Unit name | Introduction to Modern Art |
---|---|
Unit code | HART10217 |
Credit points | 20 |
Level of study | C/4 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
Unit director | Professor. Mike O'Mahony |
Open unit status | Not open |
Pre-requisites |
None |
Co-requisites |
None |
School/department | Department of History of Art (Historical Studies) |
Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
This unit provides an introduction to the art and architecture of the Modern and Postmodern periods. It will introduce students to the diversity of cultural theories, practices and debates that emerged throughout Europe and the United States during the twentieth century and up to the present day. The fundamental aim of the unit is to explore the work of artists and groups within a broad social and political context emphasising contrasts and affinities in cultural production from diverse places and moments within the geographical and chronological confines of the course. Additionally, consideration will be given to the ways in which art historians of differing viewpoints and emphases have recounted, analysed and interpreted Modern and Postmodern art.
Aims:
The unit aims to provide a broad chronological survey of art during the Modern and Postmodern periods. Within this broad survey the unit has three principal objectives: to acquaint students with major works of art and personalities of the period; to introduce students to key issues and concepts connected with the study of this material, such as style, patronage, function and interpretation; and to reflect upon the ways in which Modern and Postmodern art has been treated in the secondary literature in the past, and is now being treated as a result of new approaches and recent research. The unit uses critical, historical and anthropological approaches to question traditional notions and approaches to Modern and Postmodern art.
By the end of this unit, the students should:
1. have gained a broad chronological understanding of the development of art production and consumption during this period;
2. be acquainted with a group of major works of art produced during this period
3. be able to reflect upon these objects in their historical context
4. be able to assess some of the ways in which art was used and consumed by patrons, both individual and institutional
5. be aware of different approaches to Modern and Postmodern art, and be able to reflect critically upon these different approaches Students will have been given the opportunity to tackle some of the key issues and concepts connected with the study of the art of this period, and given the opportunity to develop their visual recognition, iconographical skills and visual analysis.
Classes will involve a combination of long- and short-form lectures, class discussion, investigative activities, and practical activities. Students will be expected to engage with readings and participate on a weekly basis. This will be further supported with drop-in sessions and self-directed exercises with tutor and peer feedback.
One 2000-word essay (formative) One timed assessment (100%)