Art history

Stories of Art: Writing and Seeing

Module code: V4041
Level 4
30 credits in autumn semester
Teaching method: Seminar, Lecture
Assessment modes: Coursework

On this module, you’ll explore a wide range of artworks, and visual and material culture. This includes paintings, sculptures, architecture, artefacts and decorative art.

You’ll also examine different ‘texts’ beyond academic literature that communicate art historical knowledge to the public. This includes exhibitions, film, journalism, television and digital culture. Through this, you’ll reflect on how different types of writing serve different purposes. 

The module is based on the principle that there are Stories of Art, rather than one single History, asking: What does art do?

Through lectures and seminars, you’ll:

• explore specific stories of art from a wide range of artists, artworks, ideas and movements
• cover the various social, cultural and political contexts of art stories
• build visual analytical skills
• think about key terms, how words describe what we see and how a conceptual vocabulary describes works of visual art
• develop your writing and research skills
• further your ability to analyse texts and visuals
• explore different forms of non-academic writing.

Module learning outcomes

• Develop and sustain an academic argument .
• Demonstrate familiarity with how art and material culture intersect with notions of power, identity and value
• Develop employable skills and familiarity with industry-relevant digital technologies by making a podcast
• Use concepts and terminology relevant to the field and associated industry contexts