Unit information: Art and Internationalism (Level H Special Subject) in 2020/21

Unit name	Art and Internationalism (Level H Special Subject)
Unit code	HART30042
Credit points	20
Level of study	H/6
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director	Dr. Brockington
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	Department of History of Art (Historical Studies)
Faculty	Faculty of Arts

Description including Unit Aims

This unit explores new approaches to art in the wake of the 'transnational turn' in historical studies. It seeks to construct an 'imagined cosmopolis' (world capital) as an alternative to the nation-state, and to explore the role which art and artists might play in such a new world order. It focuses particularly on the period known as the 'long fin de siècle', the years between about 1870 and 1920, when both nationalism and internationalism were on the rise and locked into fierce debate about the future of civilisation. We will examine the careers of artists who were cosmopolitan in their approach to art (eg. Picasso, Sickert, Kandinsky, Whistler, Crane), and at the exhibitions, journals, societies and movements which promoted their art internationally. Key themes for discussion could include: the idea of art as as universal language; the sites of internationalism - the question of where a cosmopolis should be located; political theories such as anarchism and their impact on modern art; and the impact of the First World War on cultural internationalism in Europe.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit students will be able to:

1. demonstrate an in-depth and detailed knowledge and understanding of the developing relationship between art and Internationalism as a movement;
2. show an ability to work with primary sources;
3. integrate both primary and secondary source material into a wider analysis;
4. select pertinent evidence/data in order to illustrate/demonstrate more general ideas;
5. identify a particular academic interpretation, evaluate it critically and form an individual viewpoint;
6. demonstrate writing, research, and presentation skills appropriate to level H/6.

Teaching Information

Classes will involve a combination of discussion, investigative activities, and practical activities. 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.

Assessment Information

One digital presentation (25%) One timed assessment (75%) [ILOs 1-7]

Reading and References

1. Brockington, Grace (ed.), Internationalism and the Arts in Britain and Europe at the Fin de Siècle (Oxford: Peter Lang, 2009)

2. DaCosta Kaufmann, Thomas, Catherine Dossin, and Beatrice Joyeux-Prunel, Global Artistic Circulations and the History of Art (Burlington VT: Ashgate, 2015).

3. Iriye, Akira, Cultural Internationalism and World Order (Baltimore; London: The Johns Hopkins University Press, 1997).

4. Nussbaum, Martha, et al, For Love of Country: debating the limits of patriotism (Boston : Beacon Press ,c1996)

5. Stephenson, Andrew, 'Edwardian Cosmopolitanism, ca. 1901-1912', in O'Neill and Hatt (eds), The Edwardian Sense: Art, Design, and Performance in Britain, 1901-1910 (Yale: YUP, 2010)

6. Cuddy-Keane, Melba (ed.), Modernism Keywords (2014): entries on 'Empire', 'International' and 'Universals'.