FA1MM-Modernisms & Mythologies

Module Provider: Art
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr James Hellings
Email: j.hellings@reading.ac.uk

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 modern period. Its starting point will be theories of the development of modernity and its social, political and economic components, and the ways in which modern art functions in and on its historical contexts. It will continue to look at the retrospective modernist critical and theoretical accounts of modern art's development.

Aims:
The module aims to provide students with a thorough grounding in and working knowledge of the key practices and theories that constitute modernity, modern art and modernism, including formalism, realism, the aesthetic and anti-aesthetic, and the basic principles of later critiques of modernism.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module it is expected that the student will be able to:
- demonstrate an awareness of a diverse range of practices and theories that constitute the field of modern art and its historicisation
- display the ability to begin to work with theoretical ideas and apply them in an analysis of modern artworks
- demonstrate an awareness of taught current debates informing the history of modern art
- structure an essay and develop a focused analysis that reflects understanding of the ways in which a theory relates to an artwork or is used by an artist
- organize and present a coherent written argument which understands the conventions of referencing and bibliography

Additional outcomes:
This introductory module encourages students to build up knowledge of modern art practices and develop an understanding of the relationships that exist between this work and the historical and intellectual contexts of art. The module prepares the student for the second part of the level-1 survey, The Contemporary. The module enables students to develop a more in depth awareness of art, which should be of use in other areas of the course. The module also encourages students to develop independent research skills including the use of IT.

Outline content:

The module is delivered through a series of lectures and a writing workshop. 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 art. Through the course of the module students are made aware of the ongoing debates and disputes that underpin the continuous process that is the historicisation of modern 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 text 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 two pieces of writing one of 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	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Students must submit a 2,000 word essay. This counts 100% for their summative assessment. 

Formative assessment methods:

500 word formative assessment exercise.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres 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 (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 2018

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 24 November 2021