| Unit name | Art and War |
|---|---|
| Unit code | HART20046 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | I/5 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. William Hamilton |
| 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 argues that war poses unique aesthetic, moral and political challenges for artists who find themselves caught up in it, whether as soldiers, reporters, civilians or protesters. It emphasises how artists have responded to war from the early twentieth century to the present day, although we will also discuss and draw important comparisons with earlier art. Such a long time period enables us to explore the tradition of war art that has unfolded over the past century and more. It takes an unconventional route through the 20th century and beyond, bypassing the usual narrative of 'modern movements', and constructing its own, alternative canon. It raises difficult questions about death, mutilation, violence and bereavement, and how they should be represented. And it uncovers some difficult material; difficult because it is distressing to look at, but also difficult because it may seem too easy on the eye. War art can be disturbing because its subject-matter is inherently ugly, but perhaps one of the most disruptive things about it, is that its treatment of that subject can also be beautiful.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
Special Field seminars build on your previous units by allowing you to focus on a particular subject in greater depth. These seminars offer you the opportunity to study with an academic who is a specialist in this area of research. You will further your understanding of specific geographical and temporal contexts; hone your critical skills, including visual analysis; and develop greater confidence with primary sources and complex concepts to support your independent research.
An overview of content
Art and War explores how artists have responded to modern conflicts, which may include the First and Second World Wars, the Spanish Civil War, the Vietnam War and Iraq War. It addresses how art has been implicated in military conflict and reflects on the various ways in which war is experienced, remembered and commemorated. The unit emphasises different perspectives on war, discussing how artists themselves witnessed and participated in military action, while also covering art that captured the wartime experiences of civilians. It analyses artworks that were mobilised for war as propaganda, alongside dissenting examples of resistance and protest. The material will be organised thematically rather than chronologically, with potential themes: war photography, dystopian landscapes, peace protest, representations of the body, memorials, and satire. Artists may include Paul Nash, Käthe Kollwttz, Otto Dix, Vanessa Bell, Don McCullin, Robert Capa, Pablo Picasso, and Maya Lin, amongst others.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit?
You will be taught in small-group settings that allow you to develop your knowledge and understanding through critical reading and extensive discussion that engages with current debates in art history. You will develop your analytical skills, building confidence and competencies that will help you in the approach to the assessments and provide a foundation for other specialist units in Year 3.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
Classes will involve class discussion, investigative activities and practical activities, which include visual analysis. 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 count towards your unit mark (summative):
Essay, 3,000 words (75%) [ILOs 1-4]
Timed Assessment (25%) [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 academic 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. HART20046).
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.
