HI3J3-30 Arts and Society in Early Modern Europe
Introductory description
This undergraduate final-year module allows students to analyse the historical meanings of ‘arts’ - in which luxury objects are considered alongside painting, sculpture and architecture - by placing them in the context of early modern European society. Its ample geographical focus (Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, France and England) is designed to highlight the different paths by which Europe acquired a shared visual culture.
Module aims
This undergraduate final-year 30 CATS Special Subject module is only available to single-honours History students on the 'Renaissance and Modern History' pathway, and is taught from January onwards after students return from their autumn term in Venice through two weekly two-hour seminars.
As an advanced option, this module will give students the opportunity to study a set of problems in depth, with the aid of primary printed sources and artefacts (to be studied directly in museum collections and through internet resources). It is also intended to develop the ability of students to engage with visual materials in order to broaden and refine their historical analyses.
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
Term 1
Week 1: Introduction: Arts, History and Social Change
Week 2: Art in Theory
Week 3: The Artist’s Practice
Week 4: From Guilds to Academies:The Changing Status of the Artist
Week 5: Female Artists
[Reading week]
Week 7: Objects and Material Culture
Week 8: The World of Glass and Silk
Week 9: Courts and Republics: Patrons and Spectators
Week 10: Religion and Art: Catholics and Protestants
Term 2
Week 1: Arts and State Building
Week 2: Aristocratic Collectors
Week 3: Displaying Art and Nature: Kunstkammern and Wunderkammern
Week 4: The Birth of the Art Market
Week 5: Visual Culture, the Natural World and Technology
[Reading week]
Week 7: Mapmaking and Cartography
Week 8: The Empire of Luxuries
Week 9: Europe and Global Arts
Week 10: Distant Perspectives: Arts and Society in Ming China
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate a systematic knowledge and understanding of the historical meanings of ‘arts’ - in which luxury objects are considered alongside painting, sculpture and architecture - by placing them in the context of early modern European society, as well as the different paths by which Europe acquired a shared visual culture.
- Critically analyse and evaluate a broad range of primary sources (ranging from printed correspondence to political and religious treatises, literary evidence and visual/ material culture) relating to the historical meanings of ‘arts’.
- Effectively communicate ideas, and make informed, coherent and persuasive arguments, relating to the historical meanings of ‘arts’.
- Critically review and consolidate theoretical, methodological, and historiographical ideas relating to the historical meanings of ‘arts’.
Indicative reading list
Reading lists can be found in Talis
Specific reading list for the module
Subject specific skills
See learning outcomes.
Transferable skills
See learning outcomes.
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Seminars | 18 sessions of 2 hours (12%) |
| Tutorials | 4 sessions of 1 hour (1%) |
| Private study | 260 hours (87%) |
| Total | 300 hours |
Private study description
History modules require students to undertake extensive independent research and reading to prepare for seminars and assessments. As a rough guide, students will be expected to read and prepare to comment on three substantial texts (articles or book chapters) for each seminar taking approximately 3 hours. Each assessment requires independent research, reading around 6-10 texts and writing and presenting the outcomes of this preparation in an essay, review, presentation or other related task.
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You do not need to pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group A2
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
Assessment component |
|||
| Seminar contribution | 10% | No | |
Reassessment component |
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| 1000 word reflective essay in lieu of Seminar Contribution | Yes (extension) | ||
Assessment component |
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| 1500 word essay | 10% | Yes (extension) | |
Reassessment component is the same |
|||
Assessment component |
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| 3000 word source based essay | 40% | Yes (extension) | |
Reassessment component is the same |
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Assessment component |
|||
| 3000 word essay | 40% | Yes (extension) | |
Reassessment component is the same |
|||
Feedback on assessment
Written feedback provided via Tabula; optional oral feedback in office hours.
Courses
This module is Core optional for:
- Year 3 of UENA-VQ34 Undergraduate English and History (with a term in Venice)
-
UHIA-V1V8 Undergraduate History and Philosophy (with Year Abroad and a term in Venice)
- Year 3 of V1V8 History and Philosophy (with Year Abroad and a term in Venice)
- Year 4 of V1V8 History and Philosophy (with Year Abroad and a term in Venice)
- Year 3 of UHIA-V1V7 Undergraduate History and Philosophy (with a term in Venice)
- Year 3 of UHIA-VM14 Undergraduate History and Politics (with Year Abroad and a term in Venice)
-
UHIA-VL16 Undergraduate History and Sociology (with Year Abroad and a term in Venice)
- Year 3 of VL16 History and Sociology (with Year Abroad and a term in Venice)
- Year 4 of VL16 History and Sociology (with Year Abroad and a term in Venice)
- Year 3 of UHIA-VL15 Undergraduate History and Sociology (with a term in Venice)
This module is Core option list A for:
- Year 3 of UHIA-V102 Undergraduate History (Renaissance and Modern History Stream)
- Year 4 of UHIA-V103 Undergraduate History (Renaissance and Modern History Stream) (with Year Abroad)
- Year 4 of UHIA-V1V8 Undergraduate History and Philosophy (with Year Abroad and a term in Venice)
- Year 3 of UHIA-V1V7 Undergraduate History and Philosophy (with a term in Venice)
- Year 4 of UHIA-VM14 Undergraduate History and Politics (with Year Abroad and a term in Venice)
- Year 3 of UHIA-VM13 Undergraduate History and Politics (with a term in Venice)
- Year 4 of UHIA-VL16 Undergraduate History and Sociology (with Year Abroad and a term in Venice)
- Year 3 of UHIA-VL15 Undergraduate History and Sociology (with a term in Venice)