This module investigates adornment, preciousness and value in art and architecture, especially in relation to baroque art and architecture, but its chronological engagement extends from Ancient Egypt to contemporary.
Module will run
Occurrence
Teaching cycle
A
Spring Term 2020-21
Module aims
The module undertakes a critical examination of the discursive formation of decoration as subordinate to structure in architectural and philosophical discourse. It investigates adornment in relation to architecture, dress, and body. And it is designed to engage students with serious critical study of the so-called ‘decorative arts’.
Module learning outcomes
Subject content:
critical knowledge of the discursive formation of decoration/ adornment as subsidiary or ‘supplemental’ across architectural and art theory
exploration of the gendering of adornment
critical knowledge of various systems of adornment and their cultural work
a critical knowledge of the history of the term ‘decoration’ in art history including theoretical debates
a critical ability to consider specific case studies of art and architecture in relation to these debates
By the end of this module students should have acquired the:
ability to read and think critically and against the grain
ability to challenge common sense approaches drawing on evidence and argument
ability to critically relate visual art to text, both empirical work and theoretical
ability to analyse decoration in diverse and critically engaged ways
Assessment
Task
Length
% of module mark
Essay/coursework 4000 Word Essay
N/A
100
Special assessment rules
None
Reassessment
Task
Length
% of module mark
Essay/coursework 4000 Word Essay
N/A
100
Module feedback
We aim to distribute an agreed mark and written comments on summative assessment to students 20 working days following submission.
Indicative reading
LB Alberti, On The Art of Building (1450s)
Alina Payne (ed), Adornment (2012)
M Wigley, ‘Untitled. The Housing of Architecture’ in B Colomina (ed) Sexuality and Space
Katie Scott, ‘Framing Ambition: The Interior Politics of Mme de Pompadour’, Art History, Vol.28 n.2 April 2005, 248-290
Chandra Muckerji, ‘Material Practices of Domination and Techniques of western Power’, Theory & Society, 31, 2002, 1-31.
Treve Rosoman, London Wallpapers: their manufacture and use 1690-1840, Swindon: English Heritage 2009
The Smithsonian, Rococo: The Continuing Curve 1730-2008, Washington DC, 2009
[The Getty Collection], French Furniture and Gilt Bronzes Baroque and Regence: Catalogue of the Getty Collection, The Getty Foundation: Los Angeles, c.2009
Deborah Cherry & Katie Scott (eds), Between Luxury and Everyday, [Art History journal special issue]
Coronavirus (COVID-19): changes to courses
The 2020/21 academic year will start in September. We aim to deliver as much face-to-face teaching as we can, supported by high quality online alternatives where we must.
Find details of the measures we're planning to protect our community.