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BA (Honours) Humanities With Art History - Learning Outcomes

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Educational aims

Edited: The Art History strand aims to provide you with:

  • an introduction to a variety of approaches to art and its histories with special emphasis on the study of two chronological periods within western art
  • access to this study wherever you are in the UK and whatever expectations you may have of art history as a subject
  • skills of critical analysis,  argument and expression in the study of works of art
  • the opportunity to explore some of the ways in which canons of art and art history have been challenged
  • awareness of the fluidity of the debates which are central to the discipline of art history.

 

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

Edited: When you complete your studies for this strand, you will have knowledge and understanding of:

  • how to identify some of the ways in which artistic canons may be produced, sustained and contested
  • specific historical contexts in which works have been produced and interpreted
  • the benefits of comparing works of art and their wider historical contexts
  • art history as a subject producing knowledge through scholarly critical debate
  • a range of relevant concepts and methodological approaches.

Cognitive skills

Edited: When you complete your studies for this strand, you will be able to:

  • engage critically with primary and secondary texts
  • analyse, synthesise, and compare a range of written arguments in relation to art works
  • apply comparative methodology and a range of appropriate terminology in the analysis and description of works of art
  • understand that analyses of works of art made in differing traditions entails engaging with differing value systems
  • argue for and against a variety of interpretations or critical points of view.

Practical and/or professional skills

Edited: When you complete your studies for this strand, you will be able to:

  • analyse and describe works of art belonging to a range of artistic traditions
  • make critical and relevant use of a wide range of data in developing logical arguments
  • present the evidence of primary and secondary sources employing exact methods of referencing.

Key skills

Edited: When you complete your studies for this strand, you will be able to demonstrate that you can:

Communication

  • prepare essays containing reasoned argument and adequately weighed evidence in response to a specific question.

Improving own learning and performance

  • improve own learning process by acting on pedagogic advice.

Teaching, learning and assessment methods

Edited: You will acquire your knowledge and understanding through a mix of published distance-learning materials, study guides, a range of multimedia material, face-to-face tutorials, electronic tuition, working on primary and secondary sources, and feedback on your assignments.  Some modules also include residential schools.  The assessment of your knowledge and understanding will be through a mix of essay questions, short answer questions and formal examinations. At Level 3, you may also be assessed through project work and extended assignments, allowing you to develop your skills in independent study.  The precise nature of this mix will depend on your choice of modules.  As you progress through the degree you will find that you are cumulatively increasing your level of knowledge and understanding and you can expect a significant portion of your progress to be assessed at Level 3. 

The development of your skills will be taught cumulatively, and in ways that will vary according to which modules you choose to study.  They will include the use of written study materials, in-text questions, audio, visual and/or interactive material, carefully monitored feedback on assignments, as well as face-to-face or virtual tutorials and conferencing.  The essay is a principal form of assessment and you may also work on short-answer questions.   You will also be developing your skills as you engage in independent study at Level 3 through project work or an extended essay.

You will be supported by a designated tutor for each module, access to regional staff who can give you information, advice and guidance on your programme, and you can also refer to a range of online information resources.

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