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Critical Readings in the History of Art - HOA00003C

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  • Department: History of Art
  • Module co-ordinator: Information currently unavailable
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: C
  • Academic year of delivery: 2022-23
    • See module specification for other years: 2021-22

Module summary

This module has two primary intentions. One is to introduce you to several of the most important writers and writings that have shaped History of Art as an academic discipline from the 19th century to our own time: that is, critical readings in the sense of essential texts within the subject. The second purpose is to provide you with the tools to question and evaluate the texts that you will read throughout your degree: critical readings in the sense of skeptical analysis of what you read.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Autumn Term 2022-23

Module aims

This module has two primary intentions. One is to introduce you to several of the most important writers and writings that have shaped History of Art as an academic discipline from the 19th century to our own time: that is, critical readings in the sense of essential texts within the subject. The second purpose is to provide you with the tools to question and evaluate the texts that you will read throughout your degree: critical readings in the sense of skeptical analysis of what you read. Both of these aspects of the module provide a crucial foundation for your future success as an art historian.

The course is structured in a broadly chronological fashion, starting with late 19th-century writings, moving through the 20th century, and concluding with work from recent years. Each seminar will focus on two texts highlighting important authors and approaches that have characterized key episodes in the history of our discipline. In addition to learning about the various methodological approaches that have been employed within the History of Art, you will also be introduced to a range of analytical tools that will help you to assess the texts that you read and to write well-informed, analytical arguments yourself. The module is by no means fully comprehensive in the history of the discipline, but it should set the stage for your further in-depth study of various art-historical subjects and methodologies in future terms.

Module learning outcomes

·Familiarity with a range of secondary texts in the discipline of art history

  • Ability to analyze and evaluate written arguments concerning works of art and architecture

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
1,500 Word Essay		 N/A 100

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
1,500 Word Essay		 N/A 100

Module feedback

You will receive feedback on assessed work within the timeframes set out by the University - please check the Guide to Assessment, Standards, Marking and Feedback for more information.

The purpose of feedback is to help you to improve your future work. If you do not understand your feedback or want to talk about your ideas further, you are warmly encouraged to meet your Supervisor during their Office Hours.

Indicative reading

  • Charlotte Klonk and Michael Hatt, Art History: A Critical Introduction to its Methods (Manchester, 2006)


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.