From Decorative Arts to Material Culture (V4005)

60 credits, Level 6

Autumn and spring teaching

On this module, you'll examine the traditional separation of the arts into ‘fine’ and ‘decorative’ categories and its impact on scholarly approaches.

You'll explore how recent methodologies from material culture studies have revived interest in objects previously dismissed as applied art, uncovering overlooked aspects of their original contexts and functions.

Key themes include:

• historical conceptions of the relationship between different art forms
• methods used by art historians to study art objects
• the influence of these categorizations on museum displays.

You'll develop critical insights into how art forms are studied, understood and presented, challenging traditional classifications and encouraging broader perspectives.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2026/27. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum.

We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.

Courses

This module is offered on the following courses:

• Art History (with a professional placement year) BA
• Art History BA
• Art History and Film Studies BA
• English and Art History BA