Undergraduate Course: Primitivism in Modern Art (HIAR10002)
Course Outline
| School | Edinburgh College of Art |
College | College of Humanities and Social Science |
| Course type | Standard |
Availability | Available to all students |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 10 (Year 3 Undergraduate) |
Credits | 20 |
| Home subject area | History of Art |
Other subject area | None |
| Course website |
None |
Taught in Gaelic? | No |
| Course description | The subject of this course is the many-faceted cult of the 'primitive' in modern Western art. Arguably, this has been the single most important current uniting avant-garde artists - however diverse their imagery, style, media and technique - and the course will define and survey some of the principal manifestations of the phenomenon from the Symbolist period to the present day, via a study of representative artists and works of art. The accent will thus be on the varied forms Primitivism has taken rather than on the widespread interest in 'tribal' art, although that will be a major theme. Among the other topics studied are: the cult of the child and the 'outsider'; the discovery of prehistoric and archaic art and the rejection of classicism; new approaches to nature and the body; theories of abstraction and the 'sign'; the impact of psychoanalysis; changing attitudes to techniques and media. Definitions of the 'primitive' remain volatile and very controversial and differing attitudes and motivation will be considered through a study of primary texts (including manifestos and art journals as well as influential books and essays). The socio-political as well as the intellectual context of Primitivism will be addressed (for example, the relationship between colonialism and attitudes to 'tribal' art). Students will have the option to present a detailed proposal for an exhibition in lieu of their course essay. At least one seminar will be held in the Dean Gallery. |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | Visiting students should have at least 3 History of Art courses at grade B or above (or be predicted to obtain this). We will only consider University/College level courses. |
| Displayed in Visiting Students Prospectus? | Yes |
Course Delivery Information
| Not being delivered |
Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes
| The first aim of the course is to introduce students to the body of this material and it has been designed to ensure they acquire understanding as well as knowledge of a reasonable range. To this end, lectures, seminars and essay topics complement rather than repeat each, and students will be required to come to terms not just with the secondary literature but also with representative primary sources. Every week, they will be expected to read from a list of specified texts, and periodically they will present brief, illustrated seminar papers on specified topics. Since essays will address different aspects of Primitivism from those studied in seminars, the students will be obliged to be quite adventurous. If they wish, they will be able to replace the course essay with a detailed exhibition proposal: this option is especially suited to those hoping eventually to make a career in arts administration, and will complement their Project work. It is intended to broaden their range of experience as well as vary the normal academic routine, and they will be encouraged to collaborate rather than work alone. If a sufficient number of students take up this option, an exhibition of their proposals will be put on at the end of the course. The other aim is to develop the students' skills in the presentation of seminar papers and essay writing. There will be regular brief classes for those about to present papers and the presented papers will be accessible in the class library. There will also be an essay-writing 'workshop', and essays will be returned individually to students so that problems of content, argument etc. can be discussed. |
Assessment Information
1 two-hour examination paper (50%) and 1 extended essay (50%)
Visiting Student Variant Assessment
2 x 2000 word essays |
Special Arrangements
| None |
Additional Information
| Academic description |
Not entered |
| Syllabus |
Not entered |
| Transferable skills |
Not entered |
| Reading list |
Not entered |
| Study Abroad |
Not entered |
| Study Pattern |
Not entered |
| Keywords | Not entered |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Ms Elizabeth Cowling
Tel: (0131 6)50 4112
Email: E.G.Cowling@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Mrs Sue Cavanagh
Tel: (0131 6)51 1460
Email: Sue.Cavanagh@ed.ac.uk |
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