| Unit name | Approaching the Object |
|---|---|
| Unit code | HART10007 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | C/4 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Ann Matchette |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | Department of History of Art (Historical Studies) |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
Why is this unit important?
This unit is designed as an introduction to art history and to the city itself. It is set up as a series of encounters that encourage direct engagement with objects and architectural sites here in Bristol. That means that much of our time is spent out and about exploring art and its spaces, whether in museums and galleries, churches, or on the streets. The most important aim of the unit is to encourage you to look, read, write, and think as an art historian and to introduce you to the challenges and the excitement of actually exploring the discipline yourself.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
You will be taught by a team of staff specialists through a series of lectures and field trips within Bristol, which are complemented by smaller group seminars each week. It provides you with tools to develop your skills in visual analysis and an understanding of the core concepts used by art historians. These skills will carry you through your degree. You will understand how the meanings of artworks and objects are informed by a variety of contexts. You will also be able to reflect upon the complex relationship between evidence and interpretation, and to think about the nature of academic debate.
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
Classes will involve a combination of long- and short-form lectures, class discussion, investigative activities that may include site visits, 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.
Plagiarism test (students are required to pass this in order to complete the unit) [ILO 3]
One 2000-word reflective journal (50%) [ILOs 1, 2]
One presentation (50%) [ILOs 1, 2, 4]
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. HART10007).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
