History and theory of the crafts
2 points * One 1-hour lecture and one 1-hour tutorial per week * First semester * Peninsula
Objectives On successful completion of this subject the student should be able to engage visual and verbal skills needed to take part in contemporary discourse in all forms of art and design; and develop methods of connecting visual facts in art and design to broader cultural issues and artistic developments.
Synopsis The subject introduces the history and theory of various kinds of design objects (such as architecture, furniture, vessels) as well as sculpture and painting from their beginnings in the Western tradition to the industrial revolution, drawing parallels with Eastern tradition and `other' cultures, such as Australian Aboriginal culture. Religion, ideology, economics and technology are shown to be factors influencing not just historical events but their interpretation by historians. The subject considers parallel developments in design and fine art, relating the one to the other as mutually necessary in all periods covered.
Assessment One assignment (1500 words): 30% * One assignment (2500 words): 50% * One test: 20%
Recommended texts
Gombrich E H The story of art Phaidon, 1972 or later edn
Nelson R Inspections Monash U, Peninsula School of Art, 1995
Nelson R Expressions of purpose Monash U, Dept Industrial Design, 1992
Summerson S The classical language of architecture Thames and Hudson, 1980
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