AH20300 Medieval Art and Architecture: characteristics and influences

Academic Year 2024/2025

The module acts as an introduction the Art of the Middle Ages from 300 to 1500. This is a period of cultural transformation and exchange. There will be a particular focus the heritage of the post Classical world of ancient Greece and Rome. The lectures will look at objects and works of art of this period which reflect the diversity and momentum of medieval European art. Themes to be looked at include: connectivity and diversity situated in the post Roman world; aspects of continuity and transformation in the arts of the Byzantine world; the development of monasticism and the formation of the Early Medieval Monastery, including the specific contribution of Irish Medieval art; the impact of pilgrimage tradition on art and architecture during the Romanesque and Gothic periods.

The course will also explore the relationship of the Gothic as a new international style as it emerges at the end of the twelfth century, and the late medieval period is examined through monastic and secular architecture and the lectures are concluded with the impact of Religious reform. As new political centres develop, there background to the connectivity of art production over long distances the multicultural roots of early modern Europe.



This course is designed to introduce students to the outstanding record of medieval art and architecture and to an understanding of the principles, the techniques and the process of cultural diversity and assimilation that characterised the period of the medieval period.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

This course introduces and connects medieval European cultural heritageThe module acts as an introduction the Art of the Middle ages from from 300 to 1500.

This course is designed to introduce students to the outstanding record of medieval art and
architecture and to an understanding of the principles, the techniques of making the works of art and be able to distinguish chronologies and objects and images from this period.
The student should understand the process of cultural diversity and assimilation that characterised the period of the medieval period.
The student should be able to identify the issues portrayed thematically and demonstrate and knowledge of the transcending national and local idioms to demonstrate the varied and complex nature of the cross cultural European story as one of enlightenment.

Indicative Module Content:

The Early Middle Ages are viewed in this module through a lens of the relationship between Art, Identity and the formation of European cultural heritage. A close look is taken with the relationship between historical events to provides access to the European tradition presented in a thematic way. Through several case studies drawn from regional artefacts and monuments provides access to historiographical and interdisciplinary sources in the expanding European narrative. Expositions of the formulations of ideas, in terms of faith, representation, knowledge, literacy and language, mobility and migration, travel and pilgrimage leading to connectivity, lead to creating new theoretical approaches.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Specified Learning Activities

38
Autonomous Student Learning

38
Lectures

24
Total

100
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Learning methods are a extended over the range: from active/task-based learning; peer and group work; lectures; critical writing; reflective learning. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Assignment(Including Essay): Catalogue entry based on Medieval art objects (1,000 words). The objects will assigned to students at the beginning of the trimester Week 9 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

40

 No
Assignment(Including Essay): Exhibition Proposal: Word Count: 2000 words or or 14 minute PowerPoint presentation in MP4 mode i.e. with audio commentary. Week 14 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

60

 No

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback will be via assignment return to the students in person or electronically, and by appointment with the Module Coordinator.