HA2DD: Distance and difference: perspectives on art, architecture and visual culture

Module Provider:

History of Art

Number of credits:

20 [10 ECTS credits]

Level:

I (Intermediate)

Terms in which taught:

Autumn and Spring

Module Convenor:

Dr AE Robins

Pre-requisites:

Co-requisites:

Modules excluded:

Current from:

2005/6

Aims:
This module aims to develop students' critical awareness of different approaches to the study of art, architecture and visual culture generally. It will introduce them to various ideas and issues which underpin the history of art and architecture and which will cut across the subject areas and periods they encounter in their part 2 optional modules. It will provide a number of focuses on key questions in the study of art, architecture and visual culture, and demonstrate how enquiry into the subject is dynamic, not static, encompassing various, sometimes conflicting, perspectives and ideas. This module will aim to show that history of art's objects of study are always provisional and that its focuses of enquiry are permanently open-ended.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module it is expected that students will be able to:
identify and explain some key questions current in history of art and its interdisciplinary aspects
organize their material and articulate their arguments effectively both orally and in writing
work as part of a team, organizing and delegating activities and supporting each others learning
identify and critical appraise literature and other sources relevant to the subject

Additional outcomes:
The module also aims to encourage the development of oral communication skills and the student's ability to participate in group discussions and to work as a member of a team

Outline content:
The module will be organised as a sequence of five week blocks, each exploring an idea, focus or line of enquiry pertinent to history of art and its current emphases. Each block will be introduced in two or three lectures followed by seminars discussing key texts, including those which represent distinctive or innovative or unexpected ways of thinking about art, architecture or visual culture.
Examples of a five week focus include themes, topics and ideas such as:
Visualising difference: Islam and the Mediterranean
Then and now: shifting perspectives on art, craft and photography
Artistic identity and institutions: artists' personas, disciplinary frameworks
Visual display: showing and looking, the West and its others
Materials/media: copies and originals, reproductions and authenticity

In the final five weeks of the course, students will give short group presentations resulting from an enquiry they have conducted as a team into one of the themes or ideas introduced in the first fifteen weeks

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Lectures, seminars and group discussions and team presentations

Contact hours:

Assessment:
Coursework
Two 2000 words essays in Autumn and Spring terms to be submitted by the end of the first week of the term following.

One group presentation in the second half of the Spring term.

Relative percentage of coursework : 100%

Penalties for late submission

Penalties for late submission of course work will be in accordance with University policy.
Examinations None

Requirements for a pass

A mark of 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements
Re-examination in September. Coursework will be carried forward if it bears a mark of 40% or more overall. Otherwise element(s) must be resubmitted by 1 September.