| Unit name | Theorising the Object |
|---|---|
| Unit code | HART20035 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | I/5 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Jumabhoy |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | Department of History of Art (Historical Studies) |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
Why is this unit important'?
This unit is designed to give you a broad understanding of key moments in the development of the history of art as an academic discipline, and of the theories and theoretical perspectives relating to the current practice of history of art. You will see that the discipline has a history of its own and a range of critical models that underpin the subject. You will be introduced to the main methodologies that have shaped the discipline as historical, in the sense that it constructs art (a) as having its own, internal history, or (b) as something that is determined by a wider social and political history. You will also develop your awareness of the interpretative theories of art and their applicability to your own research and analysis in art history.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study
This unit builds on your previous knowledge but gives you the methodological tools to begin to interrogate artworks with more critical rigour. You will conduct research; hone your critical skills, including visual analysis; and develop greater confidence with primary sources and complex concepts to support your independent research.
Overview of content
The unit aims to familiarize students with a range of theories and art-historical methods that can be used for constructing a history of visual art, for interpreting meaning in art, or for setting limits on that act of interpretation. We will explore the way in which the discipline of art history has developed, by studying differing views of art and of art history from the Renaissance onwards, and how these came to be formulated into methods of studying art systematically. The unit will centre on issues of methodology and will have a strong textual base. As well as offering an overview of developments over time, the unit will also examine the individual methodologies of a handful of key art historians.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
You will develop your critical skills, building confidence and competencies that will help you in the approach to assessments in Year 2 and provide a foundation for specialist units and the dissertation in Year 3.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
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.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
Critical visual analysis, 800-word [ILOs 3 and 4]
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
Critical essay, 2,500 word (100%) [ILOs 1-4]
When assessment does not go to plan
When required by the Board of Examiners, you will normally complete reassessments in the same formats as those outlined above. However, the Board reserves the right to modify the format or number of reassessments required. Details of reassessments are confirmed by the School/Centre shortly after the notification of your results at the end of the year.
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. HART20035).
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 University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The assessment methods listed in this unit specification are designed to enable students to demonstrate the named learning outcomes (LOs). Where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, schools will make reasonable adjustments to support a student to demonstrate the LO by an alternative method or with additional resources.
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. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
