HAU22003 Approaches to Art History
This module explores theoretical approaches to art throughout history. It will consider such topics as the religious debates about images in the Middle Ages; the emergence of aesthetics in Europe; twentieth-century ideas about Art and Art History, such as formalism, iconography and New Art History, together with wider intellectual trends, such as Marxism, Feminism, Psychoanalysis and Postmodernism, and the future of the History of Art in a changing academic landscape.
- Module Organisers:
- Team taught
- Duration:
- Semester 1
- Contact Hours:
- 1 lecture per week, 1 seminar per fortnight
- Weighting:
- 5 ECTS
- Assessment:
- Course work
- Course open to:
[M=mandatory; O= optional]- Single Honors (M), Joint Honors (M), Columbia dual degree (M), Ancient and Medieval History and Culture (M), Art History as a minor (M), visiting (O); open module (O)
The module allows students to engage in depth with major approaches in art history, situating debates in the historical contexts in which they emerged and have been used, and exploring their value for contemporary art historical practice. It prompts students to engage critically with their own approach to art history.
Learning Outcomes:
Upon the successful completion of this module students should be able to:
- Critically assess the value of a range of methodologies in interpreting art and architecture of different historical periods and cultural contexts.
- Explain the broad intellectual history of the discipline and major issues germane to its more recent developments.
- Explain, evaluate, and employ the methodologies of the authors covered in the module.