Module Outline (Updated 09.05.18)
In the first year Art and Ideas modules you were introduced to some of the key methods in art history, and in the philosophy of aesthetics. In this module we will examine the methods of art history more closely and understand where these ideas came from.
The aim of this module is to gain an understanding of the history of art history - when did scholars begin thinking of ‘art’ as something distinct from other kinds of making? When did scholars decide ‘art’ was something best understood as having a history? How have the methodologies of this ‘art history’ changed since it began? What are the underlying changes in values and in society which have changed how we do art history? What has become included or excluded from this history? In class discussions we will ask questions such as: What is art? Does it have a history? What is the relationship between art, society and politics? What is art for?
We will look at this history of art history chronologically, beginning with the ideas that dominated art history from the sixteenth century. In each week, we will look at changes and challenges posed by successive generations of art historians.
Aims and Learning outcomes:
1) By the end of this module the student should have a clear idea of the historical development of the discourse on art and the way that it has shaped our understanding of it. This will include:
• A clear, broad understanding of the art history’s methods and how they have developed.
• The ability to identify key debates in the history of art.
• A firm grasp of the particularities of the socio-cultural context that led to the invention of art.
• Critical skills in historically identifying and interrogating different methodologies in art history.
2) The ability to critically engage with current debates around the status of contemporary art.
3) A sound understanding of the key concepts and methods of interpretation in art history.
4) An overview of different forms of writing about art, which will also enhance the student’s writing and interpretation skills.
5) The confidence to subject the texts studied to critical analysis.
6) Skills to analyse works of art from different theoretical perspectives.
In the first year Art and Ideas modules you were introduced to some of the key methods in art history, and in the philosophy of aesthetics. In this module we will examine the methods of art history more closely and understand where these ideas came from.
The aim of this module is to gain an understanding of the history of art history - when did scholars begin thinking of ‘art’ as something distinct from other kinds of making? When did scholars decide ‘art’ was something best understood as having a history? How have the methodologies of this ‘art history’ changed since it began? What are the underlying changes in values and in society which have changed how we do art history? What has become included or excluded from this history? In class discussions we will ask questions such as: What is art? Does it have a history? What is the relationship between art, society and politics? What is art for?
We will look at this history of art history chronologically, beginning with the ideas that dominated art history from the sixteenth century. In each week, we will look at changes and challenges posed by successive generations of art historians.
Aims and Learning outcomes:
1) By the end of this module the student should have a clear idea of the historical development of the discourse on art and the way that it has shaped our understanding of it. This will include:
• A clear, broad understanding of the art history’s methods and how they have developed.
• The ability to identify key debates in the history of art.
• A firm grasp of the particularities of the socio-cultural context that led to the invention of art.
• Critical skills in historically identifying and interrogating different methodologies in art history.
2) The ability to critically engage with current debates around the status of contemporary art.
3) A sound understanding of the key concepts and methods of interpretation in art history.
4) An overview of different forms of writing about art, which will also enhance the student’s writing and interpretation skills.
5) The confidence to subject the texts studied to critical analysis.
6) Skills to analyse works of art from different theoretical perspectives.