Course Catalogue

View Specification Document | Reading List

The course introduces students to the idea of 'object biography' and how it can be used as an effective tool in the study of history of art in a global context. By drawing on core materials that originate from around the globe, beyond the western canon, the course broadens our perception of hierarchies in art and cultural values relating to objects.

9 x 1 lecture,

9 x 1 hour seminar,

1 x 2 hour study trip over 10 weeks as scheduled on MyCampus.

Standard entry to Masters at College level.

N/A

None

One 3500 word Essay (70%)

One 15 minute Oral presentation on a Case Study (30%)

This course aims to:

■ develop students' knowledge and understanding of the history of art in global contexts

■ study collecting from a cross cultural perspective in order to highlight the diverse social, economic and political factors which may have an impact on the practices of collecting with a particular focus on object-based study

■ expand students' analytical thinking and writing and to develop their oral presentation skills.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ apply multi-disciplinary skills and cross-cultural ideas to the study of history of collecting with a focus on objects while learning cataloguing skills

■ identify the changes in the status of objects as they pass between different owners

■ recognise the diversity of the hierarchies, the practices and fashions of collecting in different parts of the globe

■ critically assess and evaluate different types of primary sources for the study of history of collecting.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.