AH1024E Western Art from late Roman Antiquity to the late Middle Ages

Academic Year 2021/2022

*** Not available in the academic year indicated above ***

This module examines the history and development of Western art from late Antiquity to the late Middle Ages and the early stirrings of the Renaissance. Opening with the age of Augustus the lectures explore the art of Late Antiquity, the Early Christian period & the Byzantine Empire through to the sculpture, stained glass, illuminated manuscripts & great fresco schemes of the mid-to-late Middles Ages, concluding with likes of Giotto, Duccio & the Limbourg brothers. The chronological examination of key artistic developments & styles is discussed in relation to cultural change, patronage and other associated art historical & cultural themes.

Show/hide contentOpenClose All

Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this MODULE students should be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the general timeline, and recognise and examine the main stylistic developments in the history of Western art, with a focus on painting, from late Antiquity to circa 1350-1400.
- Identify and discuss the characteristics of the principal styles & works across this art historical period.
- Possess an understanding of the broader social, historical & cultural background to the artworks and principal artistic developments.

Indicative Module Content:


Aspects of Antiquity
Early Christian & Byzantine Art
Romanesque Art in Europe: an introduction
Gothic Art in Europe: an introduction
The Duecento: 13th-century Italy
Giotto
Duccio
Simone Martini & the Lorenzetti brothers
Italian Painting c.1350---1400
14th-century France
The International Gothic
The Renaissance: an introduction

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

18
Field Trip/External Visits

2
Specified Learning Activities

40
Autonomous Student Learning

40
Total

100
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The module is taught via lectures and an additional class in the form of a field trip to the National Gallery of Ireland which will give students the opportunity to look at artworks in the original and to discuss ideas that have been raised in the lectures.
Support material will be available on Brightspace but students are encouraged to visit the library in person, make use of recommended texts, read books, visit galleries and museums and contribute in class. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Assignment: Gallery painting assignment: part II Coursework (End of Trimester) n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

80
Assignment: Gallery painting assignment: part I Week 9 n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

20

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring 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?

Students will receive written feedback post-assessment.

General reading (a more detailed reading list will be circulated in class)

Gombrich, E., 'The Story of Art', Phaidon
Honour H. & J. Fleming, 'A World History of Art', Laurence King Publishers
Janson, H.W., 'History of Art: The Western Tradition', Pearson
Levey, M., 'From Giotto to Cezanne', Thames & Hudson


Excellent reference resource to use throughout the course:
Turner, J. [ed.], 'The Grove Dictionary of Art', Oxford University Press [34 vols., Reference section of the
library]. Also available online, via the Library databases, as 'Oxford Art Online'.