2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

ARTF3166 The Ripped and the Raw: Aspects of European Art 1945-1960

20 creditsClass Size: 18

Module manager: Dr Rebecca Starr
Email: R.Starr@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

Pre-requisite qualifications

PRE-REQUISITES: At least 20 credits from any ARTF-coded module or appropriate equivalent in a relevant discipline. In the latter case, students are advised to get in touch with the module leader to discuss eligibility prior to enrolment.

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

PRE-REQUISITES: At least 20 credits from any ARTF-coded module or appropriate equivalent in a relevant discipline. In the latter case, students are advised to get in touch with the module leader to discuss eligibility prior to enrolment.On completion of this module students will have an understanding of specific works of art produced in Europe between 1945 and 1960 and be able to identify and analyse such works through an engagement with philosophical and historical texts, artists manifestos etc. Students will be introduced to various artists/art works ranging from Dubuffet, Wols, Fautrier and Michaux (Art Informel/Art Brut) Manzoni, Fontana; through to the CoBrA group (Copenhagen, Brussels and Amsterdam). A range of texts will show how the work of these artists demands different forms of attention from their American equivalents. As well as understanding the philosophical and artistic concepts utilised during the period, looking at texts by Sartre, Bataille, Cioran, Michaux and Debord amongst others, students will come to understand the ways in which these artists worked with such notions as 'materialism', 'revolutionary consciousness', 'entropy', the 'derive' etc. Thus, as a set of heterogeneous practices and theories working in the margins of the homogeneous 'norm' of formalist discourses in the USA at this time, this module will 'map out' the intellectual framework for understanding the disparate practices and theories of European art.Assessment: 1 x 1 hour exam (50%) and 1 x 2-3,000 word essay (50%).

Objectives

On completion of this module students should be able to engage in critical discussion on a number of key issues concerning the question of medium-specificity and its critique, and interdisciplinary practices in contemporary art.

Through their readings, presentations and essay writing, they should:
- develop their knowledge of various post World War 2 European artists
- be able to assess and discuss the legacies of key figures and discourses of the 1940s and 50s
- become familiar with a body of theoretical and art-critical texts
- be able to undertake analysis of specific works.

Skills outcomes
- Verbal and written fluency in constructing a logical and coherent argument
- Use of audio visual aids
- Participation in group discussions
- Co-ordination and dissemination of a range of historical, contextual visual information
- Using bibliographies and databases.

Syllabus

On completion of this module students will have an understanding of specific works of art produced in post world war II Europe between 1945 and 1960. They will also be able to identify and analyse such works through an engagement with variety of philosophical and historical texts, artists manifestos etc. Although this module will only deal with a selection of artists it will give students primary resources for the extended study of other European and American artists working during this period.

Students will be introduced to various artists/art works, ranging from artists such as Dubuffet, Wols, Fautrier and Michaux (Art Informel/Art Brut) Manzoni, Fontana; through to the CoBrA group (Copenhagen, Brussels and Amsterdam).

The range of texts offered will demonstrate how the work of these artists demand different forms of attention from their American equivalents. As well as understanding the philosophical and artistic concepts utilised during the period, looking at texts by Sartre, Bataille, Cioran, Michaux and Debord amongst others, students will come to understand the ways in which these artists worked with such notions as 'materialism', 'revolutionary consciousness', 'entropy', the 'derive' etc.

Thus, as a set of heterogeneous practices and theories working in the margins of the homogeneous 'norm' of formalist discourses in the USA at this time, this module will 'map out' the intellectual framework for understanding the disparate practices and theories of European art.

There will be two key texts as listed on the reading list. Art In Theory contains many of the core texts for the students and Formless: A Users Guide will raise many of the issues and concepts for consideration and will provide a starting point from which to explore the broader socio-cultural and philosophical contexts within which these artists and their work can be understood.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Seminar	10	2.00	20.00
Private study hours			180.00
Total Contact hours			20.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Private study

- 135 hours class preparation and reading, visual research and preparation of presentations
- 45 hours research for and preparation of essays.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

- participation in class discussion
- group and/or individual presentations.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	1 x 3,000 word essay	50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		50.00

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

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)	1 hr 00 mins	50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		50.00

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: 29/04/2024 16:10:27

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