Focussing on painting the Diploma seeks to foster original thought, interpretative and analytical skills, critical enquiry, and visual acuity. Students are encouraged 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 and context of works of art of different ages using a range of approaches including historical, stylistic, and formalist analysis. The programme uses a range of teaching and learning methods such as lectures, small group teaching, web-based learning 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, and slide tests.
- School
- School of Art History and Cultural Policy
- Attendance
- Part-Time
- Level
- UG Certificates & Diplomas
- NFQ Level
- 7
- Award
- University Diploma
- Mode of Delivery
- On Campus
- Programme Director
- Ms Carla Briggs
- Overall Programme Credits:
- 60
- Programme Credits:
- Stage 1
Core/Option: 60 Electives: 0 - Major/Minor Core & Option Credits:
- Stage 1: 60
Curricular information is subject to change.
The Diploma in the History of European Painting is a foundational undergraduate Art History programme. Over the course of two years this part-time diploma is devoted to examining the history of European painting from late Antiquity to the early twentieth century. Aimed at students of diverse ages and interests, with a strong awareness and curiosity towards art, the Diploma serves as a return to education pathway or as a means to continuing education. The Diploma is one of UCD’s University Access Courses for admission to 1st Arts (DN520) and 1st Humanities (DN530).
The Diploma runs on a two-year cycle and involves continuous assessments in pursuit of the qualification. The contact hours for this evening course are 4 hours per week, comprising 2 lectures and a tutorial. Students will be required to do independent study and undertake continuous assessments in pursuit of the qualification. This course traces its origins to 1934 and an historic endowment made by the artist Sarah Purser (1848-1943) and her cousin Sir John Griffith (1848-1938) to encourage the study of history of art in Ireland. In recognition of this endowment the Purser-Griffith Medals are awarded to the diploma student who takes first place with distinction, and to the diploma student who takes second place.
The Tuesday lectures provide a chronological introduction to the major artistic developments and styles and artists in European painting from late Antiquity to the turn of the 20th century, and these lectures are partnered with thematic Wednesday lectures considering a range of topics including: the making of art; artistic status, training and practice; patronage and collecting; women and the art world. Schedule permitting, we endeavour to have at least two gallery visits each year. Subject to student numbers and interest we try to organise an optional study trip to Florence in year 1 of the programme. Diploma students have full access to UCD's library facilities and the School's dedicated reading room, the Françoise Henry Reading Room.
2 - Recognise and fully comprehend key works of art, movements, schools and artists and place them within their wider aesthetic, art historical, social and cultural contexts
3 - Understand and assess the dynamics of the production, marketing and reception of art in different historical periods and across different cultural frameworks
4 - Communicate responses to works of art in a clear and scholarly fashion that is informed by 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 an awareness of the socio-economic aspects of the patronage, consumption and manufacture of art works, objects and buildings
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Carla Briggs, Director of the Diploma & Purser-Griffith Lectures in the History of European Painting
Email: carla.briggs@ucd.ie. Tel: 01 716 8403
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.
| Trimester | Credits | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 6 of: Year One cores |
AH1013E | Art in the Making: I | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 6 of: Year One cores |
AH1020E | Studies I | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 6 of: Year One cores |
AH1024E | Western Art from late Roman Antiquity to the late Middle Ages | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 6 of: Year One cores |
AH1014E | Art in the Making: II | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 6 of: Year One cores |
AH1015E | From the van Eyck to the Bellini: the age of the Renaissance | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 6 of: Year One cores |
AH1021E | Studies II | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 6 of: Year Two Core |
AH1016E | Reformation & Counter-reformation: from the High Renaissance to the Baroque | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 6 of: Year Two Core |
AH1018E | Themes in Art I | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 6 of: Year Two Core |
AH1022E | Studies III | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 6 of: Year Two Core |
AH1017E | The Age of the Baroque to early Modernism | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 6 of: Year Two Core |
AH1019E | Themes in Art II | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 6 of: Year Two Core |
AH1023E | Studies IV | Spring | 5 |
Module Weighting Info
| Award | GPA | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Programme | Module Weightings | Rule Description | Description | ||
| DPACS003 | Stage 1 - 100.00% |
Pass/Merit/Distinction | Pass | 2.00 |
2.47 |
| Merit | 2.48 |
3.67 |
|||
| Distinction | 3.68 |
4.20 |
|||
No previous experience in the study of art history is required.