The module provides an introduction to Greek painting, sculpture and architecture in the period c.800 - 50 BC. In the context of a broadly chronological survey, particular attention will be paid to the relationship between Greek art and social history. Topics addressed will include: stylistic change and innovation, the role of the state in the development of Greek art, religious ideology and religious iconography, technology and appearance, the social contexts and uses of art. Regular recourse will be made to the largest collection of Greek art outside Athens, the British Museum.*

Module Aims 

What I want students to take from this course:

-have an overview of the development of Greek art and architecture from 2500-50 BC

-Understand the principles of visual analysis and looking -Be familiar with the major iconographic themes of Greek art

-Be able to analyse and contextualise the major styles of Greek art

-be aware of contemporary issues with Classical art and able to critically engage with these issues

 

Learning Outcomes 

On successful completion of this module students will develop:

-Skills for the critical analysis and interpretation of visual representations

-Oral presentation skills

-Ability to find, organize, evaluate and communicate evidence and theories in relationship to specific research questions

-A critical view on Greek art and its reception and appropriation through time

 

Teaching Methods 

The 9-11 classroom sessions will consist of a mixture of lectures, addressing a specific theme in Greek art and seminars. During the seminar-part of the session, we will discuss the readings, and objects that you study each week and have practical tutorials which go deeper in how to study Greek art and its broader significance. These tutorials (as indicated in the schedule) will focus on the practical aspects of looking at Greek art and visual analysis. The sessions will be accompanied with two key objects and 2-4 pieces of reading that need to be read and studied at home. For some of the objects, the program TALIS will be used as online seminar preparation tool. Each session has a ‘session preparation’, which will indicate the issues and questions you need to focus on to prepare for the seminar discussion and/or tutorial. All this will be further clarified in part 3 of the handbook.

*subject to government and UCL guidance