FUNCTIONAL DESIGN / Specialisation in PRODUCT DESIGN
  BA 2  
code subject name ECTS Description 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.
MākZ4841 Composition 4,5 Product design as a problem-solving and concept-generating process for developing everydays objects (problem-based learning). This course encourages students to engage with different approaches to knowledge and inquiry as they look at issues affecting the world in which we live (private and public). It is designed to help students further a deeper critical understanding of their chosen area of study by placing the subject in a wider context. Semester courses in Product Design combine a mix of applied product sketching, model making  and digital design skills in order to improve  presentation and product development process. Lecture, individual work, discussion Assessment show Māris Mortukāns Basic knowledge in Illustrator and ScetchUp required.
MākZ4842 Spatial (3D) Modeling 3 In connection with composition studies, this course explores the different form-making materials, techniques, and methods that are necessary for successful prototype creation. Inventive use of materials and gained abilities to build physical structures is the main goal of the course. Practical and individual work Assessment show Kirils Panteļējevs  
MākZ2325 Computer Software Studies 1,5 Use of 3D digital software Blender in product design development and presentation. Research and project preparation in 3D environment. At the end of the course, 3D computer graphics visualization is carried out using the acquired knowledge. Lecture, individual work, discussion Assessment show Gita Straustiņa Prior knowledge in 2D graphic digital programs and CAD programs.
The lecture is given in a group partly in Latvian, partly in English with individual consultation.
 
MākZ4749 Design Sketching 1,5 The course introduces students to design object sketching techniques. Application of different forms and techniques of hand plotting. The aim is for students to develop sketching skills of a designer and learn to skillfully depict their ideas. Practical and individual work Assessment show Ervins Pastors The lecture is given in a group partly in Latvian, partly in English with individual consultation.
THE DEPARTMENT'S ELECTIVE SUBJECTS
Specialty subjects that can be taken in addition to the basic study programme.
MākZ4750 Brand Design 3 How to influence people´s guts feelings about a brand. What is the trust element in a prodúct, service or idea ? And how to offer a platform, a stage for a tribe, who on their own create a brand. This course develops an approach to brand elements, in theory as well in practice, it will collect peoples reactions and reflections and give answers in a redesigning process, to support and express a brand identity. Lecture, practical work, discussion Assessment show Martin Foessleitner Strategic thinking,working in groups, iterative approach and open attitude
MākZ4752 Packaging Materials And Constructions 1,5 Introduce students with cardboard and other materials packaging production technologies, printing specifics and materials. Through lectures, practical tasks and real examples, develop an understanding of technical specifications, the development of packaging structures and the impact of material selection on it. Prepare students to work with packaging projects, communicate with the manufacturer and the customer. Lecture, individual work, discussion Assessment show Mārīte Zīmele Computer skills, Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. Basic knowledge of printing technologies and materials is desirable.
MākZ2A57 Basics of Photography 3 The aim of the course is to give students an understanding of the terms and basic principles of photography, to teach them to use the available photo tools so that the result is predictable and planned. During the course the nature of natural and artificial light and its effect on photography is studied. Practical work, individual work Assessment show Ivs Zenne Group will be formed if at least 5 participants apply + 2 Erasmus students max    
      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.       The department teaching the subject assesses the student's skill level and individually adjusts the assignments
MākZ2331 Painting 3 The aim of the course is to master the means of still life painting expression, combined with individual and professional interests (connected with the department's educational programmes), blurring imaginary boundaries. During the course, students paint settings from nature; the lecturer may assign a creative task (unrelated to the setting) to be carried out individually. Practical work Assessment show Andris Vītoliņš  
MākZ2021 Modeling 3 The course aims to introduce students to different sculpting techniques and their use in the design process. Students get acquainted with sculpting materials (plasticine, clay, gypsum, etc.) and techniques; they experiment and search for optimal solutions, using them per the requirements of the specific assignment. The work is done independently, and presentations are delivered. Upon the completion of the design course, students must be able to choose the optimal formation method for their project and create the spatial models necessary for the design process. Practical work Assessment show Kirils Panteļejevs  
MākZ2026 Drawing 3 Standing nude figure. Composition. Understanding the proportions of the figure. Dimensional drawing. Pencil, A2 paper. Practical and individual work Assessment show Oļegs Dzjubenko  
  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.
MākZ2961 Art History of Latvia 6 The lecture course "Art History of Latvia" 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.                                                                                                                                                            In the first semester the lecture course chronologically covers the period from prehistory to the 1950ties. The course continues in the second semester, providing the students with the basic knowledge about events of the second half of 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, seminar Ieva Rosne Special course for Erasmus+ students / The course takes place online in two groups: 1. Visiting students from the 1st semester, 2. New visiting students.
MākZ2960 History 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 course for Erasmus+ students / The course takes place online and is intended only for new visiting students.
MākZ1261 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 course for Erasmus+ students / The course takes place online and have one common group for new visiting students together with the students from the 1st semester.
MākZ5125 Creative Methods in Art Pedagogy 3 The course "Creative Methods in Art Pedagogy" prepares students for planning and conducting art-based visual arts classes for school age children. Such an experience can be useful in teaching for both - formal and non-formal education. Graduates will gain theoretical knowledge and practical experience in transforming an idea based on creative practice (art or design) into a teaching practice. Practical work, seminar or discussion Presentation Ilze Vītola Special course for Erasmus+ students / The course takes place online and have one common group for new visiting students together with the students from the 1st semester.
      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 Description 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.
MākZ6C93 Composition 4,5 Cooperation with manufacturers and home producers to create new design objects with high added value, taking into account existing technologies and materials used by the company. Acquainting with the materials and technologies used by manufacturers. Ability to work in a team with other professionals. Application of design techniques practically – concept formation, experimental activity, problem-solving, subject-making. Development of visual and verbal presentation skills. Lecture, individual work, group work, discussion Assessment show Māris Mortukāns Previos knowledge of Illustrator, 3D modeling and design thinking skills required. 
MākZ6980 Spatial (3D) Modeling 3 In connection with composition studies, this course explores the different form-making materials, techniques, and methods that are necessary for successful prototype creation. Inventive use of materials and gained abilities to build physical structures is the main goal of the course. Practical and individual work Assessment show Ervins Pastors Group will be formed if at least 5 participants apply
MākZ7635 Digital Modeling 3 Use of 3D digital software Blender in product design development and presentation. Research and project preparation in 3D environment. At the end of the course, 3D computer graphics visualization is carried out using the acquired knowledge. Lecture, individual work Assessment show Gita Straustiņa Prior knowledge in 2D graphic digital programs and CAD programs.
The lecture is given in a group partly in Latvian, partly in English with individual consultation.
MākZ6B26 Materials & Technologies 3 Disassembly of an everyday design object, electrical or mechanical. To study the function of each component by examining and researching the possible production processes involved in the production of a particular product. Create a visually easy-to-understand overview of the product manufacturing process and applied technological solutions. Lecture, individual work Assessment show Jānis Auniņš Group will be formed if at least 5 applicants apply
  THE DEPARTMENT'S ELECTIVE SUBJECTS  
Specialty subjects that can be taken in addition to the basic study programme.
MākZ5202 Design context  3 Through engaging with the course material, developing a self-initiated project, and participating in discussions, students learn to reflect on design practice and the role of the designer. Students explore potential topics and directions in preparation of their final year thesis project. Lecture, individual work Assessment show Daniel Melse  
MākZ6806 Packaging Design 3 The goal of the course is to learn the basics of packaging design, understand the principles of form and graphic design interactions, continue to learn the principles of branding and the peculiarities of packaging design. Lecture, individual work, discussion Assessment show Maija Rozenfelde Prerequisites: fluent use of Adobe software, basic knowledge of typography and principles of graphic design.
  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. The department teaching the subject assesses the student's skill level and individually adjusts the assignments
      ART STUDIES (student must choose one of proposed subjects)        
MākZ3304 Modeling 3 The course aims to introduce students to different sculpting techniques and their use in the design process. Students get acquainted with sculpting materials (plasticine, clay, gypsum, etc.) and techniques; they experiment and search for optimal solutions, using them per the requirements of the specific assignment. The work is done independently, and presentations are delivered. Upon the completion of the design course, students must be able to choose the optimal formation method for their project and create the spatial models necessary for the design process. Practical work Assessment show Kirils Panteļejevs  
MākZ3320 Painting 3 The aim of the course is to master the means of still life painting expression, combined with individual and professional interests (connected with the department's educational programmes), blurring imaginary boundaries. During the course, students paint settings from nature; the lecturer may assign a creative task (unrelated to the setting) to be carried out individually. Practical work Assessment show Andris Vītoliņš  
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.
MākZ2961 Art History of Latvia 6 The lecture course "Art History of Latvia" 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.                                                                                                                                                            In the first semester the lecture course chronologically covers the period from prehistory to the 1950ties. The course continues in the second semester, providing the students with the basic knowledge about events of the second half of 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, seminar Ieva Rosne Special course for Erasmus+ students / The course takes place online in two groups: 1. Visiting students from the 1st semester, 2. New visiting students.
MākZ2960 History 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 course for Erasmus+ students / The course takes place online and is intended only for new visiting students.
MākZ1261 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 course for Erasmus+ students / The course takes place online and have one common group for new visiting students together with the students from the 1st semester.
MākZ5125 Creative Methods in Art Pedagogy 3 The course "Creative Methods in Art Pedagogy" prepares students for planning and conducting art-based visual arts classes for school age children. Such an experience can be useful in teaching for both - formal and non-formal education. Graduates will gain theoretical knowledge and practical experience in transforming an idea based on creative practice (art or design) into a teaching practice. Practical work, seminar or discussion Presentation Ilze Vītola Special course for Erasmus+ students / The course takes place online and have one common group for new visiting students together with the students from the 1st semester.
  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.