Module Directory

This module is designed as an introduction to the history of painting, sculpture and architecture in Western Europe. At the same time it will introduce students to a broad range of interpretations, theories and accounts of the way people think about art.

The module is a general survey of art history in Western Europe, from the 4th century BC to the beginning of 20th century AD. As this is a very large time span, the module will focus on certain key concepts. Beginning with Greek civilization, which laid the foundations of our ideas of western art, the module will end with the revolutions in France which changed the way we look at art today.

The aims of this module are:

• To introduce students to the academic discipline of Art History and Theory.


• To introduce students the idea of looking at, critically analysing and discussing works of art.


• To familiarise students with the major stylistic terms in art history.


• To familiarise students with the various terms used when discussing works of art (e.g. fresco, engraving, perspective, chiaroscuro, etching, the orders, nave aisles, choir, rood-screen)

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to demonstrate:

1. An ability to look at, critically analyse and discuss specific works of art.


2. An understanding of the major stylistic periods in Art History (e.g. Classical, Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Mannerist, Baroque, Neo Classical, Romantic, etc.), their chronology and the different ideas related to each period.


3. An ability to use art historical terms accurately and appropriately


4. A familiarity with the key myths and stories, both pagan and Christian, which appear in western art.


5. Engage fully with the study of art history through the taking of lecture notes, participation in class discussion and the undertaking of independent study.


6. Analyse assignment questions, and research and construct a response using appropriate terminology, and in suitably academic register.


7. Analyse take-home exam questions and formulate an appropriate response using appropriate terminology, and in suitably academic register.


8. Articulate independent opinions and judgements on the works being studied in order to present information to a wider audience.


9. Reference all reading sources correctly, and to construct an accompanying bibliography.

Skills for your professional life (Transferable Skills)

By the end of this module, students will have practised the following:

1. Observational skills through using visual clues to help identify salient characteristics of buildings and artwork, or indeed the work of an individual artist.


2. Discussion and oral presentation skills through class activities and mini-presentations. It is hoped that students will benefit in confidence by participation, as well as honing their ability to communicate their ideas effectively for an audience.


3. Written skills: students are asked to engage with note-taking activities as well as prepare two written assignments.


4. Time management: students are expected to engage with weekly tasks and assignment deadlines.


5. IT skills: students are expected to use Moodle to access the slides and other information and materials for the course.

Syllabus

Ancient Greece: The Classical Ideal, the development and change of the ideal and the spread of classicism throughout the Roman Empire in Western Europe.
Reading: Gombrich, E.H. The Story of Art, pp 75-124

Heavenly aspirations: Gothic Spiritualism in France and England.
Reading: Gombrich, E.H. The Story of Art, pp171-221

Man is the Measure of all things: Renaissance Humanism in Tuscany and the Netherlands.
Reading: Gombrich, E.H. The Story of Art, pp 223-243,247-252,287-323.

The City of Light and Colour: Venice.
Reading: Gombrich, E.H. The Story of Art, pp 325-339

The Fantasy and Power of the Baroque versus Dutch Reality: Italy, France and Holland.
Reading: Gombrich, E.H. The Story of Art, pp 387-403, 436-440 (The Baroque), 413-433 (Dutch Reality)

Enlightenment and Reason: The Rise of the Academy, France and England
Reading: Gombrich, E.H. The Story of Art, pp 454-473

Revolution, Scandal and Change: A New Way Forward? England and France
Reading: Gombrich, E.H. The Story of Art, pp 499-527

This module will be delivered weekly via:

• One 1-hour lecture, followed by a 1-hour post-lecture discussion
• One 2-hour class

Teaching and learning on Essex Pathways modules offers students the ability to develop the foundation knowledge, skills, and competences to study at undergraduate level, through a curriculum that is purposely designed to provide an exceptional learning experience. All teaching, learning and assessment materials will be available via Moodle in a consistent and user-friendly manner.

The class is always illustrated by slides. Students are encouraged to talk, ask questions and contribute to a general discussion. Students will regularly be asked to make mini-presentations of their own on topics which relate to the era being studied. The University of Essex is close to the countryside painted by the famous English painter, John Constable, and is ideally placed for students to take advantage of the world-class London galleries and museums.

Learning support

Access to all materials including slides and notes is provided via Moodle. Students will be directed to additional reading resources via the Moodle Reading List. Relevant documentaries on Art History are available via BOB Learning On Screen. We also make use of virtual tours of major galleries including the National Gallery, London. Students are offered one to one tutorials to support their preparation for assignments and to discuss feedback.