BMALX110B – History and Theory in Visual Art and Design

Module code

BMALX110B

Module title

History and Theory in Visual Art and Design

Prescription

This module explores key issues in the history and theory of visual art and design. Students will develop an understanding of key theoretical concepts through responses to the selected literature and discourse on visual art and design. Students will critically evaluate the significance of these concepts for contemporary practice, particularly in the New Zealand context. The module is directed by social, technological and theoretical developments in the west, taking in humanist philosophy, theories of perception and expression, the utopian ideals of early twentieth-century modernism, Bauhaus functionalism, the relocation of the avant-garde to the USA during World War II and challenges to modernist theories from the 1960s to the present. It also considers non-western philosophies and practices, as well as the relationship between modernist and indigenous art and design in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Programmes

BM9601

NZQA Level

Level 5

NZQA Credits

Delivery method

Not Web enabled

Learning hours

Total learning hours: 150

Resources required

Learning Outcomes: 2 LEARNING OUTCOMES AND PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 2.1 Develop a process for systematically addressing discourse in visual art and design - discuss, identify and interpret issues presented in lectures - discuss, identify and interpret issues extracted from relevant texts - complete directed research and reflect upon working processes - develop a systematic and self-critical working process for developing and refining ideas 2.2 Interpret and describe key events and discourses in the history of visual art and design - analyse the historical discourses in art and design - analyse implications of art and design discourse for our interpretations of historical practices - describe and analyse relevant examples of art and design - analyse the distinctive nature of art and design within broader visual culture 2.3 Develop an understanding of the role of theoretical discourse in contemporary art and design practice - analyse contemporary developments in visual art and design - examine relationships between selected practice and theory - examine the evolution of particular ideologies of art and design practice analyse course material and relate it to current individual practice 2.4 Understand relationships between art and design discourses and broader social analysis - isolate and discuss connections between art and design methodologies and a broader cultural context - examine the impact of economic, governmental and social discourses on art and design " examine the cultural specificity of art and design analysis 2.5 Understand assessment methodology within the context of an educational institution - develop a vocabulary for describing work - interpret and apply assessment criteria described in schedules to own work - participate in group and class discussions - consider and reflect upon self and peer course work - participate in formative assessment
Content: 3 CONTENT 3.1 Issues and themes Responses to nature, urbanisation, mass-production and environmental issues Expression and "content" Changing perceptions and constructions of "reality" Relationships between art/design and society/politics Ideologies of progress and innovation Functionalism and "truth to materials" Cross-cultural influence and appropriation Intention and reception Feminism Value and "quality" 3.2 History of art and design Arts and Crafts Movement Boston School of Chromolithography Realism and Impressionism Expressionism Art Nouveau The Glasgow School American architecture c1890-1960 Japanese prints, architecture, interior design - Edo and Meiji periods Cubism and Futurism Dada and Surrealism Russian Constructivism Chinese New Literature and Design Movement, 1920s-30s De Stijl Bauhaus Art Deco International Typographic Style / Swiss Style New York School, post-World War II Maori rock drawing, carving, weaving, painting and architecture NZ and Mori modernism Op, Pop and the beginnings of post-modernism Contemporary art and design 3.3 Contexts Industrial Revolution Fascism Communism International Style (modernism) Colonialism Consumerism Post-modernism Contemporary "Fine" art Architecture Design Popular culture Globalisation Biculturalism and multiculturalism
Assessment Criteria: Through submission of research essay, presentation and written exercises. ASSESSMENT ONE Research essay and presentation 60 Percent ASSESSMENT TWO Homework written exercises 40 Percent To pass this course, students must complete all assignments and accumulate an overall course mark of no less than 50 percent.