BA History of Art (with a Foundation Year)

Key details

BA HISTORY OF ART (WITH A FOUNDATION YEAR)

Start Year

2020

Attendance

Full Time

Award

Degree of Bachelor of Arts

UCAS course code

V35F

Entry Requirements

CCC

Duration (years)

You will study with dedicated lecturers from UEA’s Interdisciplinary Institute for the Humanities, exploring a wide range of academic subjects including Literature, History, Philosophy, Film, Television and Media, American Studies, Politics and the History of Art.

You’ll gain a sound theoretical basis for your continuing studies, as well as discovering new areas of study. You’ll be actively encouraged to develop your own scholarly interests and ideas, helping you to get the most out of the year.

We’ll support you as you cultivate your study skills, gaining essential knowledge of many of the concepts, methods and techniques you will need in order to thrive on your degree programme. This is a very supportive programme and we’ll work closely with you to identify and work towards your own individual learning goals.

About

Gain the skills, knowledge and confidence you need to excel in a humanities degree, with our innovative Foundation Year programme.

At UEA we believe everyone should have the chance to study at degree level. If you have a passion for your subject, but for whatever reason, don’t yet have the grades required for the three-year programme, our Foundation Year is a great choice. You’ll undertake an intensive and exciting year of study, majoring in your chosen subject and developing your study skills. We offer a rigorous but supportive teaching and learning experience, that’s also very rewarding.

When you successfully finish your Foundation Year, you’ll be perfectly placed to progress to your BA History of Art degree.

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Important Information

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the courses listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the regular review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. Changes may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will inform students.

Assessment for Year 1

During your Foundation Year you will be assessed in a variety of ways which will allow you to explore different learning styles and become familiar with the format and expectations of degree-level assessment.

We use innovative methods to enable you to learn from your peers as well as from teaching staff, and this in turn will help you to build confidence in your abilities and develop into a more independent learner. For example, there is a strong emphasis on formative assessment. That means you will receive feedback on drafts of written work to help you improve. Tutorials will also help you hone your thinking.

You will benefit from the support of one of the course lecturers as an individual adviser throughout your programme to ensure you are progressing well, are happy and are achieving your full potential.

Structure

During your Foundation Year, you will study a mixture of compulsory and optional modules, enabling you to tailor your studies to your interests, while ensuring you develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to achieve your full potential during the rest of your degree.

In your Humanities: Techniques and Methods module you’ll discover the kinds of academic approaches and methodologies you’ll use in your degree.

In your Humanities: The Key Concepts module you’ll explore key theories and ideas in the humanities and discover how they relate to political, social, historical and cultural contexts. For example you might study ideology and myth, feminism, otherness, cultural landscapes, power and representation.

You may choose to study the Cultural and Creative Industries module in which you will critically investigate a range of areas such as television, film, new media, publishing, music, galleries, museums and heritage. You’ll have the chance to explore the relationship between theory and practice in these areas. Alternatively you can choose to study a language module, such as Arabic, British Sign Language or Russian.

The remaining modules offer you a range of subject-specific options including history, literature, visual cultures, politics, and media, or you can select to continue further with a language. By studying a combination of two of these options, you will not only be able to investigate key areas of your chosen degree subject, but you will also gain an interdisciplinary perspective on it through exploring an adjacent humanities discipline. This is your opportunity to develop your knowledge and skills in subjects closely tied to the rest of your degree, or even to try something new while you are on the Foundation Year.

Teaching and Learning

Teaching

Our modules are taught via lectures, presentations, seminars and workshops, and incorporate a variety of teaching methods and study tasks to prepare you for the different types of learning and teaching you will experience during your full degree. Through seminars, interactive training sessions and supportive feedback you will be able to develop skills in areas such as essay writing, research, preparing and giving presentations, and understanding and evaluating scholarly arguments. Your Foundation Year will be taught by award-winning lecturers who are specialists in their fields, and the teaching is informed by cutting-edge subject research and a strong commitment to innovative and engaging teaching practice.

Independent study

Your Foundation Year will be an intensive course. You will need to work independently between classes to make sure you are fully prepared for seminars, workshops and assessments, and are making the most of the resources and facilities available to you at UEA. We will support you as you develop your ability to study independently in this way, cultivating skills that will be of great benefit in your degree, and later career.

Your modules will be accompanied by detailed reading lists that direct you towards essential reading and recommended texts, chapters and articles, as well as multimedia resources. This means you can organise and prioritise your research and wider reading easily. Study materials are also available via Blackboard (UEA’s online learning platform). Specially-designed study tasks will help you to work effectively between classes.

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Assessment for Year 2

You won’t sit any formal examinations. Instead, you’ll be assessed on written coursework, usually in the form of essays. Our assessment methods have been developed to measure your skills, but also to aid your learning. For example, when you submit an essay you’ll receive feedback on a piece of related ‘formative’ work first. You’ll then have a chance to make revisions and improvements before handing in a ‘summative’ essay for assessment. This helps you identify and focus on areas for improvement.

Structure

You’ll begin your degree by studying artists, artisans, and the processes of creating. You’ll engage directly with artworks first-hand in order to explore different techniques and visual effects, and deepen your appreciation of their functions and meanings. You’ll be introduced to art history as a discipline before exploring some of the most crucial topics in art history, beginning with the role of portraiture in shaping our identities. You’ll explore the collections of the Sainsbury Centre, and become familiar with how to critically engage with different kinds of art.

Teaching and Learning

You’ll be taught by leading scholars in the field of art history and will learn through a combination of lectures, seminars and field trips.

You’ll almost always be in a seminar group of no more than 18 students. This allows plenty of dialogue between tutors and students. Teaching methods vary but most sessions are organised around investigation of particular topics supported by close analysis of artworks and texts. As you progress through your course you’ll expand your knowledge, skills and understanding as you become familiar with different art practices and techniques and become accustomed to reading diverse historical sources and art historical and critical texts.

You’ll be asked to prepare material for classes. You’ll then often use that as a starting point for an essay. You’ll also be given the opportunity to engage with a diverse range of relevant presentation styles such as catalogue entries and exhibition reviews.

In lecture modules you’ll engage with a range of art-historical problems and methods. Your lectures will be delivered by members of staff from art history, anthropology and archaeology.

As you develop specialist knowledge in your final year you’ll also begin work on a dissertation. This will enable you to refine your understanding of a particular topic and develop the independent perspective crucial to practising art history beyond university.

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Assessment for Year 3

Structure

You’ll be encouraged to think about the strange and varied ‘lives of objects’ as they move through different contexts and how art history interacts with anthropology and archeology. In your spring semester you’ll be invited to consider how your historical studies relate to contemporary debates about the status of art and the role of galleries and museums in the present. Alongside these lectures you’ll choose from a range of optional modules through which you’ll develop more specialist knowledge of particular problems and periods.

Teaching and Learning

You’ll be taught by leading scholars in the field of art history and will learn through a combination of lectures, seminars and field trips.

In lecture modules you’ll engage with a range of art-historical problems and methods. Your lectures will be delivered by members of staff from art history, anthropology and archaeology.

Admissions Live Chat

Virtual Open Day

Assessment for Year 4

Structure

In your final year of study you’ll take three optional modules which involve close engagement with advanced topics in art history. Currently our optional modules address topics such as public art and memory, modernism in India, medieval cartography, and the myths that surround the artist. You’ll also write a dissertation on a topic that has most sparked your interest, working closely with a supervisor to design your own research programme.

Teaching and Learning

You’ll be taught by leading scholars in the field of art history and will learn through a combination of lectures, seminars and field trips.

In lecture modules you’ll engage with a range of art-historical problems and methods. Your lectures will be delivered by members of staff from art history, anthropology and archaeology.

Admissions Live Chat

Virtual Open Day

Assessment for Year 1

Compulsory Modules

HUMANITIES: TECHNIQUES AND METHODS

Code HUM-3006A

Credits 20

What is university learning? How does it differ to your previous experiences of learning? How does your learning style affect the way that you approach your studies? These are the sorts of questions that you will explore, and find answers to, during this module. This module will provide you with an intensive induction to higher education, equipping you with the essential skills you'll need to reach your full potential on your chosen degree programme. Through the format of weekly seminars and study groups you will focus on developing your skills in areas such as research, essay writing, teamwork, and self-reflection. We will guide you through your learning by using a variety of different tasks. In previous years we have held class debates, followed a learning trail through the library and run interactive research sessions. As part of this module you will create an individual, personalised learning plan in which you will assess your strengths and weaknesses. This will enable you to keep track of your development over the course of this module and beyond. By completing this module, you will know how to apply the techniques and methods you have learned, and how to continue to hone your skills to become a successful Humanities student.

VISUAL CULTURES

Code HUM-3003B

Credits 20

Do images have meaning? Why does your favourite film/ television programme/ artist matter? You will discuss these issues in Visual Cultures, as you explore what makes some things beautiful, influential, or culturally significant. The module is designed to develop your appreciation of visual cultures (with a special focus on film, television, and art), and to encourage a deeper intellectual dive into your specific visual cultures interests. Along the way you will participate in some of the key academic debates in the field of visual cultures and familiarise yourself with the tools of these disciplines, such as close textual and contextual analysis, research and essay writing, and class discussion. The module is taught using a variety of learning settings and experiences, including lectures, screenings, workshops, seminars, and tutorials. The assessment likewise aims to develop a range of your academic skills.

HUMANITIES: THE KEY CONCEPTS I

Code HUM-3009A

Credits 20

This interdisciplinary module gives you a broad yet detailed overview of key themes and ideas within the Humanities, and introduces a variety of critical perspectives. Weekly seminars cover topics such as ideology, power, and representation, and you will see how these concepts work in practice by considering examples taken from across the Humanities, and ranging from the classic to the popular. By studying key texts and theories you will explore how and why certain themes have become so prominent within the Humanities, and you will begin to develop the requisite understanding and analytical skills to identify these concepts at work in your future studies.

HUMANITIES: THE KEY CONCEPTS II

Code HUM-3009B

Credits 20

Following Key Concepts I, this interdisciplinary module continues to give you a broad yet detailed overview of key themes and ideas within the Humanities, and introduces a variety of critical perspectives. Weekly seminars cover topics such as postmodernism, psychoanalysis, and nationhood, and you will see how these concepts work in practice by considering examples taken from across the Humanities, and ranging from the classic to the popular. By studying key texts and theories you will explore how and why certain themes have become so prominent within the Humanities, and you will begin to develop the requisite understanding and analytical skills to identify these concepts at work in your future studies.

Optional A Modules

(20 credits)

CULTURAL AND CREATIVE INDUSTRIES

Code HUM-3007A

Credits 20

The term Cultural and Creative Industries encompasses a range of disciplines taught in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at UEA. Throughout the semester, you'll critically explore a range of creative subjects (television, film, social media, music, publishing, art and heritage – among others), with a particular focus on the complex relationship between theory and practice in the context of the social, cultural, and political frameworks. The module is designed to complement a range of interdisciplinary research interests and future career paths, considering a variety of creative industries to identify how these industries and their outputs help to inform social, cultural, and political discourses. Week by week, we look at the key theoretical and practical issues that can have an impact on cultural production. The module builds on this base knowledge to critically reflect on the role and nature of the creative industries in contemporary society. On successful completion of the module you’ll have developed the knowledge and analytical skills that will enable you to understand and engage critically with the cultural and creative industries from a number of disciplinary perspectives.

BEGINNERS' GERMAN I - A1 CEFR

Code PPLB4018A

Credits 20

Have you ever wished you could order your mulled wine at the Christmas market in German? How would it feel be to be able to introduce yourself in German or survive a basic conversation in the language? Or do you simply want to understand what makes the Germans, the Austrians, or the Swiss tick? These questions highlight the central learning achieved within this module. Our beginners’ course in German is perfect if you have very little or no prior knowledge of the language. You will gain the confidence to use German in basic conversations as you develop a first understanding of German sounds and essential grammar. You will build up a bank of key vocabulary to survive in real-life situations. You will also gain a greater awareness of German traditions and ways of thinking to help you make sense of a country that is deeply rooted in the heart of Europe. In a relaxed environment you will participate in classroom-based activities, working in pairs and groups to try out and be creative with new sounds, words and phrases. The fun of language learning will never be far away and promises to give you the confidence to make the first steps in German. As well as speaking and listening to each other you will discover the joy of understanding an authentic German text and to write an amazing first paragraph in German. A first course in German will enable you to add a vital skill to your CV. At this crucial political and cultural moment in time the study of the German language and culture will without doubt make you a more attractive graduate and informed global citizen, whatever your specialism or area of interest. Please note that you should not have a level of German that exceeds the level of this course. This module is designed for students with no prior or very limited knowledge of German.

BEGINNERS' ARABIC I

Code PPLB4029A

Credits 20

This course is a pre-requisite to the study of Arabic language. You will master the alphabet: the script, the sounds of the letters, and their combination into words. You are introduced to basic Arabic phrases and vocabulary to help you have introductory conversations. You will develop essential speaking, listening, reading and writing skills as well as a solid understanding of the structure of the language in Modern Standard Arabic (MSA). Some aspects of the Arab world and culture(s) are covered.

INTRODUCTION TO BRITISH SIGN LANGUAGE I

Code PPLB4031A

Credits 20

How would you converse with someone who is deaf? At work? In school? In an emergency? How can you avoid typical faux pas due to ignorance of a different culture? Can a 'signed'/'visual' language 'convey as adequately' as a 'spoken' language? These questions highlight the central learning achieved in this module. This is a course in British Sign Language assuming no prior, or minimal knowledge of the language. Throughout the course you will discover aspects central to the Deaf World and its Culture, and how to communicate through a unique 'visual' language, a language that uses your hands and body to communicate! Teaching and learning strategies involve signed conversation (from early on), role-play, and lots of games and exercises that make a truly 'fun and enjoyable' module to take. You will learn a little about the history of the Deaf and Sign Language itself, and its long battle to be recognised. You will discover how using your body and hands can be an exciting and meaningful way of communicating. You will acquire a wide range of easily usable vocabulary, a deeper look into various features that make the language unique, and very different to spoken languages. On successful completion of this module you will have developed knowledge and skills that will enable you to communicate with a Deaf person. You will be able to take your British Sign Language studies onto the next level, broadening your knowledge and developing further, the skill within this amazing 'Visual' language. Please note that very occasionally students who are found to have a level of knowledge that exceeds the level for which they have enrolled may be asked to withdraw from the module, at the Teacher's discretion.

BEGINNERS' RUSSIAN I - A1 CEFR

Code PPLB4043A

Credits 20

Winston Churchill once said that ‘Russia is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma’. Russia gave the world Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, Shostakovich, Chagall and borsch! Would you like to know more about the largest country in the world and unwrap some of the mysteries of its history, culture and politics through its language? This is a beginners’ course in Russian assuming little or no prior experience or knowledge of the language. In the first week you’ll acquaint yourself with the Russian alphabet (it’s not that different) and learn to read Russian. At the end of the course you’ll know all the basics of Russian grammar, will be able to read simple texts and to use your speaking skills in real-life situations (in case you find yourself lost in Red Square)! You’ll participate in classroom-based activities, often working in pairs and groups exchanging ideas and supporting each other in your exploration of the language. You’ll be able to improve and develop your grammar and vocabulary skills through watching Russian films, reading newspaper articles and short stories, discussing their content and expressing your opinion. Having a Russian language course on your CV will give you an advantage over other graduates, and it will also provide work opportunities in Eastern Europe, Russia and the countries of the former Soviet Union. This course will also help you to become a more informed global citizen whatever your specialisation or area of interest. Please note that you should not have a level of knowledge in Russian that exceeds beginners’ level when enrolling on this course, or you may be asked to withdraw from the module (at the Teacher’s discretion). Please contact us if you’re unsure.

INTERMEDIATE GERMAN I - A2 CEFR

Code PPLB5151A

Credits 20

Would you like to take your basic German skills to a higher level? Wouldn’t it be tempting to be able to express a range of feelings in German? Or take part in simple discussions and manage to hold your own? Fancy presenting a cultural event in your country to a native German speaker? This module is perfect if you have already completed Beginners modules or have sufficient pre-A-level experience of German but not if you are already working at a higher level than this. You will become more competent and confident in conversation with others as you explore essential grammar and vocabulary at a higher level. You will learn how to express opinions and preferences in a more complex way and how to master the skill of agreeing and disagreeing. You will gain the confidence to present to a small audience and shine in the process of it. During this module you will develop your understanding of the German way of thinking through shining a light at cultural traditions and events. In a relaxed environment you will participate in classroom-based activities, working in groups to try out and be creative with new words and phrases. The fun of language learning will never be far away and promises to give you the confidence to hold your own in basic discussions and presentations. As well as speaking and listening to each other you will apply a range of strategies to help you produce and understand longer texts. A basic intermediate course in German will enable you to add a vital skill to your CV. At this crucial political and cultural moment in time the study of the German language and culture will without doubt make you a more attractive graduate and informed global citizen, whatever your specialism or area of interest.

Optional B Modules

(20 credits)

HISTORY AND SOCIETY

Code HUM-3001B

Credits 20

How is history used to inform the society in which we live? What is the relationship between the history we study academically at university and how history is used and consumed in contemporary society? These are some of the questions you will explore in this module. Using examples from modern history and other time periods that inform our understanding of this history as our case study, you will develop the key skills you need to critically analyse the past and the different representations we make about the past. You will develop key skills needed by the historian to analyse different primary and secondary sources, understand the importance of contextualisation and the role of the historian in shaping narratives about the past.

POLITICAL PHILOSOPHIES

Code HUM-3002B

Credits 20

This module introduces you to some of the key ideologies and 'isms' within contemporary political theory which form the focus of contemporary debates. It will encourage you to consider the role that politics plays in your life through the examination of political theory. Radical doctrines such as anarchism and fundamentalism will be discussed and evaluated alongside more traditional ideologies such as socialism, liberalism and conservatism. If you are a Foundation Year student it will have relevance to you in its critical approach to ideology.

LITERATURE AND THE HUMANITIES

Code HUM-3004B

Credits 20

This interdisciplinary module introduces a wide range of narratives in a variety of formats, asking students to consider questions such as: What is literature? What is literary theory? How is literature influenced by its historical and cultural contexts? How can the humanities help us to make sense of literary texts? Over the course of the module, you will be introduced to key themes in literary studies, as well as examining the value of reading texts in their interdisciplinary contexts. You will develop your ability to analyse texts, engage with historical and cultural milieus of the texts your read, enhance your understanding of theoretical positions relevant to study throughout the Humanities and construct your own critical arguments.

MEDIA IN PRACTICE

Code HUM-3008B

Credits 20

The impact of rapid technological change is no more apparent than in the various areas of the media—film, television, radio, podcasting, publishing and the various uses of the World Wide Web. In this module you will gain a firm understanding of these relationships while developing your academic and practical skills. You don’t need to have any previous experience media production or any other experience of working with technology to take this module. You’ll study the use of technology in media production and distribution, learn about the impact of social media on news production and consumption, and engage in critical listening and viewing alongside the analysis of film music from a technological perspective. You’ll get the chance to engage in a televised debate in the TV studio, explore citizen journalism, create podcasts to demonstrate the impact of your research in your chosen discipline and study how digital technologies and advances in the field of artificial intelligence are affecting research, media production, archiving and restoration. There’ll be opportunities for extra-curricular activities too—in the past we’ve created podcasts for the NHS and for conferences at UEA—and we’ll look at how we can be creative with storytelling.

BEGINNERS' GERMAN II - A2 CEFR

Code PPLB4019B

Credits 20

Do you want to refresh and further develop your basic German skills? Would you like to converse with a native speaker beyond the first introductions? Or do you simply want to understand a little more about what makes the Germans, the Swiss or Austrians tick? This follow-on course is perfect if you have completed the Beginners 1 module or have very basic knowledge of the language. You will gain more confidence in using German in conversation as you become ever more familiar with essential German grammar. You will learn how to express opinions, wishes and requests, and how to master the skill of congratulating and complimenting other people. During this module you will also gain further awareness of German traditions and ways of thinking to help you make sense of a country that is deeply rooted in the heart of Europe. In a relaxed environment you will participate in classroom-based activities, working in pairs and groups to try out and be creative with new words and phrases. The fun of language learning will never be far away and promises to give you the confidence to maintain a conversation and express yourself to a target audience in writing. As well as speaking and listening to each other you will apply a range of strategies to help you make sense of authentic German texts. A solid beginners’ course in German will enable you to add a vital skill to your CV. At this crucial political and cultural moment in time the study of the German language and culture will without doubt make you a more attractive graduate and informed global citizen, whatever your specialism or area of interest. Please note that your current level of German language should not exceed the level of this course.

BEGINNERS' ARABIC II

Code PPLB4030B

Credits 20

This is the second part of a beginners' course in Arabic following on from Beginners' Arabic I. Students with a basic knowledge of Arabic writing and speaking may join this module.

INTRODUCTION TO BRITISH SIGN LANGUAGE II

Code PPLB4032B

Credits 20

Having gained an insight in communicating using a 'visual' language, how would you relate a story, a narrative or a conversation using more than two people? How would you describe where something is in a room, the room itself or give directions involving a map? This module builds on your studies in British Sign Language giving you confidence and further skills in communicating with the deaf. Teaching and learning strategies continue to involve a more fluent signed conversation, role-play, and lots more games and exercises embedding your learning that makes this an exciting module to take! In this module you will continue to look at deaf culture, address and look at various equipment that assists the Deaf in their everyday life. For example, how do they know someone is at the door? Can they communicate over the telephone? What would happen if you were in a building on fire? On successful completion of this module you will have developed knowledge and skills that will enable you to communicate confidently with a Deaf person. Your will broaden your knowledge and understanding of a truly unique and amazing form of communication and a culture so very different than what you may have encountered before. Please note that very occasionally subsidiary language modules may be cancelled due to low enrolment. Students who are found to have a level of knowledge that exceeds the level for which they have enrolled may be asked to withdraw from the module, at the Teacher's discretion.

BEGINNERS' RUSSIAN II - A2 CEFR

Code PPLB4044B

Credits 20

Winston Churchill once said that ‘Russia is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma’. Russia gave the world Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, Shostakovich, Chagall and borsch! Would you like to know more about the largest country in the world and unwrap some of the mysteries of its history, culture and politics through its language? Before enrolling on this course you’ll need to be acquainted with the Russian alphabet, able to read and write in Russian, and to know a few initial items of grammar and vocabulary (skills that will be learnt in the Beginners' Russian I module). At the end of the course you’ll know all the basics of Russian grammar, you’ll be able to read more complex texts and you’ll have improved your speaking skills in real-life situations (in case you find yourself lost in Red Square)! You’ll participate in classroom-based activities, often working in pairs and groups exchanging ideas and supporting each other in your exploration of the language. You’ll be able to improve and develop your grammar and vocabulary skills through watching Russian films, reading newspaper articles and short stories, discussing their content and expressing your opinion. Having a Russian language course on your CV will give you an advantage over other graduates, and it will also provide work opportunities in Eastern Europe, Russia and the countries of the former Soviet Union. This course will also help you to become a more informed global citizen whatever your specialisation or area of interest. Please note that you should not have a level of knowledge in Russian that exceeds the beginners’ level specified above when enrolling on this course, or you may be asked to withdraw from the module (at the Teacher’s discretion). Please contact us if you’re unsure.

INTERMEDIATE GERMAN II - A2/B1 CEFR

Code PPLB5033B

Credits 20

Would you like to take your German to a higher level and start to become a more independent user? Wouldn’t it be tempting to be able to describe the plot of a good film or book? Or take part in simple discussions and manage to hold your own? Fancy promoting a TV-series from to a native German speaker? This follow-on course is perfect if you have completed the Intermediate module or have basic A-level experience in German but not if you are already working at a higher level than this. You will become more independent in conversation with others as you continue to explore essential grammar and vocabulary at a higher level. You will learn how to talk about experiences, hopes and ambitions in a more complex way and how to master the skill of persuasion. During this module you will develop a deeper understanding of the German way of thinking through looking at current affairs and iconic German television programmes. In a relaxed environment you will participate in classroom-based activities, working in groups to try out and be creative with new words and grammar structures. The fun of language learning will never be far away and promises to give you the confidence to hold your own in discussions and presentations. As well as speaking and listening to each other you will apply a range of strategies to help you produce and understand longer texts. A sound intermediate course in German will enable you to add a vital and highly valued skill to your CV. At this crucial political and cultural moment in time the study of the German language and culture will without doubt make you a more attractive graduate and informed global citizen, whatever your specialism or area of interest.

Admissions Live Chat

Virtual Open Day

Important Information

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.

Assessment for Year 2

Compulsory Modules

MAKERS AND MAKING

Code AMAA4002A

Credits 20

Making works of art – from objects to performances, bodies to buildings – involves a range of materials, activities and ideas. On this module, you’ll learn about the physical and technical properties of different materials as well as their social, economic and symbolic significance. You’ll hear from a range of experts in a series of lectures by our staff in Art History and World Art Studies. You will gain a wider perspective on how people at different times, in different cultures, have designed, crafted and created works of art - challenging narrow ideas about what (and who) an artist is. You will also develop the skills you need to write effective essays at university.

Environment, Art and Culture

Code AMAA4004B

Credits 20

Most works of art – whether objects, buildings, or performances – are designed to serve a set of purposes. How their forms and functions relate may be straightforward and practical, or complex and elusive. Through a range of case studies, presented in lectures by our staff in Art History and World Art Studies, you will examine the connections between the uses, meanings, and appearances of art, culture, space, and landscape. You will also consider how these connections may change over time, especially in the context of cross-cultural contact. The opportunity to analyse texts on your own and in discussion groups will help you understand different points of view and construct an argument supported by evidence.

LEARNING ON SITE: THE SAINSBURY CENTRE FOR VISUAL ARTS

Code AMAA4007A

Credits 20

In this module, you will discover the art and architecture that makes up our department’s home in the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts (SCVA). Designed by Lord Norman Foster and opened in 1978, this building and the Robert and Lisa Sainsbury Collection have shaped the study of Art History and World Art Studies at UEA. Through readings, group discussions, and the close study of objects in the SCVA, you will be encouraged to challenge assumptions and preconceptions about different kinds of art – from around the world, and from prehistory to the 20th century. This module will also develop your abilities in library research and academic referencing.

INTRODUCTION TO ART HISTORY

Code AMAA4001A

Credits 20

This module introduces you to the study of art history. You will discover what makes art history distinct as an academic discipline. By learning about the themes art historians have explored over time, and some of the methods they use to study art, you will start to understand the subject better – and to appreciate how it fits into your degree. As a seminar, this module also gives you the chance to experience the small-group discussions that are central to our teaching.

INTRODUCTION TO GALLERY AND MUSEUM STUDIES

Code AMAA4009B

Credits 20

This module will introduce you to some of the key concepts underpinning art galleries and museums. You’ll learn about the history of museums and their impact on society. You’ll consider how museums and galleries today use not only their displays but also a range of activities to attract, educate, and inspire visitors. You will also have a chance to study galleries and museums from around the world and if circumstances permit, we will visit a museum together in person or online.

PORTRAITURE AND IDENTITY

Code AMAA4025B

Credits 20

How do you represent a person? On this module, you will explore the genre of portraiture as it has been practiced by visual artists from the ancient world to the present day. You will develop the skill of visual analysis as you consider issues such as 'likeness'; the face; the self-portrait; portraiture as the embodiment of political, social and aesthetic power; the ways in which portraiture has variously reinforced and challenged concepts of class, race and gender; the photographic portrait, and the role of portraiture in contemporary art and culture. You will also continue to develop your writing skills, as we analyse works of art alongside histories and concepts of the individual self – perhaps the supreme artefact of all.

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Important Information

Students wishing to enrol on the 60 credit Semester Abroad modules AMAA5002A (Autumn) or AMAA5003B (Spring), must first seek approval from the Study Abroad Office and AMA-ART Course Director.

Assessment for Year 3

Compulsory Modules

THE LIVES OF OBJECTS

Code AMAA5089A

Credits 20

Your main objective in this module will be to develop your critical skills as they pertain to thinking, reading, writing and looking. To enable this, the module will fall into two main sections. In the first section, you’ll focus on one particular methodology – object biographies – used in archaeology, anthropology, museum studies and art history. You’ll examine this methodology in detail, breaking it down into its component sections. You’ll then consider its strengths and its weaknesses, as we subject it to a thorough critical evaluation. In the second half of the module, you will study a range of theories and methodologies used in the study of material culture. In this part of the module, you will focus more broadly on what critical thinking is, both in general and within each of the four disciplines taught in the Department of Art History and World Art Studies. You’ll be taught through a combination of two weekly lectures and one discussion seminar. The lectures will offer you an introduction to the relevant topic, and will end with an opportunity to discuss/debate the issues raised. During the discussion seminars, you’ll consider key issues raised in preceding lectures and the weekly class readings which accompany them.

ART IN THE CONTEMPORARY WORLD

Code AMAA5090B

Credits 20

Art is a resource which can be used both positively and critically to affect the contemporary world around us. It may be exploited, most obviously for its economic value, but also for broader social or political gain. You will explore these different uses of art by addressing the factors that condition our contemporary reception of art works and visual culture. You will begin by examining some of the key methodologies for interpreting art’s contemporary functions, including its capacity to create contemporary identities and world-views. You will then turn to focus on the museum and gallery as spaces for these contemporary issues to emerge, before considering the same ideas at work in more quotidian ways. And, finally, you will conclude with a reflection on your own position as art historians, anthropologists, and archaeologists working with art in the contemporary world.

Optional A Modules

(40 credits)

MATERIAL WORLDS

Code AMAA5009A

Credits 20

We live our lives surrounded by material objects. In many ways, our lives are dictated by the consumption of goods. How then, should we understand our relation to materiality? In this module, you'll learn about contemporary archaeological and anthropological perspectives in the study of material culture. Questions that come up include: why the Summer Solstice is celebrated at Stonehenge; how houses differ across cultures; why we give each other gifts and wrap them; and how clothing gives us identity? Studying human-object relations from a range of perspectives, this module equips you to understand the role of materiality in your life and to think in nuanced ways on our consumer society.

MEDIEVAL BODIES

Code AMAA5086A

Credits 20

This module looks at how bodies were conceptualised and represented in the middle ages (roughly 800 to 1500). We will look at bodies alive and dead, human and animal, divine, angelic, and demonic, and some that move between these categories. In the process, we will investigate questions of how gender, race and class identities were represented and constructed in the medieval period, and how scholars interpret these constructions today. In addition to looking at how bodies were represented in texts and images, we will consider the embodied experiences of medieval artefacts – how buildings were occupied and moved through, and how objects were handled, touched, kissed, worn, adorned, hidden, or destroyed.

CONTEMPORARY GALLERY AND MUSEUM STUDIES

Code AMAA5102A

Credits 20

You will examine how contemporary artists have explored the way in which contemporary galleries and museums function. Since the 1960s artists have adopted the museum as both subject and medium in their artworks. These seminars will examine how such projects impact on our idea of what galleries and museums are, how they operate, and what role they have in public life today. Throughout, key ideas regarding aesthetics, politics, memory, and audience participation will be approached by way of specific artworks and exhibitions. These sessions will be supplemented by workshops exploring art criticism, as well as a study trip to London.

AMERICAN ART AND AMERICAN PHOTOGRAPHY 1900-1950

Code AMAA5103A

Credits 20

You will examine the relations between art and photography in the United States in the first half of the 20th century. The central debate in American modernism has concerned the role of the medium, and considering photography in relation to the other visual arts permits a reassessment of this debate. Artists and photographers examined include Alfred Stieglitz, Georgia O’Keeffe, Marcel Duchamp, Diego Rivera and Walker Evans.

INDIGENOUS ARTS AND INDIGENOUS PEOPLES

Code AMAA5105A

Credits 20

You will begin by analysing what is meant by Indigenous arts and peoples. In particular, we shall consider the link between the anthropology of art and Indigenous identity. The inter-disciplinary approach continues, by examining issues related to the interpretation of indigenous arts in wide-ranging geographic and cultural contexts from North America, to India and Australia. It then questions Indigenous peoples' engagement with notions of ethnicity and heritage, as well as the formation of an ‘Indigenous media’ through film-making.

Optional B Modules

(40 credits)

ART AND ARCHITECTURE IN VENICE

Code AMAA5093B

Credits 20

Positioned at the hub of trade routes which spanned out across the known world, the city of Venice was a major commercial and political power during the medieval, renaissance, and early modern periods. It also grew to be one of Europe's most important centres of artistic production, with Venetian painters, sculptors, glassmakers, and architects channelling their city's diverse multiculturalism into a vast range of influential artworks. You will examine the development of art and architecture in the city from its earliest foundations through to the present day, tracing the aesthetic and urban history of what its inhabitants came to call 'La Serenissima,' the most serene city on earth. In previous years this module has featured a study trip to Venice.

ARCHAEOLOGIES OF THE MEDITERRANEAN WORLD

Code AMAA5098B

Credits 20

Using a range of case studies from the Mediterranean World, this module introduces students to some of the most significant themes and debates in the archaeology of the Mediterranean and archaeology more generally. Case studies will be drawn from a range of time periods and will address ‘the big themes’ in archaeology, such as cultural transmission, cultural development, societal collapse, trade and exchange, conflict, migration, empire and expansion, the emergence of urban societies, climate and society and ritual and religion. Often more than one theme will be included in a case study and the aim will be to understand how they relate to each other. For example, how does conflict or climate change contribute to migration or societal collapse?

ACTION / ABSTRACTION:ART AFTER 1945

Code AMAA5103B

Credits 20

You will explore the rich history of art made after 1945, with a particular emphasis upon the problem of the relationship between the idea of art's autonomy and claims for its capacity to engage directly with social and political conditions. You will be introduced to key tendencies in art and a wide variety of artistic media made since 1945, with a (non-exclusive) focus upon Europe and North America.

THE ANTHROPOLOGY OF AMAZONIAN AND ANDEAN ARTS AND MUSIC

Code AMAA5106B

Credits 20

An anthropological approach to the arts and music of Amazonia and Andean Indigenous peoples. You’ll discuss the subjects through key Amerindian themes with a special focus on tangible and intangible cultural heritage, cosmology, shamanism, ritual, and cultural identity. In many Amerindian societies, ritual itself is a major artwork combining music, dance, body art and artefacts into an integrated oeuvre. You’ll read anthropological texts and watch ethnographic films to analyse the relationships between ritual, material culture and music and its socio-cosmological meanings. Documentary film will also be covered as an important and innovative art among Native South Americans, with a special focus on the Kuikuro Indians of Southeastern Amazonia.

ARTS AND HUMANITIES PLACEMENT MODULE

Code HUM-5004B

Credits 20

This module will provide you with the opportunity work within a creative/cultural/charity/ heritage/media or other appropriate organisation in order to apply the skills you are developing through your degree to the working world and to develop your knowledge of employment sectors within which you may wish to work in the future. The module emphasises industry experience, sector awareness and personal development through a structured reflective learning experience. Having sourced and secured your own placement (with support from Career Central), you work within your host organisation undertaking tasks that will help you to gain a better understanding of professional practices within your chosen sector. Taught sessions enable you to acquire knowledge of both the industries in which you are placed as well as focusing on personal and professional development germane to the sector. Your assessment tasks will provide you with an opportunity to critically reflect on the creative and cultural sector in which you have worked as well as providing opportunities to undertake presentations, gather evidence, and articulate your newly acquired skills and experiences.

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Important Information

Assessment for Year 4

Compulsory Modules

DISSERTATION

Code AMAA6112B

Credits 30

On this module you will undertake a research project on a topic related to your specialised interests, in consultation with an appropriate member of ART Faculty, leading to a 9,000 word dissertation.

Optional A Modules

(60 credits)

MAPPING WORLDS

Code AMAA6121A

Credits 30

Each map creates a version of the world. They help us to grasp abstract concepts in tangible visual form: maps document and maintain relationships of power and ownership, they present concepts of geography, history and faith, the earth and the heavens, the familiar and the unknown, the ‘us’ and the ‘them’. They record real or imagined journeys of trade, war, and pilgrimage. Sometimes they even show how to get from one place to another. This course takes maps as a starting point for understanding the visual, intellectual, and imaginative cultures of Europe and the Middle East, from late antiquity up to 1500. Each week we will consider a different aspect of medieval culture through its maps and diagrams, to appreciate the variety of premodern conceptions of space, time, and knowledge.

ARTS OF THE PACIFIC: AGENCY OF REPRESENTATION

Code AMAA6123A

Credits 30

Representations are not unconditional or without engagement. In this module, representation is not merely understood as praxis, but as praxis with agency. Following Alfred Gell's notion of the agency of art, we will consider representation as a process that not merely describes, displays and communicates, it also does. Clues to its agency lie in the processes from which it emanates and in which it eventuates. We will discuss contemporary views on the Pacific by particularly focusing on the role of visual and material culture in these representations. The aim of this module is to promote a critical awareness of what artefacts socially do in the Pacific, to understand how they materialise relationships, are condensations of knowledge and how people use these forms to engage with their life worlds.

GALLERIES AND MUSEUMS PRACTICE

Code AMAA6126A

Credits 30

This module explores a variety of practical and conceptual considerations in Gallery and Museum Studies by focusing on specific aspects of these institutional structures: from building, housing and caring for collections, to curating shows and exhibitions, and producing texts and writing criticism. You will develop your engagement with the practice of conceiving, designing and mounting exhibitions, exploring both the conceptual demands of putting on a successful show and the practical considerations involved in doing so. Finally we consider the role of interpretation and learning in galleries and museums practice, thinking about how texts of various sorts operate in exhibitions and collections displays.

MODERNISM AND GENDER: FRANCE AND GERMANY 1900-1939

Code AMAA6128A

Credits 30

On this module you will study some of the most important modernist artists of the first part of the twentieth century. We will explore the work of male and female artists and also consider how gender structures representation and art practice. The module provides an opportunity to reconsider key works by Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, Paula Modersohn-Becker, Suzanne Valadon, Hannah Hoch and Claude Cahun, amongst others.

Optional B Modules

(30 credits)

MAKERS' MYTHS: THE PERSONA OF THE ARTIST AFTER 1945

Code AMAA6127B

Credits 30

The figure of the artist has for centuries been the object of celebration, curiosity and myth-making. Since World War II powerful narratives have developed around some of the most prominent artists. You’ll explore the construction of such “makers’ myths” and ask: How is an artist’s public persona constructed and what bearing does it have on the interpretation of specific artworks? What idea of art’s social role do different personae imply? How do these roles relate to our idea of what art can or should contribute to the contemporary world?

ART AND ARCHAEOLOGY OF ANCIENT IRAQ AND IRAN

Code AMAA6137B

Credits 30

Ancient Mesopotamia, what is now Iraq and parts of Iran, is recognisable today by two of its most impressive and powerful cultures, the Sumerians and the Assyrians. Situated between the Euphrates and the Tigris Rivers, Mesopotamia remained largely autonomous for nearly 3000 years, during which time its power and influence over neighbouring regions ebbed and waned. At the heart of Mesopotamian society was competence and skill in a broad range of arts and crafts, but it is most famous for being the world's first literate society. Along with writing, the glue of Mesopotamian society was cultic practice and religious belief, most visibly attested to in the art of temples and burials. At all periods art was fundamental to Mesopotamian culture; it coloured their rituals and beliefs, it was integral to their writing system, and was used in both politics and warfare. You will explore the significance of artistic practice in the development of Mesopotamian society.

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Important Information

Entry Requirements

A Levels

CCC - for further details on how we review your application please see below.

BTEC

MMM

Scottish highers

BBCCC

Scottish highers advanced

DDD

Irish leaving certificate

6 subjects at H4

Access course

Pass 45 credits at level 3. Humanities and Social Sciences pathway preferred.

European Baccalaureate

60%

International Baccalaureate

28 points

GCSE offer

You are required to have Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE.

Additional entry requirements

We welcome applications from students with non-traditional academic backgrounds. If you have been out of study for the last three years and you do not have the entry grades for our three year degree, we will consider your educational and employment history, along with your personal statement and reference to gain a holistic view of your suitability for the foundation course. You will still need to meet our GCSE English Language and Mathematics requirements.

If you are currently studying your level 3 qualifications, we may be able to give you a reduced grade offer based on these circumstances:

You live in an area with low progression to higher education (we use Polar 4, quintile 1 & 2 data)
You will be 21 years of age or over at the start of the course
You have been in care or you are a young full time carer
You are studying at a school which out Outreach Team are working closely with

Alternative Qualifications

UEA recognises that some students take a mixture of International Baccalaureate IB or International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme IBCP study rather than the full diploma, taking Higher levels in addition to A levels and/or BTEC qualifications. At UEA we do consider a combination of qualifications for entry, provided a minimum of three qualifications are taken at a higher Level. In addition some degree programmes require specific subjects at a higher level.

Students for whom english is a foreign language

Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):

IELTS: 7.0 overall (minimum 6.5 in any component)

We also accept a number of other English language tests. Please click here to see our full list.

Interviews

Most applicants will not be called for an interview and a decision will be made via UCAS Track. However, for some applicants an interview will be requested. Where an interview is required the Admissions Service will contact you directly to arrange a time.

Gap year

We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.

Intakes

This course is open to UK applicants only. The annual intake for this course is in September each year.

Foundation courses for international applicants are run by our partners at INTO.

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Course Reference Number: 667157

BA HISTORY OF ART (WITH A FOUNDATION YEAR)