Background

The Art History department services a number of disciplines as well as art history and has five art historians. The curriculum comprises of modular courses. The impetus for curriculum change came from a department meeting called in response to the GLAADH workshop in November 2001. Recognising the need to act quickly, which excluded the possibility of introducing a new set of modules, it was decided to follow the example set out by Evelyn Welch at the GLAADH workshop in November 2001. From this a proposal has emerged for the modification of modules at levels 1, 2 and 3. All the staff will contribute to changes in the modules.

Aims and Objectives

Introduce wide-based change in the BA (Hons) Art History degree, accommodating a range of African, American and Asian topics into seven existing modules at levels 1, 2 and 3. Themes will include: Japanese architecture and Modernism; Modernism and the Museum; African sculpture; Indian cinema; debating cultural 'difference'; representation and indigenous America; Islamic architecture and history; and Oceanic art. Two new areas are also under development: Iranian cinema and Bollywood cinema. Periods of teaching on these topics will be inserted into the existing modules.

A third year module is also being developed which will look at the relationship between Islamic art and architecture and European traditions, focusing on the Kings College Chapel.

Assessment of the components has not yet been finalised and may be dependent on the question of resources.

Resources

The revised modules will draw on a range of visual media including architecture, film, art and other artefacts. The changes will involve accessing museums, collections and historic buildings in the Southeast of England. Book resources are poor for some of the areas covered and consideration will have to be given to alternative sources of information.

Timescale

All modules will be taught the year 2002 -2003 and repeated the following year.

Groups Affected

All the staff in the art history department will contribute to the changes in the modules. All art history students will study a range of approaches to the understanding of art outside Europe and North America, and students from other disciplines taking art history modules will also benefit from the changes to the curriculum.

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