| Unit name | Art and Empire |
|---|---|
| Unit code | HART20038 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | I/5 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Jumabhoy |
| 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?
Art and Empire foregrounds some of the most topical territory in art history and cultural studies today: how to deal with the Imperial past? As such, this unit builds on the more global approach taken in Year 1, but it also provides an in-depth theoretical lens to examine the inter-relationship between visual culture and colonialism (especially in the context of the British Empire). You will explore the way the colonial past continues to influence contemporary art and the socio-economic landscape today. You will investigate notions of race, identity, national self-determination as well as the broader inter-connected ideas of Britishness, Black-ness and Other-ness. An understanding of these issues is vital for students to engage productively with the contemporary artworld. This unit will therefore explore exhibitions and artworks that are currently on view.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
Since the unit delves into critical approaches, such as Orientalism, Identity Theory and Postcolonialism, it will provide a strong theoretical context to the debates around decolonisation and art, which are explored in specialist units in Year 3. It will also bring students up to speed with vital issues to do with decolonisation and an understanding of the trajectory of ‘western’ art history and exhibitions that have sought to ‘address’ the non-Western Other.
An overview of content
This unit will introduce you to a range of objects and artworks as you travel from the late 18th century to modern and contemporary times. Taking what the British historian Eric Hobsbawm has dubbed ‘The Age of Empire’ – especially the British Empire – as its starting point, it will examine the way in which the Imperial vision spread to Asia, Africa and the Middle East, manifesting itself in visual art and culture. Moving across space and time, you will encounter anti-colonial struggles which generated Modern art movements reflecting a desire for national sovereignty. Finally, the unit will explore the works of contemporary practitioners who continue to probe the legacy of the Imperial encounter, unravelling its notions of race, identity and Otherness. The unit aims to de-centre the artistic production of the West: firstly, by investigating art from the non-Western world; and secondly, by inviting you to consider theoretical texts which unpack how art and its histories have been shaped by colonial conquest. As such, it takes your learning into overtly political terrain.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
As a result of this unit, you will be acquainted with key objects, artists and the global histories of art in relation to the Imperial past. You will have a broader familiarity with diverse artistic practices, understand some of the limitations of Eurocentric master narratives and have a sense of some of the possibilities and implications a more diverse and international approach to art, visual culture and theory. You will be able to deploy visual analysis and think through key themes of race, identity, nation, migration and British Imperialism as they relate to the histories of art. You will develop your critical skills, building confidence and competencies that will help you in the approach to the assessments and provide a foundation for other specialist units on offer, such as Race and Place.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
Classes will involve a combination of long- and short-form lectures, class discussion, investigative activities and practical activities, which include visual analysis. 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.
Tasks which do not count towards your mark but are required for credit (zero-weighted):
Students will be expected to come prepared for class discussions and to do the reading for this unit. Interactive lectures and student presentations, with a focus on visual analysis, will help prepare you for the summative assessments. The exams will include an image comparison question.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
One 2000-word essay (50%) [ILOs 1-4]
One timed assessment (50%) [ILOs 1-4]
When assessment does not go to plan:
When required by the Board of Examiners, you will normally complete reassessments in the same formats as those outlined above. However, the Board reserves the right to modify the format or number of reassessments required. Details of reassessments are confirmed by the School shortly after the notification of your results at the end of the year.
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. HART20038).
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 Faculty 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. If you have self-certificated your absence from an
assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
