History of Art MA
Printmaking in Britain c.1780-1914: contexts, processes, markets HISTART4078
- Academic Session: 2026-27
- School: School of Culture and Creative Arts
- Credits: 40
- Level: Level 4 (SCQF level 10)
- Typically Offered: Runs Throughout Semesters 1 and 2
- Available to Visiting Students: Yes
- Collaborative Online International Learning: No
- Curriculum For Life: No
Short Description
This course will introduce students to aspects of the 19th century art market with a particular focus on print-making and print consumption in Britain. It considers the impact of sociological change and technological innovation upon attitudes to materials, processes and the cultural/exchange value of the printed image. Taking an interdisciplinary approach, the course will exploit strengths in the Hunterian collections in 19th, early 20th century and Old Master prints - Whistler, Turner, Rembrandt etc. - through collections based teaching and study.
Timetable
1 x 1 hour lecture plus 1 x 1 seminar per week over 9 weeks per semester as scheduled on MyCampus. 2 x 2 hour study visit (1 each semester).
Excluded Courses
None
Co-requisites
None
Assessment
The standard assessments for this course are:
■ Open book examination, 24-hours, (2000 words) - 30%
■ Essay 1 (2000 words) - 25%
■ Essay 2 (2000 words) - 25%
■ Presentation 1 (10 minutes) - 10%
■ Presentation 2 (10 minutes) - 10%
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 the open book examination, but extra time can be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for extensions)
■ There are no alternatives to the essays, but a flexible deadline can be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for extensions)
■ Opportunity to present one-to-one or submit a recording and/or flexible deadline for submission as an alternative to the presentations.
Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.
Main Assessment In: April/May
Course Aims
This course aims to:
■ develop a basic knowledge of the processes and operations of the 19th century print market, with special emphasis on the market in Britain.
■ acquire skills in critical, comparative and contextual analysis of a range of prints and print related material through object study.
■ explain the wider role of printmaking/graphic arts in late 19th century visual culture through a variety of interdisciplinary approaches.
Intended Learning Outcomes of Course
By the end of this course students will be able to:
■ evaluate critically a range of primary and secondary material relating to 19th century prints and print culture.
■ identify and give account of key print related technological developments and critical debates from a range of perspectives appropriate to Senior Honours Level.
■ organise, evaluate and present this knowledge in oral and written form in accordance with scholarly conventions appropriate to the level.