Medieval Art: Celtic to Gothic

Subject AHIS20019 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 2 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2011.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 2.5-hours
Total Time Commitment: 120
Prerequisites:

None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements: For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Contact

Christopher Marshal crmars@unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview: This subject forms an introduction to the art of medieval Europe from the Celtic period to the 14th century, focusing on France, Britain, and Germany. Students should develop a knowledge of areas such as the Book of Kells, the art of the 11th and 12th centuries in the context of Benedictine, Cluniac and Cistercian expressions of monasticism. Romanesque art in Burgundy and Languedoc; the rise of Gothic and Abbot Suger of St Denis; the architecture, sculpture and stained glass of the Gothic cathedrals of France, England, and Germany; 12th, 13th and 14th century manuscript illumination, ivories, enamel and goldsmith work; Christological and Marian imagery, and that of the saints and their lives; chivalric culture and influence of the patronage of lay men and women at the courts of France and England in the 13th and 14th centuries.
Objectives: Students who complete this subject will:

  • have acquired a good working knowledge of the stylistic and iconographic developments in the art of the period;
  • have developed an understanding of the range of approaches to art historical writing on this period; and
  • have an ability to analyse a work of art of this period in relation to medium, function, and social or religious context.
Assessment: Written work comprising of a 1000 word class paper 25% (due during semester), a 2000 word essay 50% (due during semester), and a 1000 word visual test 25% (in the examination period). This subject has a minimum hurdle requirement of 75%, regular participation in tutorials are required. Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.
Prescribed Texts: A subject reader will be available
Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills: Students who successfully complete this subject will:

  • be able to research through the competent use of the library and other information sources, and be able to define areas of inquiry and methods of research in the preparation of essays;
  • be able to conceptualise theoretical problems, form judgements and arguments and communicate critically, creatively and theoretically through essay writing, tutorial discussion and presentations;
  • be able to communicate knowledge intelligibly and economically through essay writing and tutorial discussion;
  • be able to manage and organise workloads for recommended reading, the completion of essays and assignments and examination revision; and
  • be able to participate in team work through involvement in syndicate groups and group discussions.
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Art History
Art History
Art History
Art History Major

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