| 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 |
None |
| School/department | Department of History of Art (Historical Studies) |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
Why is this unit important?
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.
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.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
This unit introduces you to an array of visual and material culture from the late 19th and across the twentieth century that complicates the field of enquiry around monocultural and monoracial narratives of Modernism. By taking a critical approach informed by post-colonial, anti-colonial and Critical Race frameworks, the unit will expose you to key conceptual, historiographical, and methodological issues related to studying the intersection of art, history, and the ‘Black Atlantic’. As a result, you will gain confidence in evaluating critical models and challenging traditional historical narratives as you develop your independent research.
An overview of content
Taking as a starting point the monocultural and exclusionary narrative of Modernism that has hitherto underpinned thinking around art’s histories in the twentieth century, this unit will examine the complex intersections between art, history, constructions of race and identities. Mapping out the possibilities of multiple, polyphonic Modernisms which respond variously to the politics of the post-colonial and anti-colonialism; Black radical politics; and Black feminisms and beyond, this unit traces intellectual and cultural developments across time and place. Taking up the ‘Black Atlantic’ as an organising framework, it moves between Britain, the Americas and Caribbean and Africa - from the trans-national Harlem Renaissance to the developments of dialogues around concepts of Post-modernist Post-Blackness - to reframe a critical approach to Modernism and art history as a discipline more broadly.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
You will be taught in interactive settings that allow you to develop your knowledge and understanding through critical reading and extensive discussion that engages with current debates in art history. You will develop your analytical skills, building confidence and competencies that will help you in the approach to the assessments and provide a foundation for independent research.
Learning Outcomes
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 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 count towards your unit mark (summative):
Visual analysis 1000-word(35%) [ILOs 2-5]
Essay 3000-word(65%) [ILOs 1-5]
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 form or number of reassessments required. Details of reassessments are normally confirmed by the School shortly after the notification of your results at the end of the academic 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. 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 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.
