Credit Points: 30
Study Time: 300 Hours

This unit introduces you to the history of modern and contemporary fine art and the writings that have informed its development. Through a focus on important thematic areas, it enables you to explore the relationship between theory and practice within your subject specialism, therefore underpinning and linking with all other units in your course. Key concepts will be introduced which will enhance your analytical and critical abilities, and the material studied will be placed within relevant social, historical and cultural contexts.

You will develop research and study skills, and become an active learner, working both independently and collaboratively.

Outline Syllabus
An indicative guide to the content covered in this unit.

• The breadth of visual culture 
• The nature, purpose and ideology of galleries and museums 
• How filmed and written accounts of art and artists create meaning 
• The importance of considering the audience experience and understanding of art 
• Questioning commonly-held assumptions about the "unique" aspect of the art object
• Mid twentieth century 
• Modernist practices and debates
• The role and relevance of gender within art practice and representation 
• The mis(uses) of art as propaganda 
• Notions of post-modernity 
• The relationship between painting and photography 
• An exploration of thematic areas of concern within contemporary painting, video art, photography, installation and sculpture 
• The relationship between the western canon of art and that of other cultures

Method of Delivery
Lectures, seminars, group and individual tutorials, workshops, educational visits as appropriate.

Aims

A1 To provide you with a sound knowledge of major themes and issues embedded in fine art practice.
A2 To provide opportunities for analysis and critique of fine art within its cultural and historical context.
A3 To provide awareness of the development of your ideas and creative practice in the context of historic and contemporary models.

Learning Outcomes
On completion of this unit you will be able to:

LO1 Demonstrate a sound knowledge of major themes and issues embedded in fine art practice.
LO2 Demonstrate a sound understanding of how to analyse and critique fine art within its cultural and historical context.
LO3 Demonstrate a sound knowledge of how to locate your ideas and creative practice in the context of historic and contemporary models.
LO4 Articulate ideas in written and spoken form.
LO5 Present outcomes which adhere to academic protocols and which demonstrate appropriate research skills.

Reference Material

Key
Foster, H., Krauss, R., Bois, Y. [2004]. Art Since 1900 – Modernism, Anti- Modernism, Postmodernism. London: Thames & Hudson
Perry, G. & Wood, P. [2004]. Themes in Contemporary Art. London & New Haven: Yale University Press & The Open University
Taylor, B. [2005]. Art Today. London: Laurence King Publishing

Recommended
Chadwick, W. (1991), Women, Art and Society. London: Thames & Hudson
Demos, T. J. [2006]. Vitamin Ph. London: Phaidon
Duncan, C. [1995]. Civilising Rituals: Inside Public Art Museums. London: Routledge
Gamble, S. [2001]. The Routledge Companion to Feminism. London: Routledge
Harrison, C. and Wood, P. [2002]. Art in Theory 1900 - 2000: An Anthology of Changing Ideas. Oxford: Blackwell
Jeffrey, I. (1993). Photography: A Concise History. London: Thames & Hudson
Schwabsky, B. [2004]. Vitamin P. London: Phaidon
Stiles, K. and Selz., P. [1996]. Theories and Documents of Contemporary Art: A Sourcebook of Artists' Writings. Berkeley, Los Angeles, and London: University of California Press
Woods, P. T. [1999]. Beginning Postmodernism. Manchester: Manchester University Press

Study Skills
Drew, S. and Bingham, R. [1997]. The Student Skills Guide. Aldershot: Gower
Cooke, A [2001] A Guide to Finding Good Quality Information on the Internet. London: Library Association
Northedge, A. [1990]. The Good Study Guide. Milton Keynes: The Open University