Newcastle University

Pre Requisite Comment

FIN1013 ‘Art Histories I’ should have been taken in the first semester of the academic year.

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

This module will consolidate and develop the range of core approaches, concepts and skills introduced in Art Histories I. Students will be introduced to key thematic concerns such as materiality and the body, and the module will look more closely, although not exclusively, at the modern period. Students will continue to develop skills of visual analysis, interpretation and methodology which will prepare them for further study in the degree programme.

The module will focus upon the ways in which stories of art have been constructed, in conjunction with key works throughout the history of art which exemplify those histories and debates. Students will be introduced to, and engage with: the emergence of modernism, issues around modern sculpture and objecthood, performance, and the theoretical issues of gender, the body and the gaze. The assessment will require students to undertake their own independent investigation and analysis of works of art, their related theories and contexts.

Outline Of Syllabus

The content of the course is updated and revised each year. The module will harmonise with the strands of sculpture and performance in Fine Art studio practice, and will also provide a solid foundation for Combined Honours students. The module will consider key artworks and theories under topics such as: Abstraction, Surrealism and the Object, Gender, Art and Science, the Archive and the Studio.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

Study of this module will provide the student with:
1. An enhanced knowledge of key works, key figures and key issues within art and its histories.
2. Enhanced awareness of the relationship between theory and practice.
3. Ability to make connections between developments in art and social, economic and political context.
4. Increased understanding of the role of methodology within art history.
5. A more confident base upon which to undertake visual analysis.
6. A developed awareness of conceptual tools and critical practices.

Intended Skill Outcomes

1. Research skills, through use of libraries, museum collections and exhibitions.
2. Analytical skills, through seminar presentations, essay writing and group discussions.
3. Organisational skills, in relation to preparatory work for essays and seminars.
4. Presentation skills, in relation to seminar work and group discussions.
5. Communication skills, through the exchange of ideas in lectures and in seminars and written work.
6. Visual analysis skills, through the persistent need to questions images in seminars and written work.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

1. Lectures: to 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: 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.

Nb. In person lectures and seminars can move to synchronous and asynchronous online delivery as required in response to pandemic-related restrictions.

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.

Specifically, 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 formative Visual Analysis exercise enables students to demonstrate their ability to analyse, research and to engage critically with specific works of art in relation to their historical and/or theoretical context. This is timed to allow feedback on the exercise to assist the student with the summative essay.

General Notes

N/A