FA2PA-Philosophies and Theories of Art

Module Provider: Art
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: FA2IPA Philosophies and Theories of Art
Current from: 2023/4

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

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module explores a range of philosophical and political ideas and tracks their impact on the histories and discourses of art. Over the course of 10 lectures students will be introduced to a range of historical and contemporary expositions and their use in Art, art criticism and theory. The module will develop through a combination of lectures, seminar discussion, exhibition visits, screenings and a written assignment.

Aims:

The overall aim is to introduce students to the trajectory and use of these discourses, their genealogy and impact on art history and contemporary visual culture.

Assessable learning outcomes:

• Demonstrate an understanding of a range of ideas and philosophies and their impact on the discourses and histories of art.


• Independently examine and appraise a broad range of research material including primary texts, exhibitions, art journals, periodicals and web based sources


• Organize and present a coherent written argument that understands the conventions of referenc ing and bibliography. 

Additional outcomes:

Interpersonal skills

IT skills

Presentation skills

Outline content:

The module is delivered through a series of lectures examining the diverse practices of contemporary art including relevant historical precedents. 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. The module tests these ideas through critical examination of contemporary art. 1 essay of 4000 words and 1 formativ e piece of writing is required for this module.

Global context:

Students will be taught the implications and impact of globalization in art, its histories and contexts. The focus for this will be on the institutions and art objects that are sited in the place of the visit.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Two or three preliminary one-hour lectures in Reading prior to going abroad. While abroad the most important visits are compulsory and take the form of tutor-led presentations and discussions in museums and galleries. Students also have the opportunity to attend a specified number of optional guided visits and are expected to carry out a number of tasks on their own initiative for which written guidance and instructions are given.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars		20
Tutorials		4
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)		26
Wider reading (directed)		70
Preparation for tutorials		10
Preparation for seminars		35
Essay preparation		35
Total hours by term	0	200	0
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:

Assessment through submission of written coursework.

Formative assessment methods:

Mid module formative assessment with feedback.

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: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/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 summative essay must be submitted in order to gain a pass and achieve a threshold performance.

Reassessment arrangements:

Submission of additional essay during the re-sit period.

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: Students should budget for approximately £500 to cover the costs of travel and accommodation as well as a daily maintenance rate of £30-40, according to previous year’s costs.  You should note also that this amount may change according to amount of students travelling, local costs, exchange rates and quotes from the university travel agents.  However the Department will keep you informed at the earliest possible time of the actual amount required.

Last updated: 30 March 2023