Art history

Art and Artists - Year 1

Module code: V4143B
Level 4
15 credits in spring semester
Teaching method: Lecture
Assessment modes: Take away paper

Art and Artists will introduce you to the work and career of numerous artists, by focusing on how artists gain (or lose) their reputation. Considering the cultural functions served by the figure of the ‘artist’ across a range of historical periods, we will explore how and why reputations change along with attempts to control the appreciation and understanding of an artist’s work. The module takes ‘artist’ in its broadest possible sense, to include not only visual artists, but musicians, singers, composers, film directors, performance artists and actors, architects, writers, dramatists, poets and dancers. You will also consider the representation of ‘artists’ in film, literature, the media etc, as well as invite practicing artists to speak to the students.

Module learning outcomes

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the work of numerous artists working in different media and during different historical periods
• Understand how artists’ reputations have changed, along with some of the factors that may have powered this
• Understand the functions fulfilled by the figure of the ‘artist’ across a variety of cultural contexts