AH10200 - AN INTRODUCTION TO ART HISTORY AND VISUAL CULTURE

Module Identifier	AH10200
Module Title	AN INTRODUCTION TO ART HISTORY AND VISUAL CULTURE
Academic Year	2002/2003
Co-ordinator	Mrs Moira M Vincentelli
Semester	Semester 1 (Taught over 2 semesters)
Further details	http://www.aber.ac.uk/~viawww/20thCdocs.htm

Aims:

The module aims to:

provide the foundation for all art history modules in the degree scheme, in particular Contemporary Art 1 and 2, Art and Society 1 and 2, Ceramics and Collection Management, History of Graphic Art 1 and 2, British Landscape, and the History of Photography 1 and 2
introduce students to the major tendencies in twentieth century western art, craft and design.
introduce the concept of Modernism
deal with the main movements within Modernism with a particular focus on Britain in the second half of the module
examine Modernism and the wider historical context of visual culture during this period from the stand points of aesthetics, theory, sociology, and historiography
examine the related fields of craft and design history, as well as the history of fine art, drawing on specialist areas of expertise within the department including photography, printmaking and ceramics.
further the student’s ability to engage in an active and participatory environment of the seminar.
further the student’s skills in essay writing and a confidence to develop their own ideas in relation to art works and written texts
further the student’s knowledge of the library provision for art in terms of books, journals, and computer-based data, and to develop skills in word processing

Objectives:

by the end of the module the student will possess:
an understanding of the main art styles and movements within Modernism including, Expressionism, Cubism, Abstraction, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, Pop and Conceptual Art.
a comprehension of the related fields and different approaches used in the study of the applied arts, architecture, design and photography.
a specific knowledge of the history of twentieth century British art, its relationship with the major movements and, specifically, British aspects including documentary photography, the applied arts and studio ceramics, Neo-Romanticism, and the Print Revival .
an awareness of different styles of writing on art including popular art history, academic writing, and art criticism in newspapers and journals on contemporary art.
skills sufficient to word process an essay
enhanced ability to present ideas to their peers through class discussion
competence to develop an argument in an essay, giving evidence of where they have obtained information and ideas, and the ability to present their own opinions