Possibilities of recording the work progress and the final result using the photo, video, and other techniques. Lecture, practical work, group work Assessment show Arvīds Endziņš  
MākZ6A42 Practical Work with Materials 3 The goal of the course is to develop the project started in the "Composition" course by experimenting with materials, their properties, and their compatibility. Ability to customize materials and techniques to suit ideas. Ability to realize a creative activity in three dimensions. The curriculum includes searching for individual topics, creating mock-ups, exploring materials, forms, structure, working on a specific idea in the material. Choice of techniques, the realization of the finished work. Practical work Assessment show Thesis supervisor  
MākZ6857 Design Objects Exhibiting 3 The course aims to provide students with theoretical and practical knowledge of design object exhibitions and their creation. The course includes theoretical lectures and practical work on creating an exhibition: from idea to realization.
Tasks for independent work: (1) four reviews (2) completed pre-prepared worksheets for the exhibitions attended.
At the end of the semester: a written test or a solo or group exhibition. Student involvement in the study process is evaluated.		 Lecture, practical work, group work Assessment show Ginta Grūbe  
      THE DEPARTMENT'S ELECTIVE SUBJECTS        
      Specialty subjects that can be taken in addition to the basic study programme.        
MākZ6861 Material Workshops 3 The goal of the course is to gain advanced skills in using jewelry hand tools and metalworking machines. Overview of the engraving technique. The course aims to promote the technical knowledge and skills of young jewelry artists. Practical work Assessment show Andris Silapēters  
MākZ6869 Technology Laboratory 3 Mastering methods of metal surface treatment, acquiring various texture, relief graphic drawings using a wide range of techniques. Use of mechanical techniques with the aid of hand tools and technical machine tools. Use of chemicals in metal surface treatment. Surface treatment of different metals using electrochemical, galvanic processes. Use of photosensitive materials to obtain graphic images on a metal globe. Practical work with techniques demonstration, sample-making. Practical work Assessment show Arvīds Endziņš  
      GENERAL ART SUBJECTS        
      Students of all disciplines take general art subjects to gain skills and understanding of academic drawing, painting, and sculpture. Study assignments are designed to provide students with an opportunity to learn about proportions, scale, and relationships between light and dark, and creatively interpret the given setting and assignment at the same time. If a department does not offer any of the general art subjects (drawing, painting, modeling), it is possible to take it by joining another department or course.
       The department teaching the subject assesses the student's skill level and individually adjusts the assignments.
  Drawing 3 Large-format drawings. Same task as for painters, sculptors, and graphic artists.  Practical and individual work Assessment show   Elective subject
  Sketching There are no separate credits for sketching; students are marked for the Drawing course Sketching the human figure for 5, 10, 15 minutes.
Objective: the act of drawing using various materials (charcoal pencil, pencil, felt-tip pen, sepia, acrylic, ink, etc.), developing visual perception, transferring it to the sketch.
Results to be achieved: a developed ability to understand proportion and to create individual handwriting in drawing using a variety of materials, taking a step back from the classical academic drawing.		 Individual work Assessment show An individual class without a lecturer Elective subject
      HUMANITIES SUBJECTS        
      As theoretical lectures are delivered to the students of the Art Academy of Latvia in Latvian, some theoretical subjects in English are offered separately to the visiting students.        
MākZ1687 Art History of Latvia 6 The course is taught to Erasmus+ students, and its purpose is to give an insight into and a general idea of the development of Latvian art history in a cultural and historical context. Alongside art history, the course provides basic knowledge of Latvian history, ethnography, and architectural history. The lecture course chronologically covers the period from prehistory to the 20th century. Visits to exhibitions and museums are organized as part of the course to broaden and improve students' knowledge and to promote connection with contemporary cultural progress. Lecture, visits to exhibitions and cultural sites Written course paper Ieva Rosne Special subject for Erasmus+ students.
MākZ1686 Theory of Contemporary Art  3 The academic course deals with all the significant events in recent art history, starting from the international conceptual tendencies in the 60s, like land art, minimalism, Art Povera, Nouveaux Réalisme, Fluxus, and others, the postmodern narratives in the 80s and the 90s. The final part will be dedicated to the actual debates in the global contemporary art scene. Each lecture will be accompanied by rich visual materials, including films originating from museums. After finishing the course, the students will be able to recognize the most prominent personalities and their most iconic artworks. Lecture, discussion Presentation Raimonds Kalējs Special subject for Erasmus+ students.
MākZ1677 Anatomy 1,5 Digitalized and interactive anatomy for art and design students to improve their drawing, painting, and sketching skills in anatomy. Based on Anatomy Next — anatomy learning tools for students and teachers. Anatomy Next is a very successful, world-known educational technology start-up to help students learn anatomy faster and more efficiently. Lecture Test Uldis Zariņš Special subject for Erasmus+ students.
MākZ6753 Critical Design 3 The course provides a general insight into design progress, starting from the '90s, introduces major developments in design thinking and approach, and provides an in-depth look at the "Critical Design" trend that emerged during this period. Throughout the course, students are introduced to the concept of critical design, its goals and techniques, and discuss the specifics of design as an information medium. The course covers the theoretical foundations of critical design and illustrates it by numerous examples. It also deals with the problems of design terminology and the point of contact between design and conceptual art. This course aims to encourage designers and artists to think critically and to offer new tools for their artistic and design practices. Lecture Test Liene Jākobsone Special subject for Erasmus+ students.
MākZ6271 Art in Public Space 3 The course aims to introduce the diverse manifestations of contemporary art in the public domain, exploring it in depth. The main goal of the course is to broaden the academic horizon by presenting and analyzing contemporary art events and highlighting their interdisciplinary nature, socio-political critical information, and exploration of alternative forms (lasting monuments, temporary art installations, art festivals, biennials, various interventions in a public contemporary art environment, value criteria in the contemporary art environment, etc.). The objective of the course is not only to inform and describe but to develop students' critical thinking, ability to think independently, analyze and evaluate contemporary art events in public space both in Latvia and worldwide. The course looks at the major artistic activities of the late 20th and 21st centuries in the public domain. Lectures present a wealth of visuals, as well as publicly available professional video materials (tate.org.uk, channel.louisiana.dk, royalacademy.org, moma.org, etc.), and DVD movie fragments. Lecture Test Inese Baranovska If the course is attended by Erasmus+ students, it is taught bilingually (in Latvian and English).
MākZ6819 Art and Culture in the Second Half of the 20th Century: Minimal and Conceptual Art 3 The course aims to give an insight into the minimalist and conceptualist artistic trends, their main representatives, and their typical work-creating strategies in a broader context of the second half of the 20th-century art, philosophy, politics, and ideology. The course will focus not only on visual arts, but also briefly on the direction of minimalism in music, literature, and architecture, as well as on the link between the emergence of conceptualism and the Fluxus movement and the musical avant-garde, focusing on the 60s and 70s, exploring the influence of the avant-garde art of the period on the different art world situations of the 80s and 90s and making comparisons with current events in Latvian and world art in the 21st century. Lecture, seminar or discussion Presentation Jānis Taurens If the course is attended by Erasmus+ students, it is taught bilingually (in Latvian and English).
      ELECTIVE SUBJECTS OFFERED TO ERASMUS+ VISITING STUDENTS        
      Elective subjects for Erasmus+ visiting students offered by different departments in different specialties. The list of available elective subjects will be published shortly before the start of the semester with online registration. The number of elective subjects depends on the number of remaining ECTS required for the student after the student's basic curriculum of the department's specialty subjects, general art subjects, and humanities subjects has been approved by the department.        
      MA 2        
code subject name ECTS   type of class type of examination lecturer additional info
      THE DEPARTMENT'S SPECIALTY SUBJECTS        
      Specialty subjects in the student's chosen subfield. These subjects account for a significant part of the total semester or study year programme percentage.        
MākZ6A41 Composition 6 The course aims to support students' initiative and search for their handwriting through practical tasks, as well as to help formulate and develop several ideas for their Master's thesis. Expected learning outcomes: Master's thesis propositions that vividly demonstrate the diversity of ideas, novelty, and individual approach to selected topics. Lecture, practical work Assessment show Thesis supervisor  
MākZ6A44 Practical Work with Materials 6 The goal of the course is to develop the project started in the "Composition" course by experimenting with materials, their properties, and their compatibility. Ability to customize materials and techniques to suit ideas. Ability to realize a creative activity in three dimensions. The curriculum includes creating mock-ups, exploring materials, forms, structure, working on the realization of specific ideas in the material. Choice of techniques, the realization of the finished work. Practical work Assessment show Thesis supervisor  
MākZ6859 Design Objects Exhibiting 3 The course aims to provide students with theoretical and practical knowledge of design object exhibitions and their creation. The course includes theoretical lectures and practical work on creating an exhibition: from idea to realization.
Tasks for independent work: (1) four reviews (2) completed pre-prepared worksheets for the exhibitions attended.
At the end of the semester: a written test or a solo or group exhibition. Student involvement in the study process is evaluated.		 Lecture, practical work Assessment show Ginta Grūbe  
      THE DEPARTMENT'S ELECTIVE SUBJECTS        
      Specialty subjects that can be taken in addition to the basic study programme.        
MākZ6863 Material Workshops 3 The goal of the course is to acquire advanced skills in the integration of jeweler's enamel into precious metals so that the technical knowledge and skills promote professionalism and creativity of the young jewelers. Practical work Assessment show Andris Silapēters  
MākZ6871 Technology Laboratory 3 Use of aluminum in the accomplishment of design and art projects. Learning aluminum casting techniques. Traditional casting techniques, equipment, and materials for making models and molds. Learning the principles of casting jewelry using fusible wax patterns. Using foam polystyrene models. Alternative and experimental techniques for obtaining different effects and surfaces using aluminum casting. Practical work with techniques demonstration, sample-making. Practical work Assessment show Arvīds Endziņš  
      GENERAL ART SUBJECTS        
      Students of all disciplines take general art subjects to gain skills and understanding of academic drawing, painting, and sculpture. Study assignments are designed to provide students with an opportunity to learn about proportions, scale, and relationships between light and dark, and creatively interpret the given setting and assignment at the same time. If a department does not offer any of the general art subjects (drawing, painting, modeling), it is possible to take it by joining another department or course.
       The department teaching the subject assesses the student's skill level and individually adjusts the assignments.
  Drawing 3 Large-format drawings. Same task as for painters, sculptors, and graphic artists.  Practical and individual work Assessment show   Elective subject
  Sketching There are no separate credits for sketching; students are marked for the Drawing course Sketching the human figure for 5, 10, 15 minutes.
Objective: the act of drawing using various materials (charcoal pencil, pencil, felt-tip pen, sepia, acrylic, ink, etc.), developing visual perception, transferring it to the sketch.
Results to be achieved: a developed ability to understand proportion and to create individual handwriting in drawing using a variety of materials, taking a step back from the classical academic drawing.		 Individual work Assessment show An individual class without a lecturer Elective subject
      HUMANITIES SUBJECTS        
      As theoretical lectures are delivered to the students of the Art Academy of Latvia in Latvian, some theoretical subjects in English are offered separately to the visiting students.        
MākZ1687 Art History of Latvia 6 The course is taught to Erasmus+ students, and its purpose is to give an insight into and a general idea of the development of Latvian art history in a cultural and historical context. Alongside art history, the course provides basic knowledge of Latvian history, ethnography, and architectural history. The lecture course chronologically covers the period from prehistory to the 20th century. Visits to exhibitions and museums are organized as part of the course to broaden and improve students' knowledge and to promote connection with contemporary cultural progress. Lecture, visits to exhibitions and cultural sites Written course paper Ieva Rosne Special subject for Erasmus+ students.
MākZ1686 Theory of Contemporary Art  3 The academic course deals with all the significant events in recent art history, starting from the international conceptual tendencies in the 60s, like land art, minimalism, Art Povera, Nouveaux Réalisme, Fluxus, and others, the postmodern narratives in the 80s and the 90s. The final part will be dedicated to the actual debates in the global contemporary art scene. Each lecture will be accompanied by rich visual materials, including films originating from museums. After finishing the course, the students will be able to recognize the most prominent personalities and their most iconic artworks. Lecture, discussion Presentation Raimonds Kalējs Special subject for Erasmus+ students.
MākZ1677 Anatomy 1,5 Digitalized and interactive anatomy for art and design students to improve their drawing, painting, and sketching skills in anatomy. Based on Anatomy Next — anatomy learning tools for students and teachers. Anatomy Next is a very successful, world-known educational technology start-up to help students learn anatomy faster and more efficiently. Lecture   Uldis Zariņš Special subject for Erasmus+ students.
MākZ6753 Critical Design 3 The course provides a general insight into design progress, starting from the '90s, introduces major developments in design thinking and approach, and provides an in-depth look at the "Critical Design" trend that emerged during this period. Throughout the course, students are introduced to the concept of critical design, its goals and techniques, and discuss the specifics of design as an information medium. The course covers the theoretical foundations of critical design and illustrates it by numerous examples. It also deals with the problems of design terminology and the point of contact between design and conceptual art. This course aims to encourage designers and artists to think critically and to offer new tools for their artistic and design practices. Lecture Test Liene Jākobsone Special subject for Erasmus+ students.
MākZ6271 Art in Public Space 3 The course aims to introduce the diverse manifestations of contemporary art in the public domain, exploring it in depth. The main goal of the course is to broaden the academic horizon by presenting and analyzing contemporary art events and highlighting their interdisciplinary nature, socio-political critical information, and exploration of alternative forms (lasting monuments, temporary art installations, art festivals, biennials, various interventions in a public contemporary art environment, value criteria in the contemporary art environment, etc.). The objective of the course is not only to inform and describe but to develop students' critical thinking, ability to think independently, analyze and evaluate contemporary art events in public space both in Latvia and worldwide. The course looks at the major artistic activities of the late 20th and 21st centuries in the public domain. Lectures present a wealth of visuals, as well as publicly available professional video materials (tate.org.uk, channel.louisiana.dk, royalacademy.org, moma.org, etc.), and DVD movie fragments. Lecture Test Inese Baranovska If the course is attended by Erasmus+ students, it is taught bilingually (in Latvian and English).
MākZ6819 Art and Culture in the Second Half of the 20th Century: Minimal and Conceptual Art 3 The course aims to give an insight into the minimalist and conceptualist artistic trends, their main representatives, and their typical work-creating strategies in a broader context of the second half of the 20th-century art, philosophy, politics, and ideology. The course will focus not only on visual arts, but also briefly on the direction of minimalism in music, literature, and architecture, as well as on the link between the emergence of conceptualism and the Fluxus movement and the musical avant-garde, focusing on the 60s and 70s, exploring the influence of the avant-garde art of the period on the different art world situations of the 80s and 90s and making comparisons with current events in Latvian and world art in the 21st century. Lecture, seminar or discussion Presentation Jānis Taurens If the course is attended by Erasmus+ students, it is taught bilingually (in Latvian and English).