Aims

This module is designed to introduce students to a variety of perspectives on key areas within the history of art. It encourages students to develop conceptual tools and analytical skills in relation to the appreciation and understanding of art.

Through a study of key moments in art history spanning from the Renaissance to Realism, this module introduces some of the core approaches, concepts and skills required in studying art history. The first half of the module focuses on key moments between the Renaissance and the advent of Romanticism, when there were significant shifts in the ways that artists interpreted the world around them. You will be encouraged to consider different approaches towards thinking about art objects, and to develop your skills of close visual analysis.
The second half of the module traces the development from Romanticism towards Realism in the late nineteenth-century. We will focus upon the ways in which stories of art have been constructed. You will be encouraged to consider the significance of social and political concerns for the artwork under discussion, and to make your own critical investigation of artworks by situating them within their historical contexts.

Outline Of Syllabus

The content of the course is updated and revised each year but students can expect to cover topics such as: Perspective and Naturalism in the Renaissance, iconography in the Northern Renaissance and developments in the High Renaissance; Baroque painting and sculpture; Dutch genre painting; Portraiture; Neo-classicism and Romanticism; Photography and Realism.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

1. Lectures: to allow definition of the scope of the syllabus, an introduction to a body of knowledge, and modeling of the level and nature of the analysis required.

2. Seminars: to encourage interaction and the development of cognitive and key skills; to allow preparation and presentation of directed research on specific issues and case studies.

3. Tutorials: to provide feedback and analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of submitted work, and increase awareness of the potential for individual development.

4. Workshops: to encourage development of key skills in a supportive environment.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The course work affords students the opportunity to conduct research with seminar and peer support into particular areas of interest, to develop their organizational and presentation skills, and then to demonstrate their ability to think independently in using their group-work to inform their individual essay. The essay demonstrates the student’s ability to absorb and critique information and then present an argument in relation to a specific topic. It demonstrates the student’s ability to relay an argument in a clear manner using appropriate academic writing skills. The exam allows students to demonstrate the knowledge learnt throughout the course. In both the coursework and the exam there is the opportunity to demonstrate visual analysis.