HA3D9-30 Venice, Rise and Myth: Art and Architecture in the Veneto (1100-1600)
Introductory description
This module examines key Venetian buildings and monuments and their decoration (mosaics, paintings, sculptures, etc.) in the light of their unique physical and historical context from the middle ages to the early modern period. Venice's early links with the Byzantine empire, its status as a maritime republic and its distinctive political situation fostered a culture different from those of other Italian cities and which can be studied as a discrete entity. The influence of Venice on art and architecture in the main land will also be examined through, for example, study trips.
Module aims
The aim is to study Venice's key buildings and monuments and their decoration (mosaics, paintings, sculptures) in terms of their commissioning, manufacture, consumption and reception. We do this by fostering awareness of the relationship between art and its physical and cultural contexts by close examination of artefacts and buildings in their original location and the unique physical and historical context of Venice from the middle ages to the early modern period. Key primary and secondary sources are analysed in lectures while seminars and day trips provide the opportunity for intensive first-hand study of Venetian and Renaissance art and architecture in context.
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.
The 'Birth' and 'Myths' of Venice
The Byzantine Connections
Painting and sculpture in late medieval Venice & Padua
Medieval and early modern architecture
Narrative Painting and the Venetian Scuole
Travel and independent study of monuments
Venetian altarpiece
Sacred and Profane themes in Venetian art
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate sophisticated knowledge and understanding of how Venetian art and architecture changed between the middle ages and the early modern period.
- Apply visual analysis skills to critically evaluate works of art/architecture on site in Venice with respect to their physical and cultural context.
- Compare and contrast Venetian works of art/architecture from the middle ages to the early modern period in relation to issues of setting, materials, techniques, and patronage.
- Critically examine the historical circumstances that made of Venice an important centre of artistic and cultural production and transnational exchange.
Indicative reading list
Reading lists can be found in Talis
Research element
Students will be able to select relevant individual buildings/monuments and explore them independently as part of their assessment
International
This module is taught in Venice through class-based learning, on-site seminars and external study visits. It enables students to live, research and study in another country and culture.
Subject specific skills
- Demonstrate an understanding of developments in Venetian art and architecture from c.1100 to c.1600.
- Analyse works of art with respect to their physical makeup, location and cultural context.
- Gain confidence by speaking in front of works of art
- Employ sophisticated conceptual and visual analysis
Transferable skills
- present an argument, initiate and sustain group discussion through intelligent questioning and debate at an appropriate level
- ability to undertake research and to write up the results in the form of a well-structured argument at an appropriate level
- familiarity with essential ICT skills
- ability to collaborate effectively with others
- show understanding of diverse viewpoints
- ability to find, select, organize and synthesize evidence
- ability to formulate a sustained argument
- think conceptually and independently at an appropriate level
- Demonstrate bibliographical skills at an appropriate level
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 8 sessions of 2 hours (5%) |
| Seminars | 4 sessions of 2 hours (3%) |
| External visits | 3 sessions of 8 hours (8%) |
| Other activity | 4 hours (1%) |
| Private study | 248 hours (83%) |
| Total | 300 hours |
Private study description
Required and recommended reading for lectures, on site seminars and presentations, external visits and research/writing of portfolio; independent viewing, research and study of sites, buildings, monuments.
Other activity description
Orientation; tour of libraries and new teaching campus; introduction to new assessment methods.
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 D1
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
Assessment component |
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| Portfolio | 40% | No | |
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Portfolio providing evidence of independent knowledge and research of sites, buildings and monuments including visual and material analysis, and a case study demonstrating advanced skills of contextual analysis and use of primary sources. |
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Reassessment component is the same |
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Assessment component |
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| Engagement and Presentation | 20% | No | |
Reassessment component is the same |
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Assessment component |
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| slide test | 40% | No | |
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face-to-face visual assessment: projection of images requiring written answers to a set question per image/comparison of two images |
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Reassessment component |
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| Online examination | No | ||
Feedback on assessment
Written feedback and dedicated feedback tutorials
Courses
This module is Core for:
- Year 3 of UHAA-V401 Undergraduate History of Art
- Year 3 of UHAA-V3R3 Undergraduate History of Art with Italian
This module is Core optional for:
- Year 3 of UHAA-V401 Undergraduate History of Art