UNIVERSITY OF KENT
MODULE SPECIFICATION TEMPLATE
SECTION 1: MODULE SPECIFICATIONS
1.
Title of the module
The Print in Modern and Contemporary Art
2.
School or partner institution which will be responsible for management of the module
School of Arts – History & Philosophy of Art
3.
Start date of the module
Autumn 2014
4.
The number of students expected to take the module
20-30
5.
Modules to be withdrawn on the introduction of this proposed module and consultation with other
relevant Schools and Faculties regarding the withdrawal
None
6.
The level of the module (e.g. Certificate [C], Intermediate [I], Honours [H] or Postgraduate [M])
I&H
7.
The number of credits and the ECTS value which the module represents
30 credits (15 ECTS)
8.
Which term(s) the module is to be taught in (or other teaching pattern)
Autumn or Spring Term
9.
Prerequisite and co-requisite modules
None
10. The programmes of study to which the module contributes
BA History & Philosophy of Art; BA Art History; available as a wild option
11. The intended subject specific learning outcomes
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UNIVERSITY OF KENT
Upon completing the I and H level versions of this module, students will:
1. have studied a wide range of key modern and contemporary prints including the works in the print
medium by significant modern and contemporary artists in addition to specialist printmakers.
2. have a knowledge of the principal printmaking techniques employed since 1900, and have an
understanding of how new techniques opened up creative opportunities for artists, from the revival of
lithography in the 1940s to contemporary digital technologies.
3. have an awareness of the role of prints in the practice of artists since 1900 who also work in other
mediums, such as painting and sculpture, and of the relationship between printmaking and
photography (for example, as reproductive media).
4. have a good understanding of the context in which prints are made and seen, and of the role of
print studios and printers; of dealers, collectors and the art market; of art schools; and of public
collections and exhibitions in shaping perceptions of the print as an art form.
Upon completing the H-level version of this module students will also:
5. have acquired a good knowledge of the critical and theoretical literature on the print; and also to
have considered art theoretical topics such as originality, the multiple, the mechanical, and conceptual
art, as they relate to the print.
These subject-specific learning outcomes of the module relate to the subject-specific learning
outcomes of the History and Philosophy of Art programme and the Art History programme concerning
knowledge and understanding of the visual arts (programme specifications 12 A 1-11), intellectual
skills (12 B 1-11), and subject specific skills of visual and historical analysis (12 C 1-11).
12. The intended generic learning outcomes
As a consequence of taking this module, I and H level students will:
1.
have developed skills of visual, critical and historical analysis, together with generic
intellectual skills of synthesis, summarisation, critical judgement and problem-solving, that will
allow for the construction of original and persuasive arguments;
2.
have developed the skills of communication, improving performance, problem-solving, and
working with others;
3.
have communicated effectively, using appropriate vocabulary and illustrations, ideas and
arguments in both a written and oral form;
4.
have read critically, analysed and used a range of primary and secondary texts;
5.
have located and used appropriately a range of learning and reference resources (including
visual resources) within the Templeman Library and elsewhere, including museums, galleries and
the internet;
6.
have employed information technologies to research and present their work.
In addition, H level students will:
7. have demonstrated that they have acquired an independent learning style; for example in the
preparation and presentation of course work, in carrying out independent research, in showing the
ability to reflect on their own learning and by mediating complex arguments in both oral and
written form;
8. and have approached problem-solving creatively, and formed critical and evaluative
judgments about the appropriateness of these approaches to a level where a substantial degree
of autonomy and self-reflexive awareness is achieved in these tasks.
These generic learning outcomes relate to the transferable skills outlined in the History & Philosophy
of Art programme specifications and the Art History programme specifications at 12 D 1-6.
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UNIVERSITY OF KENT
Both sets of subject-specific and generic learning outcomes have also been designed to help achieve
the educational aims of the HPA programme and the Art History programme as outlined in section 11
1-13 of the programme specification document.
13. A synopsis of the curriculum
This module will be a ‘research-led’ course structured around a series of open research questions
concerning the problematic position of the print in modern and contemporary art. These broad
thematic questions will be kept in constant dialogue with key prints chosen for close analysis, and for
their relevance to the research questions. Students will read in advance of lectures a series of short
research papers written by the module convenor for publication in the art journal Print Quarterly.
These will act as provisional landmarks in a research terrain that students will help to map out as the
course progresses through seminar discussions and presentations, thus involving them in the
processes of an on-going research project. Broadly speaking the thematic concerns of the module
will include the hybridity of the print as an art form and its peripheral status in historical and
theoretical accounts of modern and contemporary art. It will also explore the relationship of
printmaking to the artistic practice of a number of leading modern artists (such as Pablo Picasso,
Roy Lichtenstein and Richard Hamilton).
14. Indicative Reading List
Riva Castleman, Prints of the Twentieth Century, revised edition, London: Thames & Hudson, 1988.
Paul Coldwell, Printmaking: A Contemporary Perspective, London: Black Dog Publishing, 2010.
Pat Gilmour, Understanding Prints: A Contemporary Guide, London: Waddington Galleries, 1979.
Gill Saunders and Rosie Miles, Prints Now: Directions and Definitions, London: V&A Publications,
2006.
Susan Tallman, The Contemporary Print from Pre-Pop to Postmodern, London: Thames & Hudson,
1996.
15. Learning and Teaching Methods, including the nature and number of contact hours and the total
study hours which will be expected of students, and how these relate to achievement of the intended
module learning outcomes
10 two-hour lectures (I level: addresses LOs 11.1-4; 12. 1. H level: addresses LOs 11.1-5;
12.1)
10 two-hour seminars (I level: addresses LOs 11.1-4; 12.1-6. H level: addresses LOs 11.1-5;
12.1-8)
In addition there will be at least one organised trip to London to view modern and contemporary
prints in national collections (e.g. the British Museum print room), typically involving 4 contact
hours.
The remaining hours of study necessary for the 30 credits will consist of private study towards
directed learning tasks. Total study hours: 300.
16. Assessment methods and how these relate to testing achievement of the intended module learning
outcomes
The module is 100% coursework assessed, of which at I level:
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UNIVERSITY OF KENT

20% is given for seminar preparation, assessed on the basis of seminar notes on a weekly
‘talking point’ throughout the term. These talking points will consist of questions relating to the
weekly reading and the student will write a brief answer of about 200 words for each ‘talking point’
amounting to 2000 words overall. The seminar notes are assessed on the ability to produce a
précis of issues and information raised in the readings (11.1-4;12.1-4)).

30% of the assessment is based on a group presentation, working in groups of three, on a
group of three modern and contemporary prints in British collections. This will take the form of a
20 minute powerpoint presentation which, following oral feedback in class, will then be submitted
in the form of a document of 3000 words, with each student contributing 1000 words on an
individual art work. The student is graded individually on their 1000 word contribution, benefiting
from the feedback on the group presentation which constitutes formative assessment. This
assessment is designed to assess teamwork, and also the students’ ability to analyse the formal
and technical qualities of modern and contemporary prints and place them in their historical
context (learning outcomes 11.1-4), as well as developing skills of independent research and
clear presentation of the results of research (learning outcomes 12.1-6).

50% is given for a 2500 word essay on a given question from a set of I-level questions (11.1-4;
12.1-6).
At H level:

20% is given for seminar preparation, assessed on the basis of seminar notes on a weekly
‘talking point’ throughout the term. These talking points will consist of questions relating to the
weekly reading and the student will write a brief answer of about 200 words for each ‘talking point’
amounting to 2000 words overall. The seminar notes are assessed on the ability to produce a
précis of issues and information raised in the readings (11.1-5;12.1-4)).

30% of the assessment is based on a group presentation, working in groups of three, on a
group of three modern and contemporary prints in British collections. This will take the form of a
20 minute powerpoint presentation which, following oral feedback in class, will then be submitted
in the form of a document of 3000 words, with each student contributing 1000 words on an
individual art work. The student is graded individually on their 1000 word contribution, benefiting
from the feedback on the group presentation which constitutes formative assessment. This
assessment is designed to assess teamwork, and also the students’ ability to analyse the formal
and technical qualities of modern and contemporary prints and place them in their historical
context (learning outcomes 11.1-5), as well as developing skills of independent research and
clear presentation of the results of research (learning outcomes 12.1-6).

50% is given for a 3000 word essay on a given question from a list of H-level questions (learning
outcomes 11. 1-5; 12. 1-8).
17. Implications for learning resources, including staff, library, IT and space
The Print in Modern and Contemporary Art requires a class-room equipped with a computer and
digital projector suitable for powerpoint presentations. It will require books on modern and
contemporary prints to be purchased for the library as they are published, and for subscriptions
to certain journals to continue and for new subscriptions to be taken out to Art in Print and
Printmaking Today. It will also make use of the learning resource of the Kent Print Collection
which has several relevant modern and contemporary prints in it. Students will be required to
undertake one independent trip and one organised trip to London at their own expense.
18. The School recognises and has embedded the expectations of current disability equality legislation,
and supports students with a declared disability or special educational need in its teaching. Within
this module we will make reasonable adjustments wherever necessary, including additional or
substitute materials, teaching modes or assessment methods for students who have declared and
discussed their learning support needs. Arrangements for students with declared disabilities will be
made on an individual basis, in consultation with the University’s/Collaborative Partner’s (delete as
applicable) disability/dyslexia support service, and specialist support will be provided where needed.
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UNIVERSITY OF KENT
19. Campus(es) where module will be delivered:
Canterbury
If the module is part of a programme in a Partner College or Validated Institution, please complete
the following:
20. Partner College/Validated Institution:
21. University School responsible for the programme:
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UNIVERSITY OF KENT
SECTION 2: MODULE IS PART OF A PROGRAMME OF STUDY IN A UNIVERSITY SCHOOL
Statement by the School Director of Learning and Teaching/School Director of Graduate Studies
(as appropriate): "I confirm I have been consulted on the above module proposal and have given advice
on the correct procedures and required content of module proposals"
................................................................
..............................................
Director of Learning and Teaching/Director of
Graduate Studies (delete as applicable)
Date
…………………………………………………
Print Name
Statement by the Head of School: "I confirm that the School has approved the introduction of the
module and, where the module is proposed by School staff, will be responsible for its resourcing"
.................................................................
..............................................
Head of School
Date
…………………………………………………….
Print Name
SECTION 3: MODULE IS PART OF A PROGRAMME IN A PARTNER COLLEGE OR VALIDATED
INSTITUTION
(Where the module is proposed by a Partner College/Validated Institution)
Statement by the Nominated Officer of the College/Validated Institution (delete as applicable): "I
confirm that the College/Validated Institution (delete as applicable) has approved the introduction of the
module and will be responsible for its resourcing"
.................................................................
..............................................
Nominated Responsible Officer of Partner
College/Validated Institution
Date
………………………………………………….
Print Name
…………………………………………………..
Post
………………………………………….
Partner College/Validated Institution
Module Specification Template
Last updated February 2013
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UNIVERSITY OF KENT
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