Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module will provide a broad, introductory survey of key developments in the history, theory and criticism of art during the postmodern period (c. 1960s on). Its starting point will be theories of the development of postmodernity and its social, political, and economic components, and the ways in which modern, postmodern and contemporary art functions in and on its historical contexts.

Aims:

The module aims to provide students with a thorough grounding in and working knowledge of the key practices and theories that constitute postmodernity, postmodern art, and postmodernism, including art made since the ‘end’ of modernism (possibly including some of the following contemporary art movements): arte povera, fluxus, happenings, neo-dada, nouveau réalisme, pop art, process art, minimalism, conceptual art, appropriation, video art, body, live, and performance art, land, environmental and earth art, installation art, site-specific art, sound art, new expressionism, yBa’s, electronic art, digital art, neo-geo art, post-postmodernism, relational aesthetics, social practice, post-internet art.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module it is expected that the student will be able to:

• Demonstrate an ability to examine and appraise a broad range of research material including primary and secondary sources


• Develop a focussed analysis of work of art, in relation to historical and theoretical ideas and texts


• Organise and present a coherent written argument


• Submit work which understands the conventions of referencing and bibliography

Additional outcomes:

This introductory module encourages students to consolidate knowledge of modernist art practices and develop an understanding of the relationships that exist between modernist works of art and postmodernist works of art, together with their historical and intellectual contexts of art. The module complements the first part of the Level 1 module FA1MM Modernisms & Mythologies. When taken together, FA1MM Modernisms & Mythologies and FA1PF Postmodernisms & Other Fictions, the student will develop a more in depth awareness of modern and contemporary art, which should be of use in other areas of the programme(s). The module also encourage students to develop independent research skills including the use of IT.

Outline content:

The module is delivered through a series of lectures. The lectures will use a number of key texts and examine their use in relation to art practice. The module examines particular theoretical methodologies and considers the distinct ways in which these overlap with the production of art.

Global context:

The module introduces themes, methods, and approaches prevalent within the study of modern and contemporary art. Through the course of the module students are made aware of the on-going debates and disputes that underpin the continuous process that is the historicisation of postmodern art. In addition, the scheduled Study Visits introduce students to international exhibitions, museums, and collections.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module will be delivered through a programme of lectures. The series will cover a number of key texts in detail and will examine the ways in which they inform the production and interpretation of art. Students are required to do preparatory reading and may be required to visit exhibitions. Students submit a single piece of writing which will be an essay.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		22
Tutorials		1
External visits		2
Guided independent study:		175
Total hours by term		200
Total hours for module

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

One 2,000 word essay

Formative assessment methods:

Essay tutorials in advance of writing assignments accompany feedback tutorials that discuss your written feedback and help you plan future essays.

Penalties for late submission:
The Module Convener will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day[1] (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;

where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

The essay must be submitted in order to gain a pass and achieve a threshold performance.

Reassessment arrangements:

Submission of additional essay by August 2019.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 8 April 2019