| Unit name | Introduction to Medieval Art |
|---|---|
| Unit code | HART10215 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | C/4 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Donkin |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | Department of History of Art (Historical Studies) |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
This unit introduces students to the sculpture, painting, manuscripts, prints and architecture of the Medieval and Early Renaissance periods, primarily in Western Europe. We will explore who made these objects and how, as well as who paid for them and why. We will examine how this visual material relates to its cultural context, and the various roles it played within that world. As well as addressing a series of thematic issues, we will also chart (and interrogate) the border that lies between ‘medieval’ and ‘Renaissance’. The course will acquaint students with major buildings and works of art of the period, and will also consider the ways in which this material has been treated in the secondary literature.
Aims:
The unit aims to provide a broad chronological survey of art during the medieval and early modern periods. Within this broad survey the unit has three principal objectives: to acquaint students with major buildings, works of art and personalities of the period; to introduce students to key issues and concepts connected with the study of this material, such as style, patronage, function and interpretation; and to reflect upon the ways in which medieval and early-modern art has been treated in the secondary literature in the past, and is now being treated as a result of new approaches and recent research.
By the end of this unit, the students should:
1. have gained a broad chronological understanding of the development of art production and consumption during this period;
2. be acquainted with a group of major buildings and works of art produced during this period
3. be able to reflect upon these objects in their historical context
4. be able to assess some of the ways in which art was used and consumed by patrons, both individual and institutional
5. be aware of different approaches to medieval and early modern art, and be able to reflect critically upon these different approaches
Students will have been given the opportunity to tackle some of the key issues and concepts connected with the study of the art of this period, and given the opportunity to develop their visual recognition, iconographical skills and visual analysis.
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 2000-word essay (formative) One timed assessment (100%)
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. HART10215).
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 Faculty 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. If you have self-certificated your absence from an
assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
