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Art History  (HAJ1)

BA (NFQ Level 8) · Academic Year 2023/2024
School
School of Art History and Cultural Policy
Attendance
Full Time
Level
Undergraduate
NFQ Level
Award
Bachelor of Arts
Mode of Delivery
On Campus
Programme Director
Assoc Professor Conor Lucey
Overall Programme Credits:
Programme Credits:
Stage 1
Core/Option: 50 Electives: 10
Stage 1
Core/Option: 55 Electives: 5
Stage 2
Core/Option: 50 Electives: 10
Stage 3
Core/Option: 50 Electives: 10
Stage 3
Core/Option: 60 Electives: 0
Stage 4
Core/Option: 50 Electives: 10
Major/Minor Core & Option Credits:
Stage 2: 25
Stage 3: 25
Stage 4: 25

Curricular information is subject to change.

Art History is for you if you are interested in any or all of the different aspects of visual culture: painting, sculpture, architecture, the decorative arts and modern visual art forms including photography, film, video and performance. At UCD, Art History is a stimulating and richly rewarding subject that explores the aesthetic and stylistic, the historical and critical elements of visual art.

Art History is a dynamic, ever-changing subject that is intrinsically inter-disciplinary in nature. It analyses the complex relationship that exists between visual art and society both across the centuries  and in the contemporary moment.  Art History enables us to understand the environments we inhabit including how and why they have been constructed and what cultural meanings are embedded in them or have accrued in them over time.



The School nurtures an understanding of the role and value of visual art and architecture in cultural life both past and present. It offers a varied and diverse curriculum that includes the study of Irish, European, American and non-Western art and architecture, in addition to a wide range of media such as painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, architecture, video and performance. The BA programme is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in teaching and research. It is aimed at students of diverse ages and interests, both Irish and international, with a strong awareness and curiosity towards art and the contexts in which it is displayed, viewed and experienced.  It seeks to foster original thought, interpretative and analytical skills, critical enquiry, and visual acuity.



We encourage our students to examine artworks critically and understand the conditions of their making, meaning and influences, as well as to consider the process of looking itself. Students are enabled to interpret and assess the meaning, development, context and quality of works of art of different ages using a range of methodologies and approaches including conceptual and historical analysis.  The programme teaches students to learn from images and patterns; to consider formalist aspects such as composition, style and iconography as well as technical material.  In order to teach these skills, the programme uses a diverse range of teaching and learning methods such as lectures, small group teaching, web-based learning, field trips and site visits. The latter are exceptionally important for an object and context-based discipline such as Art History. Learning outcomes are assessed in a range of approaches including essays, catalogue entries, exhibition reviews, class and site-based presentations, slide tests, examinations and learning journals.


1 - Be conversant with the range of methodological approaches embraced in the study of art history and identify the best recent or historical scholarship.
2 - Recognise and fully comprehend key works of art, movements, schools and artists and place them within their aesthetic, social and cultural context.
3 - Have an awareness of the socio-economic aspects of the consumption and manufacture of art works, objects and buildings.
4 - Communicate responses to works of art in a clear and lucid fashion and in a scholarly manner that is rigorously informed by an awareness of the varied analytical approaches adopted by art historians.
5 - Show originality of thinking, and a willingness to challenge, modify, or support accepted ideas in a manner that fosters communal learning and invigorates discussion.
6 - Have a critical understanding of how ethical issues arise around the making and consumption of public art and architecture
7 - Understand and assess the dynamics of the production, marketing and reception of art in different historical periods and across different cultural contexts.
8 - Demonstrate some familiarity with types of non-western art, and be able to identify emergent strands in contemporary art and modes of artistic discourse which challenge accepted traditions and canons.
9 - Describe and analyse works of prominent artists and architects and determine their relationships and influence upon international practice.
10 - Understand and reflect on the relationship between cultural and political institutions and works of art and architecture.

Opportunities to study abroad may include:

  • Universität Wien, Austria
  • Université Panthéon-Sorbonne, France
  • Università degli Studi di Roma III, Italy
  • Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain
  • Université de Lausanne, Switzerland
  • University of Lund, Sweden
  • University of Nottingham, UK
  • University of California, USA
  • University of Otago, New Zealand
  • Waseda University, Japan
  • Graduates in Art History have found the subject has diverse applications and can lead to employment opportunities in:

  • Museums and galleries
  • Cultural & heritage sector
  • Education & academia
  • Media, journalism & publishing
  • Auction houses
  • Archives

    UCD offers two taught master's degrees for suitably qualified graduates: the Master's in Art History and the Master's in Cultural Policy & Arts Administration, as well as the opportunity to pursue doctoral research, all of which provides further possibilities for careers in the arts.
  • Stage 2

    Students are required to take the two core Stage 2 modules (one in the autumn trimester and one in the spring trimester). They must also select a minimum of three further Stage 2 option modules.

    Stage 3

    Students must register to the Stage 3 core 5-credit module, AH30010.


    Students must register to one 10-credit seminar module in the Autumn trimester.


    Students must register to one 10-credit seminar module in the Spring trimester.


    Students might consider using their electives to take further Stage 3 optional 5-credit modules.

    Stage 4

    Students must register to the Stage 3 core 5-credit module, AH30010.

    Students must register to one 10-credit seminar module in the Autumn trimester.

    Students must register to one 10-credit seminar module in the Spring trimester.

    Students might consider using their electives to take further Stage 3 optional 5-credit modules, AH30080 and AH30670 .

    Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

    Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

    Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
    Stage 2 Core Modules
    AH20200 The Modern to the Contemporary Autumn  5
    Stage 2 Core Modules
    AH20230 European Architecture Spring  5
    Stage 2 Options - A) Min 3 of:
    Students must select a minimum of three Stage 2 option modules.
    Students may take additional option modules in place of electives.
    AH20250 Early Islamic Art and Architecture Autumn  5
    Stage 2 Options - A) Min 3 of:
    Students must select a minimum of three Stage 2 option modules.
    Students may take additional option modules in place of electives.
    AH20280 Queer Art Histories Autumn  5
    Stage 2 Options - A) Min 3 of:
    Students must select a minimum of three Stage 2 option modules.
    Students may take additional option modules in place of electives.
    AH20210 Perspectives on Irish Art: From Medieval to Modern Spring  5
    Stage 2 Options - A) Min 3 of:
    Students must select a minimum of three Stage 2 option modules.
    Students may take additional option modules in place of electives.
    AH20220 History of Photography Spring  5
    Stage 2 Options - A) Min 3 of:
    Students must select a minimum of three Stage 2 option modules.
    Students may take additional option modules in place of electives.
    AH20290 Art & Death Spring  5
    Stage 3 Core Modules
    AH30010 Writings on Art Autumn  5
    Stage 3 Options - A)1 of:
    Students must register to one 10-credit seminar module in the Autumn trimester.
    AH30590 Woman & Modern Architecture Autumn  10
    Stage 3 Options - A)1 of:
    Students must register to one 10-credit seminar module in the Autumn trimester.
    AH30630 Genre in the Age of Vermeer Autumn  10
    Stage 3 Options - B)1 of:
    Students must register to one 10-credit seminar module in the Spring trimester.
    AH30600 From Constantinople to Istanbul: Art, Faith, Politics Spring  10
    Stage 3 Options - B)1 of:
    Students must register to one 10-credit seminar module in the Spring trimester.
    AH30650 Art/Resistance/Activism Spring  10
    Stage 3 Options - C) Min 0 of:
    (Option to use electives) Students might consider using their electives to take further Stage 3 optional 5-credit modules, AH30080 and AH30670. Students interested in AH30080 (Dissertation module) should contact the Module Coordinator before registering to this module.
    AH30050 Caravaggio and Caravaggism Autumn  5
    Stage 3 Options - C) Min 0 of:
    (Option to use electives) Students might consider using their electives to take further Stage 3 optional 5-credit modules, AH30080 and AH30670. Students interested in AH30080 (Dissertation module) should contact the Module Coordinator before registering to this module.
    AH30080 Art History Dissertation Module Spring  5
    Stage 3 Options - C) Min 0 of:
    (Option to use electives) Students might consider using their electives to take further Stage 3 optional 5-credit modules, AH30080 and AH30670. Students interested in AH30080 (Dissertation module) should contact the Module Coordinator before registering to this module.
    AH30240 Berlin: Museum Studies Spring  5
    Stage 3 Options - C) Min 0 of:
    (Option to use electives) Students might consider using their electives to take further Stage 3 optional 5-credit modules, AH30080 and AH30670. Students interested in AH30080 (Dissertation module) should contact the Module Coordinator before registering to this module.
    AH30540 Georgian Dublin Spring  5
    Stage 4 Core Modules
    AH30010 Writings on Art Autumn  5
    Stage 4 Options - A)1 of:
    Students must register to one 10-credit seminar module in the Autumn trimester.
    AH30590 Woman & Modern Architecture Autumn  10
    Stage 4 Options - A)1 of:
    Students must register to one 10-credit seminar module in the Autumn trimester.
    AH30630 Genre in the Age of Vermeer Autumn  10
    Stage 4 Options - B)1 of:
    Students must register to one 10-credit seminar module in the Spring trimester.
    AH30600 From Constantinople to Istanbul: Art, Faith, Politics Spring  10
    Stage 4 Options - B)1 of:
    Students must register to one 10-credit seminar module in the Spring trimester.
    AH30650 Art/Resistance/Activism Spring  10
    Stage 4 Options - C) Min 0 of:
    (Option to use electives) Students might consider using their electives to take further Stage 3 optional 5-credit modules, AH30080 and AH30670. Students interested in AH30080 (Dissertation module) should contact the Module Coordinator before registering to this module.
    AH30050 Caravaggio and Caravaggism Autumn  5
    Stage 4 Options - C) Min 0 of:
    (Option to use electives) Students might consider using their electives to take further Stage 3 optional 5-credit modules, AH30080 and AH30670. Students interested in AH30080 (Dissertation module) should contact the Module Coordinator before registering to this module.
    AH30080 Art History Dissertation Module Spring  5
    Stage 4 Options - C) Min 0 of:
    (Option to use electives) Students might consider using their electives to take further Stage 3 optional 5-credit modules, AH30080 and AH30670. Students interested in AH30080 (Dissertation module) should contact the Module Coordinator before registering to this module.
    AH30240 Berlin: Museum Studies Spring  5
    Stage 4 Options - C) Min 0 of:
    (Option to use electives) Students might consider using their electives to take further Stage 3 optional 5-credit modules, AH30080 and AH30670. Students interested in AH30080 (Dissertation module) should contact the Module Coordinator before registering to this module.
    AH30540 Georgian Dublin Spring  5

    See the UCD Assessment website for further details

    Module Weighting Info
     
      Award GPA
    Programme Module Weightings Rule Description Description >= <=
    BHACS014 Stage 3 - 50.00%
    Stage 2 - 50.00%
    Standard Honours Award First Class Honours

    3.68

    4.20

    Second Class Honours, Grade 1

    3.08

    3.67

    Second Class Honours, Grade 2

    2.48

    3.07

    Pass

    2.00

    2.47

    BHACS001 Stage 3 - 50.00%
    Stage 2 - 50.00%
    Standard Honours Award First Class Honours

    3.68

    4.20

    Second Class Honours, Grade 1

    3.08

    3.67

    Second Class Honours, Grade 2

    2.48

    3.07

    Pass

    2.00

    2.47

    BHACS023 Stage 3 - 70.00%
    Stage 2 - 30.00%
    Standard Honours Award First Class Honours

    3.68

    4.20

    Second Class Honours, Grade 1

    3.08

    3.67

    Second Class Honours, Grade 2

    2.48

    3.07

    Pass

    2.00

    2.47

    BHACS027 Stage 4 - 50.00%
    Stage 3 - 30.00%
    Stage 2 - 20.00%
    Standard Honours Award First Class Honours

    3.68

    4.20

    Second Class Honours, Grade 1

    3.08

    3.67

    Second Class Honours, Grade 2

    2.48

    3.07

    Pass

    2.00

    2.47