History of European Architecture

Module Organisers: Dr Peter Cherry, Dr Christine Casey, Dr Rachel Moss, Dr Angela Griffith
Duration of the Module: Michaelmas Term
Contact Hours: 3 lectures and 1 seminar per week
Weighting: 10 ECTS

This module offers a survey of Western art and architecture up to c.1520. It provides an introduction to the critical analysis of artworks, including painting, sculpture and building types. The module considers such matters as the iconography of major religious and mythological subjects, issues of style, the functions of works of art and architecture, as well as the range of technical methods employed by artists. Art works are considered in the context of influential factors such as historical period, geographic location, and the prevailing social, political and religious environments.

Assessment

Assessment comprises course work and a summer examination. The summer examination consists of one 3-hour paper. Candidates are required to answer four questions, one of which is a compulsory photographic question which involves identifying and discussing selected works of art and architecture.

Learning Outcomes

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

• outline the chronology and main evolutionary stages in European art and architecture between c.800 and c.1520
• identify the major works of selected artists and architects during the period, their subject matter and key stylistic characteristics
• discriminate between major building types and the design issues that arise in the different phases of European architecture
• explain, using appropriate vocabulary, the typology and functions of visual art and imagery at key historical points over the period
• employ correctly technical terminology relating to the practices of painting, sculpture, architecture and the graphic arts
• apply knowledge accurately to comment on works of art and architecture, plans and elevations covered in the module
• evaluate the materials, basic structural methods and processes of design and construction in selected examples of European architecture