This module will introduce students to a History of Art in 20 Objects. Each lecture will take as its premise a single artwork or other type of visual object and focus in detail (but also in visual comparison) on its specificity as this relates to a history of art defined in broad geographical, temporal and methodological terms. The objects to be studied have been selected for a range of coherent reasons that may relate to their uniqueness, their representativeness or their capacity to act as the springboard for discussion of broader themes. One is just as likely to study an object made by a contemporary or ancient artist, or a ‘masterpiece’ by Leonardo da Vinci or Pablo Picasso, as a work by a less canonical or even unidentifiable artist. The module will not provide a chronological survey of the history of art but will introduce students to some fundamental ideas about art, its origins, functions, materials, techniques, meanings and cultural purposes. Topics are likely to include: Edouard Manet’s Olympia, Hannah Hoch’s Dada Performance, and Emily Kame Kngwarreye’s Untitled (Alalgura/Alhalkere).
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
Demonstrate a broad understanding of the historical making and meaning of artworks and visual objects;
Recognise the use of methods in art historical texts and begin to treat works of art historical scholarship in an open-minded and critical manner;
Demonstrate competence in reflecting on topics that are the subject of the module.
Assessment
33075-01 : 2,000 word Essay : Coursework (100%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions
Assessment: 1 x 15 minute recorded presentation (100%)
Reassessment: Re-submission of 15-minute recorded presentation .