Undergraduate study

Undergraduate 

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.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

No exceptions