History Of Art: Modern Art

This course is for anyone with an interest in understanding more about the visual arts and how they have evolved and developed over time.
The course is also suitable for students who are on higher level or progression course like Pre-Foundation, Foundation and Advanced Creative Practice (or even at University) who want a better understanding of how certain styles or art practices came about and how they have influenced artists through time.

This course aims to provide an overview of the key stylistic developments and innovations in the visual arts from the middle of the 19th century to the present day. The course will look at significant art works within the contexts of culture, religion, technology, social and political developments.

Term 1: the Pre-Raphaelites, Victorian painting, Impressionism, Orientalism, Japonism, Pointillism, Symbolism. Post Impressionism and Art Nouveau; (Autumn Term)

Term 2: Fauvism, Expressionism, Futurism, Vorticism, Cubism, Dada, Surrealism, Suprematism and Constructivism, De Stijl, Bauhaus and Social Realism;

Term 3: Abstract Expressionism, Neo-Dada and Pop Art, Post-Modernism, Minimalism and alternative cultural perspectives.

By the end of the course you should be able to:
- Identify the key features of the main periods of the Modern art.
- Identify and name different forms of art throughout these periods.
- Describe the main materials used to create pieces of art.
- Examine the relationship between art, architecture, artefacts, the Industrial Revolution and social-political changes.

Teaching methods: Visual demonstration and verbal explanation. Written handouts with visual diagrams. Group discussions

Learning methods: Hands-on group activities, Reading handouts and following instructions.
One-to-one and group discussion.

How students are assessed: Questions and answers during group discussions and reading groups.
Record of students' progress and achievement on an assessment sheet as they achieve the course objectives.

Please bring a notebook and pen to make notes. The tutor will also recommend further reading and works of art to look at to deepen your knowledge and understanding.

Further Study with Mary Ward Centre, the Art Trail, other art appreciation classes.
There is detailed information in Reception about all our courses at the Mary Ward Centre. Information about other learning opportunities can be obtained from Learn Direct: www.learndirect.co.uk www.citylit.ac.uk; www.wmcollege.ac.uk; www.morleycollege.ac.uk