Art of the Ancient World (Option Module CX903-30)
Module available in 2022-23
Convenor: Prof Zahra Newby
Reading list
To prepare for the module, please see the attached bibliography
Outline and Aims
The module will introduce students to the many different forms taken by art in the ancient world and the ways that this material can be approached and used in the study of wider historical issues. It will help to fulfil the MA’s aim to develop a wide-ranging and detailed knowledge of the visual culture of the ancient world as well as to develop students’ critical and conceptual understanding of the methodological issues relating to its study.
It will help to develop students’ intellectual skills in the following areas:
- Skills of visual analysis including ability to recognise and interpret different iconographies and to analyse different artistic styles
- Awareness of the constraints and possibilities of different artistic methods and media
- Appreciation of methodological issues in dealing with visual evidence
- Understanding of the ways that visual and material evidence has been studied since Antiquity
- Ability to present structured chain of argument drawing together evidence into cohesive whole
- Ability to select & apply appropriate problem-solving methodologies
- Ability to conduct independent research & analysis
It will also help to develop the following key transferable skills:
- Written and oral communication skills
- Organisational skills
- Ability to evaluate intellectual progress
- IT skills - word processing/ use of internet
Syllabus
In 2022-23 the module will run every other week across Terms 1 and 2, in even numbered weeks, starting in week 3.
In Term 1 we will meet on Mondays 12-2 in FAB2.48
In Term 2 we will meet on Tuesdays 10-12 in FAB 1.14
Syllabus
Term 1
Week 3 A brief History of Ancient Art
Week 5 Approaching the Divine
Week 7 Art and Power: Remembering and Forgetting
Week 9 Funerary Art, mourning and self-representation
Term 2
Week 1 Art and Identities
Week 3 Art and Narrative
Week 5 Art and Text
Week 7 Writing about Art
Week 9 Essay presentations
Assessment
5,000 word essay
Deadline for essay title to be approved by module convenor, Prof Zahra Newby: Friday 3rd March 2023
Deadline for essay to be submitted: Friday 24th March 2023.
You can expect to receive feedback within 20 working days electronically via Tabula. You are also encouraged to attend a feedback tutorial with one of the module tutors.