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2019/20 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

DESN1575 Patterns and Culture

10 creditsClass Size: 107

Module manager: Professor Michael Hann
Email: M.A.Hann@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2020/21

Module replaces

DESN1545

This module is approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module presents a survey of the visual arts principally, but not exclusively, in non-European, pre-colonial cultures. The emphasis is on identifying and discussing factors which have influenced cultural change. Particular attention is focused on the origin, evolution and diffusion of symbols, motifs, patterns, tilings and other visual compositions and, where appropriate, on explaining their social, historical and cultural significance.

Objectives

This module will enable students
- To identify, differentiate and classify motifs, symbols, signs and other forms of patterning or visual communication and to develop an understanding of the role played by each, culturally and historically;
- To develop an awareness of the principal stylistic characteristics and structural features of the visual arts from a wide range of cultural contexts and historical periods;
- To develop a familiarity with the theoretical issues associated with the process of cultural diffusion and accompanying stylistic change in the visual arts.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students should be able to:
- identify, differentiate and classify motifs, symbols, signs and other forms of patterning or visual communication and be able to evaluate the role played by each, culturally and historically;
- demonstrate an awareness of the principal stylistic characteristics and structural features of the visual arts from a wide range of cultural contexts and historical periods, and
- show a familiarity with the theoretical issues associated with the process of cultural diffusion and accompanying stylistic change in the visual arts.

Skills outcomes
Critical thinking
Independent working
Time Management
Planning and Organisation
Research Skills


Syllabus

Lecture 1: Origins of Culture and the Process of Stylistic Diffusion, Adoption and Adaptation
Lecture 2: Cradles of Civilisation and Initiators of Trade
Lecture 3: Cultural Interaction and Exchange:
Lecture 4: Stupas, Mandalas and Nirvana – The Origin and Diffusion of Buddhism
Lecture 5: Mosques, Minarets and Minbars – The Origin and Diffusion of Islam
Lecture 6: Spain (al-Andalus)
Lecture 7: The Empires of the Heartlands: Safavids, Ottomans and Mughals
Lecture 8: S. Indonesian Visual Arts
Lecture 9: Chinese Visual Arts (with specific reference to the Qing Dynasty, 1644 -1911/12)
Lecture 10: Cultural Diffusion, Adoption and Adaptation
Lecture 11: A series of case studies (of monuments, historical objects or collections held in museums worldwide)

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Lecture111.0011.00
Private study hours89.00
Total Contact hours11.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)100.00

Private study

The module is comprised of two learning components: a weekly lecture (eleven in total) and assigned reading to accompany each lecture. Private study will include substantial further reading to develop an awareness of the concepts, principles and other issues dealt with in lectures. Each lecture is regarded as a sign post for further reading and enquiry.
The commitment in terms of time is substantial. Assessment is by conventional written examination which will be held during the university’s examination period. Students are required also to complete a journal entry for each weekly lecture (to be submitted within two weeks of the relevant lecture), and to upload this entry onto the VLE. Each journal entry should be up to 1000 words, with section headings, including an introduction explaining the nature of the topic dealt with and also a list of references, showing precise sources of information consulted.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

- All aspects of the module, its content, mode of delivery and assessment, as well as the regular journal entries, may be discussed with the tutor during the specified feed back sessions. These feed-back sessions are used also to advise students prior to the formal end-of-semester examination.
- Student attendance at lectures will be monitored.
- Submission of the weekly journal entries are monitored on a regular basis. In each case, this gives a firm indication of the level of engagement with the module. Students who have fallen behind will be required to account for their lack of engagement. Such students will be monitored closely, and their journal entries will be examined on a regular (fortnightly) basis until the module's completion.
- Journal entries will form the basis for discussion in feed-back sessions, and will also create a collection of written material of value during the examination revision period.;

Methods of assessment


Exams
Exam typeExam duration% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)1 hr 30 mins100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 10/08/2020 08:35:02

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