Course Catalogue

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This course will demonstrate that Art Nouveau stood behind many seismic shifts in visual and performing arts at the turn of the 20th century in the European and American contexts and will show that it continues to be of influence today. Students will be introduced to the major national European and North American versions of Art Nouveau and will be acquainted with major international figures such as Mucha, Bernhardt, Mackintosh and Lalique. Examples from art, architecture, design, fashion, theatre, and cinema will be discussed as well as highlighting the importance of women as muses and masters within the movement.

Block 3

10 weeks

Tuesday 18.00 - 20.00

None

None

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Essay (1500 words) from a choice of titles (75%); visual test in class: identification and discussion of artworks (25%). Alternative assessment can be arranged for students whose circumstances would prevent them performing satisfactorily in a visual test.

This course aims to:

■ Provide an introduction to the major trends and personalities associated with the Art Nouveau movement

■ Place the movement within the broader social and artistic contexts, thus demonstrating its all-encompassing and innovative character

■ Introduce and analyse key works which epitomised the movement in Europe and the USA

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

■ Identify leading figures of the Art Nouveau movement within the western context, and be aware of historical, stylistic and cultural components of the movement as a whole

■ Evaluate the contribution of the leading Art Nouveau schools and their significance

■ Analyse and interpret the major artworks covered in terms of their imagery, function, methods of production and stylistic and cultural components within their social and historical context

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