Module manager: Dr Rebecca Starr
Email: r.starr@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
This module is not approved as a discovery module
Can art be ‘social’? Taking this question as its starting point, this module examines how global art practices have engaged with the idea of the ‘social’ from the 1950s to today. Focusing on debates around ‘community’, ‘relationality’ and ‘socially engaged’ practice, you will study the contested and ever-changing nature of the ‘social’ in art. By exploring how people have been brought together through a wide and diverse array of creative practices, you will examine the idea of the ‘social’ in theory, and practice, to understand how art has been used to create, challenge, critique and unite communities. Please note this is an optional module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module.
This module introduces the various ways in which the idea of the ‘social’ has been considered in recent global art and art history. You will acquire an understanding of the texts and theories underpinning the contested nature of the ‘social’. Through examining these debates, you will study how socio-political and geographical contexts shaped the need for art to perform a social function and the extent to which such practices created, and continue to create, spaces for community. Through your engagements with the module’s readings and studies of artworks and artists, you will develop your skills of close reading, visual and textual analysis and critical thinking.
On successful completion of the module you will be able to:
1. Describe the key debates and theories underpinning concepts of the ‘social’ in art.
2. Interpret how the ‘social’ has been used by artists and communities.
3. Distinguish how different contexts have shaped approaches to the ‘social’ in texts and art practice.
4. Critically evaluate the changing nature and continued relevance of the ‘social’ in recent art and art history.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module you will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
5. Through your close readings of texts and artworks, you will develop your skills of critical thinking by engaging with different sources and materials to weigh up different arguments and perspectives.
6. You will be able to effectively communicate your thoughts through written assessments.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Seminar | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Private study hours | 180 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 20 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
You will gain formative (constructive, non-assessed) feedback in seminars throughout the module. You will be invited to submit a short piece of writing to the module leader to gain constructive feedback on how to improve this ahead of the final submission. You will have the opportunity to arrange a tutorial with the module leader to discuss individualised feedback on your first piece of coursework and to discuss your ideas for the end of term assessment.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Written | 40 |
| Coursework | Written | 60 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 09/04/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team