• a course from the MLitt Modernities: Literature, Theory & Culture run by the School of Critical Studies

Art in the Making: Modern & Avant-Garde Techniques (HISTART5093)

Semester 2

The aim of this course is to present students with an in-depth and sophisticated understanding of the interrelation of materials, concepts and processes across a historical range of artworks, covering key avant-garde approaches particular to the 20th and 21st centuries. The course will address examples from twentieth-century avant-gardes through post-war art movements such as Abstract Expressionism, Post-Painterly Abstraction, Pop, Conceptual Art, appropriation, through to contemporary art. The course will study key examples ‘from the inside out’: through lectures which will establish theoretical and historical context; through detailed case studies; and, crucially, through hands-on experience of materials – where possible including the reconstruction, remaking or re-enacting of artworks. Such re-making, it should be emphasised, is not conceived in any way as an artistic activity but rather as an educational one. In some instances equivalents rather than replicas would be appropriate, or demonstrations or partial reconstructions rather than completed objects/works.

We will draw on the expertise of Glasgow-based artists through for example the Glasgow School of Art and the Glasgow Sculpture Studios. Preliminary discussions about collaboration have taken place and various exciting possibilities are being explored. Such collaborations will enable us to enhance the student learning experience and provide an opportunity to see how theoretical issues addressed on the course are dealt with in practice. 

Course lectures will present course material through close analysis of major artistic examples. Seminars will encourage students to develop their own responses to these themes, and also to engage with theoretical and critical perspectives in the form of seminar readings (to be issued as a reader at the start of the course). In addition, a key part of the teaching strategy is the use of a course Moodle, which will provide students with a forum for debate and facilitate group learning.

Convenor: Dr Erma Hermens

Independent Study (HISTART5037)

Semester 2

The aim of this course is to make an extensive independent study of a particular subject area through the study of texts/ objects and assess their value to the establishment of particular theories or issues. It is anticipated that the choice of subject area will be linked to the individual student’s special interests.

The work on the elective project will be based on a series of guided reading with regular supervisory meetings / tutorials/ visits. These will support the development of literature review skills and the ability to summarise issues and approaches relating to a relatively broad field of study.

The approval process involves the student submitting a proposal (400 words with an indication of initial bibliography), which is then defined and approved through discussion between the student and tutor. The acceptance of a proposal will be at the discretion of the tutor and programme director.

Work Placement (HISTART5072)

Semester 2

Valuable work experience in a museum, gallery or other cultural institution is provided through the Work Placement. The Department has developed close links with a number of institutions, giving students the chance to engage in a project-based work placement, where they can explore a possible future career, while meeting professional practitioners and developing skills and experience. A work placement might also provide the opportunity to develop a research subject for a dissertation.

A project is drawn up between the host institution, the student and the programme convenor. Projects may involve archival, curatorial or related work. Considerable emphasis will be placed on practical skills.

Convenor: Liz Hancock

2D Digitisation (ARTMED5002)

Semester 2

Tutor: Dr Ian Anderson, Humanities Advanced Technology and Information Institute (HATII)

The availability of high-quality digital content is central to research and teaching developments in the arts and humanities. Archivists, curators and librarians are among the many groups that are heavily involved in creating digital resources from analogue collections. Skills in understanding the principles and best practice in the digitisation of primary textual and image resources have even broader value in the cultural and heritage sector. Students will examine the advantages of developing digital collections in the arts and humanities and issues involved in creating, curating, and managing access to such collections. For their project students will apply the practical skills they acquire to the digitisation of an analogue collection (print, image e.g. photographic or slide, music, manuscripts, or map). The focus will be on working with primary source material not otherwise available in digital form.