Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

The unit will trace the development of the visual culture of Italy from Roman times to the Eighteenth century. Particular emphasis will be placed on four especially significant periods: Roman, Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque. The unit will concentrate on Italian artistic development and on the enduring and dominant role of Italian art and culture in the West. The emphasis will be on individuals and cities that have made a profound impact on and helped to shape the cultural identity of Italy. A major thematic focus will be the exploration of the communication of ideas, values and beliefs via the tangible visual evidence of art, architecture and urban fabric.

Objectives

On successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. identify and explain pivotal examples of Italian art and architecture from the Roman, Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque periods;
2. identify and describe major locations associated with particular art, architectural and cultural developments;
3. critically comment on historic works in several major collections of art;
4. participate in critical evaluation of the styles, concepts, cultural contents and values of selected examples of art and architecture;
5. refer to documentation in a research journal which catalogues their critical and analytical responses to what they have seen;
6. recognise and understand how art, architecture, space and cities work as documents of events;
7. perceive and experience the deeper level of art and architecture rather than to study it second hand and thereby enrich their own capabilities in art or design.

Assessment

Two essays 1250 words each (50%)
Research journal 2000 words (50%)

Chief examiner(s)

Bernard Hoffert

Contact hours

104 hours of lectures, tutorials and site visits on location in Italy and 52 hours of independent study

Prerequisites

12 credit points at first year level in Theory of Art and Design, Visual Culture or Cultural Studies