| Unit name | Modernism and the 'Black Atlantic' |
|---|---|
| Unit code | HARTM0040 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Robles |
| 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 | |
| School/department | Department of History of Art (Historical Studies) |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
This research-led unit examines the complex relationship between artists in the ‘Black Atlantic’ (a space of exchange between the UK, the USA and the Anglophone Caribbean) and Modernism. It traces the impact of Black Atlantic creative culture on Modernism – from Picasso’s bronzes to the American Jazz influences of Dada – and the impact of Black artists on the story of twentieth-century art. It will pay special attention to the development of Black creative culture in Bristol and the South West and the ways in which developments in and around the city have become woven into the complex intersection of the Black Atlantic and Modernism.
The unit will also introduce students to the rapidly developing debates around the use of ‘b/Black’ as a political identity in the visual arts and the formation of the ‘Black Atlantic’ as a site for cultural production.
In particular the unit aims to introduce theoretical frameworks of modernism, gender, post-colonialism and, more specifically, the ‘Black Atlantic’; to introduce students to a wide variety of artists and artworks that tend to be marginalised in discourses and University curricula around Modernism and the artistic developments of the 20th century; to provide students with insight into the most recent developments in this rapidly-changing field with a research-led approach to the ways in which historical developments continue to shape contemporary practices; and to build an interest in engaging with Bristol as a hub of creative activity by placing an emphasis on local artists and community initiatives.
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to demonstrate:
1) broad knowledge and an excellent understanding of discourses and frameworks around race, gender, nationality and ethnicity in the visual arts
2) the ability to differentiate between and assess critically academic interpretations in this still emerging field of scholarship
3) the ability to apply these frameworks to artworks in the broadest sense - to include community-based projects, music, digital exhibitions and artworks, new media, etc.
4) skill in writing with a sophistication appropriate to level M/7
1 x 2hr informal lecture and 1 x 1hr seminar per week
One 5000 word essay (100%), which will assess ILOs 1-4.
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. HARTM0040).
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.
