ARTICULATION DOCUMENT
T226 Introduction to Lighting
MODULE STRUCTURE
Module Category: Specialisation
Level (year of study): Year 2
Credit Units: 4 Modular Credits
Curriculum Hours: 90
Contact Hours: 60 over 15 weeks (4 hours per week)
Module Assessment: Continuous Assessment: 50%
- 15 Daily Grades
Summative Assessment: 50%
Understanding Test 1: 12.5% (online open book)
Understanding Test 2: 12.5% (online open book)
Understanding Test 3: 25% (online open book)
SECTION 2: MODULE OVERVIEW
Students will be introduced to the various technical aspects of lighting, such as types of lighting
equipment, various consoles, methods of operation, rigging and focusing. In addition, the
importance of safety will be emphasized like safe methods of rigging and how equipment is secured
within an arts facility. Students explore fundamental knowledge of the physics of light and optics,
instrumentation, scale plan analysis, electrics, rigging, laser and lighting technology and control
systems for production.
This module aims to give students a basic understanding of lighting before commencement of T322
Lighting Design in the final year. It arms students with the basic theory to be an Electrician within the
Lighting division in a production. In the fifteen weeks, students will be introduced to the
fundamentals of Lighting, practical work (pertaining to an Electrician’s role), fundamentals of
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T322 Lighting Design
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console programming and importantly, the relationship between an Electrician and a Lighting
Designer.
Module Approach
Divided into two main sections of theory and processes, each week, through a combination of block
mode deliveries, problem based triggers and practicum, the approach aims to enable the students to
understand the processes of the Lighting team from “Bump – in” to “Strike”. This is facilitated
through a series of Lab, Classroom sessions and a site visit.
Students will be expected to complete recommended readings prior to commencement of class.
Where applicable, projects will be given to further develop their understanding of the module.
Key Learning Objectives
Students should be able to:
 Understand the key appointments, responsibilities and organization structure of the Lighting
department
 Understand the fundamentals of Lighting Theory
 Understand relationships with other key departments within a production
 Apply electrical theory and practices
 Operate lighting fixtures, infrastructure and related equipment and accessories
 Operate Rigging gear and applying methodology pertaining to Lighting
 Know the role of an Electrician and a Programmer
 Demonstrate the technical handling of the various equipment
 Demonstrate rigging and focusing fixtures
 Working with a Lighting Designer
This is the first run of this module T226 Introduction to Lighting. It is conducted in 2nd year to build
prior knowledge in preparation for the 3rd year module T322 Lighting Design previously known as
T322 Illumination Design.
MODULE OUTCOMES AND LEARNING OUTCOMES
Note: The module curriculum document should be clearly aligned with the programme blueprint,
whenever applicable
Allocated time per day
Module Coverage
Discussions in
Study Cluster
Lighting Basics I
Knowing the history and evolution of
lighting, terminology, roles and
responsibilities, functions of Lighting
and Health and Safety.
2: Lighting Basics II
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T322 Lighting Design
Resource
gathering and
team work
Skills acquisition
and practice
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Understanding the functions and
purposes of:
- Conventional Lighting
Instruments
- Associated Accessories
- Basic Layout
- Lenses
- Lamps
3: Lighting Basics III
Understanding the functions and
purposes of:
- Dimmers
- Digital Multi-Plex
- Networking Protocol
- Automated Lighting
Instruments
4: Paperwork
Understanding the various forms of
paperwork:
- Lighting Plot
- USITT Standards
- Instrument Schedule
- Magic Sheet
5: Electricity
Understanding Electrical Theory and
Practices.
6: Recap I
Combining what has been covered so
far from Weeks 1 – 5 in a practical
scenario.
7: Rigging
With specifics to Lighting we will be
looking at:
- Rigging Gear
- Rigging
- Knots
- Cabling
- Connectors
8: Procedures
The role of and Electrician, Master
Electrician and a Programmer during:
- Bump In
- Technical Rehearsals
- Dress Rehearsals
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-
Performances
Strike
9: Performance Genres
Lighting across various performance
genres such as:
- Drama
- Dance
- Opera
- Site Specific Performances
10: Industry Induction
Students will be brought on a Venue
Tour and watch the performance that is
running and write a report on the tour.
11: Programming
There are various consoles out in the
market. As such, we will be focusing on
the programming concepts and
procedures using the PC based versions
of the GrandMA onPC software.
12: Non Traditional Lighting
Understanding the functions of the
following non-traditional systems:
- Projectors
- Practicals
- Effects
This lesson is supplemented by
students cutting a GOBO based on a
given theme.
13: Colours
Understanding colour perception,
colour mixing methodology and the use
of the various types of colour filters.
14: Direction and Focus
Understanding and taking instructions
from a Lighting Designer
15: Recap II
Combining what has been covered so
far from Weeks 1 – 15 in a practical
scenario.
Total = 15 Problems = 90 hours
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TEACHING AND LEARNING
This module equips students who wish to pursue a career in the Creative Industries with necessary
creative, critical, and technical skills. The module emphasise traditional intellectual skills in terms of
writing short reports, and conducting appropriate research when preparing for projects. Students
are routinely required to conduct seminar discussions and presentations. The Module inspires and
nurtures creative expression, in terms of both form and content, and in the context of both
individual and group productions. Students are encouraged to analyse best industry practices to
develop their area of expertise. Throughout the module, engagement with new, digital technologies
is emphasised.
The module is predominantly delivered via problem based learning, style curriculum. However, up to
15% of the module uses a technical hands-on tutorials style curriculum. The module is
predominantly taught in a classroom and also involves a field trip.
LEARNING RESOURCES
The learning resources refer to resources that are used in the module to support students’ learning.
They can include:
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Specialised equipment; Lighting System
Specialised facilities; Theatre
Recommended readings or references (HARVARD STYLE); and
Online resources, etc.
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T322 Lighting Design
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