Course Catalogue

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This course will consider the emergence and development of Impressionism in France, from its precursors and first experiments during the 1850s to its establishment and dominance in the 1870s and beyond. We will examine the social, economic, historical, political, and cultural contexts that shaped Impressionism. We will also trace the initial critical reception and early historiography of Impressionism, connecting its enduring legacy to the specifics of art and life in late-nineteenth-century France. You will deepen and demonstrate your rich understanding of Impressionism, and gain transferable digital skills, through independent research and digital art history projects.

1hr lecture and 1hr seminar per week, over 10 weeks, per semester as scheduled on MyCampus.

Entry into Honours will be subject to normal departmental requirements. Single Junior Honours is a prerequisite for Single Senior Honours and Joint Junior Honours is a prerequisite for Joint Senior Honours. (103H /103F).

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The standard assessments for this course are:

■ Essay 1 (2000 words) 25%

■ Essay 2 (2000 words) 25%

■ Digital research project [choice of digital exhibition, digital timeline, or other appropriate project] (4000 words) - 50%

If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available:

■ There is no alternative to essay 1, but a flexible deadline can be offered as a reasonable adjustment (students should follow the usual process for extensions).

■ There is no alternative to essay 2, but a flexible deadline can be offered as a reasonable adjustment (students should follow the usual process for extensions).

■ There is no alternative to the digital research project, but a flexible deadline can be offered as a reasonable adjustment (students should follow the usual process for extensions).

Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.

This course aims to:

■ introduce students to the distinctive features of early Impressionism, with special emphasis on their relationship to wider social, economic, historical, political, and cultural contexts;

■ present and discuss original works of art and period critical/theoretical and literary texts as primary source material, and to develop students' critical and analytical skills in dealing with such material;

■ promote advanced skills of critical and visual analysis, and of verbal and written discussion, as well as awareness of relevant historiographical approaches, as a foundation either for more advanced academic study, or for a variety of types of employment;

■ provide an opportunity to learn through and about Digital Art History and Digital Humanities tools, gaining experience relevant to future study and employment

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

■ Compare works of art made by Impressionists, their precursors, their rivals, and their contemporaries

■ Interpret Impressionist artworks and artists in relation to relevant artistic and historical contexts

■ Evaluate and synthesise evidence from primary and secondary sources

■ Construct a digital art history project that presents a rigorous, evidence-based argument about the development and/or contexts for Impressionism