Module manager: Dr Rebecca Starr
Email: r.starr@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
ARTF3166: The Ripped and the Raw: Aspects of European Art 1945-1960
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module explores the relationship between philosophy and art in Europe from 1940-1960. By studying concepts of ‘existentialism’ you will gain a broad awareness of philosophical debates in the mid-twentieth century, using this to question representations of ‘being’, ‘the body’, and ‘otherness’ across a wide range of artistic practices. Through close readings of texts and studies of painting, sculpture, film and literature, you will consider the complex relationships between philosophy and art to explore how and why existentialism became such a central concept to everyday life and culture during the mid-twentieth century. 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 you to some of the key debates in twentieth century philosophy and the ways these were influenced and challenged by rapidly changing socio-political contexts. By focusing on the links between existentialism and art, you will gain an understanding of the relationships between philosophical and visual material. Through examining these links, and your own engagement with the module’s readings and studies of artworks, 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. Interpret the key debates, theories and texts underpinning existentialism.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between existentialism and a range of art forms.
3. Examine how different art forms engaged with existentialism.
4. Critically evaluate the role of existentialism in artistic, literary and philosophical debates of the mid-twentieth century.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module you will be able to demonstrate the following skills learning outcomes:
5. You will develop and demonstrate your skills of critical thinking by engaging with different sources and materials to weigh up different arguments and perspectives.
6. You will effectively communicate your ideas through written assessments and in-class discussions.
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 feedback (constructive, non-assessed feedback) in seminars throughout the module. You will be invited to submit 1 of your reflective responses to the module leader to gain constructive feedback on how to improve these ahead of the final submission. At the end of the semester, you will have the opportunity to arrange a tutorial with the module leader to discuss your feedback, 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: 23/04/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team