| Unit name | Art in Russia and the Soviet Union (Lecture Response Unit) |
|---|---|
| Unit code | HART30025 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Professor. Mike O'Mahony |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | Department of History of Art (Historical Studies) |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
The unit explores developments in the theory and practice of art during a crucial period in Russian and Soviet history. Commencing with an analysis of the historical conditions and cultural debates in early 20th century Russia, the unit considers the following themes: the emergence of an early Russian avant-garde; the impact of the First World War and the 1917 revolutions; the new role for artists in the immediate post-revolutionary era; the ideological and cultural debates of the 1920s; the re-emergence of figurative styles in the 1920s and 1930s; the formation and development of a Socialist Realist aesthetic; and the role of the artist during the conflict known in Russia as the Great Patriotic War.
On successful completion of this unit students will be able to:
(1) articulate a detailed knowledge and critical understanding of the development the main artistic currents in Russia and the Soviet Union;
(2) demonstrate an in-depth understanding of its historical, artistic and cultural contexts;
3) analyse and evaluate aesthetic issues pertinent to the study of Russian and Soviet art;
(4) identify and evaluate pertinent evidence/data in order to illustrate/demonstrate a cogent argument.
(5) display high level skills in evaluating, analysing, synthesising and (where apt) critiquing images and ideas as appropriate to level H/6.
Classes will involve a combination of long- and short-form lectures, class 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.
One 3000-word essay (50%) [ILOs 1-5]
One timed assessment [ILOs 1-5]
