Art Criticism: Theory and Practice (P02267)

? Credit Points : 40 ? SCQF Level : 11 ? Acronym : ACE-P-P02267

This course provides a thorough introduction to the theory and practice of art criticism, through a series of workshops and a period of independent research. The course has two parts, corresponding to two semesters' work. In the first part, students discuss the history and theory of art criticism in a short series of workshops, followed by a period of independent work during which they will review 4-6 art exhibitions, art events, or buildings (in any combination). The subjects of the reviews will be normally located anywhere within the central belt of Scotland. Using established links between the university and local art institutions, students will normally be able to attend press views, and receive press releases and other information available to practising critics. In the second part of the course, a short series of workshops allows students to reflect on the experience of writing art criticism, and locate their practice in both historical and contemporary contexts. The workshops form the preparation for a 4,000 word academic essay on these questions. The combined course provides extensive practical experience in writing criticism, and important critical feedback on the experience.

Formal teaching will amount to 11 hours over the 22 weeks of the course. Students will be expected to work independently for approximately 1 day per week over 22 weeks outside of this. The course organiser will be available for informal consulation throughout the 22 weeks of the course.

? Keywords : art, art criticism, theory, writing, practice

Entry Requirements

? Costs : Travel costs to exhibitions and events within central belt of Scotland

Subject Areas

Home subject area

History of Art, (School of Arts, Culture and Environment, Schedule A)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : Postgraduate

? Delivery Period : Full Year (Blocks 1-4)

? Contact Teaching Time : 30 minutes per week for 22 weeks

? Other Required Attendance : 3 hour(s) per week for 22 weeks

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

The course has three main outcomes. Firstly it provides a practical training in writing art criticism up to a level at which students are capable of publishing work. It provides the basic tools to begin a career in art criticism. Secondly, it provides students with the critical tools to reflect on their work as art critics, and to locate it in both a historical context, and in the context of their own academic work. Thirdly, it provides students with an intensely detailed knowledge of the visual arts landscape in and around the University.