Module manager: Dr Mark Westgarth
Email: m.w.westgarth@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2023/24
This module is not approved as a discovery module
A Story of Art? We will challenge the idea of a single narrative account of art, and problematise ideas of 'art' and 'artist'. The term 'art' has not always been used, used the same way, or to denote the same type of objects. Similarly, attitudes to art and ways of looking at art depend on time and geography. Using a number of case studies from prehistoric, ancient, medieval. Renaissance/early modern, and contemporary art and visual culture, the module will examine both the conditions of artistic production and the effects of different art historical methodologies and interests.
On completion of this module students should be able to:
- identify the salient visual and ideological characteristics of the art and artists studied;
- explain in basic terms the geographically, historically, and culturally specific circumstances of production and use of the art studied;
- identify and utilise some of the different ways of researching and writing art history and begun to look critically at the various ideas of what art is, what it is made for and why, what an artist is, and what art history might be.
On completion of the module students should have provided evidence of being able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the social contexts of art making and consumption, relating to the period before 1800.
- Recognise that methodological and critical frameworks make a difference to how art history is studied.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts of 'art' and 'artist' as constructed and contested depending on historical or cultural contexts.
- Research and write an essay that evidences their learning on the module;
- Deliver written work to a given length, format, brief and deadline, properly referencing sources and ideas.
- Verbal and written fluency in constructing a logical and coherent argument
- Use of audio visual aids
- Participation in group discussions
- Co-ordination and dissemination of a range of historical, contextual visual information
- Using bibliographies and databases.
Challenging the idea of a single narrative story of art, this module will problematise ideas of 'art' and 'artist' by exploring the historical foundations and formations of the discipline of art history since the 18th Century. Using a number of case studies from ancient, classical, medieval, Renaissance and Early Modern art and cultures, the module will examine both the conditions of artistic production and the effects of different art historical methodologies and interests.
Each student will complete worksheets to be formatively assessed in preparation for a multiple choice examination.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 20 | 1 | 20 |
| Seminar | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Private study hours | 170 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 30 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Students will undertake independent field research in their private study time, as directed. Such independent field research will be of a local nature. Students are encouraged to make optional study visits in their private study time.
- Attendance, participation in seminar discussions
- completion of weekly worksheets, to be presented in class
- Online tests provide an indication of progress
- Worksheets will be submitted as one file at the end of the semester. P/F component.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Essay | Essay x 1000 words | 25 |
| In-course MCQ | 3 x Multiple choice tests | 75 |
| Portfolio | Worksheets submitted in one portfolio | 0 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
In course online MCQ to be timetabled during weeks 4, 8, and 11 (reading comprehension, skills, analysis)
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 4/28/2023
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team