TAD3203 - History and criticism of interiors and furniture 3A - 2017

The designs of a wide range of historical interiors are analysed with reference to the exterior and ground plan of buildings, the furniture which they contain and the various functions - practical and symbolic - which were (and possibly still are) undertaken within them. The subject is not uniquely concerned with the systematic description of historical change in interiors and furniture but with subjective evocation and imaginary narratives of their use, as lecturer and student attempt to conjecture, with the benefit of historical resources, what kind of a life was lived within them.

On successful completion of this subject, students will have a sound knowledge of key epochs of interior design and furniture; appreciate and express lucidly and imaginatively the historical correspondences between the styles of furniture and architecture generally; appreciate historical correspondences between the styles of interiors and other art forms - such as sculpture and painting - with insight and discernment; possess critical opinions and inspirational insights concerning the aesthetic, symbolic and functional merits of historical exemplars; be able to identify or conjecture the social values that interiors and furniture have represented, and discuss the systems of authority to which they belonged;

have a readiness to combine imaginative responses concerning the character of spaces and pieces of furniture with historical knowledge and learned opinion about them; and appreciate, and have opinions about, heritage issues and relate such opinions in a systematic ethical argument.

Two essays or class presentations supplemented, where appropriate, with written notes, 40% (2,000 words) and 60% (3,000 words) each. Third year level essay topics will be separate from the second year level list and will require a more advanced engagement with the discipline.

Dr Julie Cotter

Any second year TAD or equivalent second year humanities unit