Aims

This module draws on interventionist issues in art historical and cross-disciplinary studies to point up some of the debates that frame the current reception of Modern British Art, from Vorticism to the Brit Art Pack. Students will gain familiarity with the main historical developments as well as the tensions and debates within the art world that destabilise attempts at periodisation and neat labelling of groups and movements. Wider cultural issues will be discussed in relation to individual achievement, and period concerns – philosophical, political and environmental – will be investigated in relation to both fine art practice and visual studies. Special attention will also be given to key exhibitions, public debates, the Turner Prize and relevant museological developments.

Outline Of Syllabus

The module will alert students to some of the central and lasting tensions within the recent history of British art, Each year course content will incorporate reference to relevant current regional and national exhibitions, but certain themes will remain continuous and will include: nationalism/internationalism; realism/abstraction; metroland, travel and the body politic; the documentary; remake/remodel: new technologies; and diversity.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

1. Lectures will allow definition of the scope of the syllabus, an introduction to a body of knowledge, and modelling of the level and nature of the analysis required.
2. Seminars will provide opportunities for individual and joint presentations of directed research as well as programmed discussions on specific issues and case studies.
3. Tutorials will provide feedback and analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of submitted work, and an increased awareness of the potential for individual development
4. Gallery and Museum study visits are essential to enrich the student's experience and to inform the student of visual, technical and material aspects of the portrait.

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. The presentation enables the student to develop and test valuable transferable skills.