UNIVERSITY OF KENT
SECTION 1: MODULE SPECIFICATIONS
1.
Title of the module
HA839 Introduction to Research in History & Philosophy of 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
Spring Term 2014/15
4.
The number of students expected to take the module
8 - 15
5.
Modules to be withdrawn on the introduction of this proposed module and consultation with other
relevant Schools and Faculties regarding the withdrawal
HA832: Introduction to Research in History & Philosophy of Art (Paris version)
6.
The level of the module (e.g. Certificate [C], Intermediate [I], Honours [H] or Postgraduate [M])
M
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)
Spring term
9.
Prerequisite and co-requisite modules
None
10. The programmes of study to which the module contributes
MA History & Philosophy of Art
11. The intended subject specific learning outcomes
Upon completion of this module students will have:
11.1 developed an advanced understanding of debates surrounding a number of active
research areas in current study of art history and philosophy of art. (Related to programme
learning outcomes A1–12)
11.2 acquired the particular conceptual tools and methods necessary for independent art
historical and philosophical engagement in these areas. (Related to programme learning
outcomes A5; B1, 3, 4; C1–8)
11.3 expanded their ability to develop argument, engage critically with relevant literature, and
contextualise issues and materials within the framework of contemporary art historical and
art theoretical thought. (Related to programme learning outcomes B1–6; C1–8)
12. The intended generic learning outcomes
Upon completion of this module students will have:
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UNIVERSITY OF KENT
12.1 developed their written and oral communication and presentation skills, particularly
regarding the expression of complex thoughts about the fine arts. (Related to programme
learning outcomes C2, 8; D 1–2)
12.2 expanded their capacity to listen attentively and critically to the views of others, whether
spoken or written, and to make a relevant response that furthers the investigation. (Related to
programme learning outcomes B5, 6; C6–8; D1, 2)
12.3 developed their ability to conduct research and independent study into theoretical and
historical materials. (Related to programme learning outcomes B2, 5, 6; C4–7; D1, 3–7)
12.4 improved their capacity to construct and evaluate arguments. (Related to programme
learning outcomes B1, 5, 6; C4–8; D1)
13. A synopsis of the curriculum
This module aims to give MA HPA students an advanced understanding of debates, concepts
and methods surrounding a selection of focus research areas in art history and philosophy of
art. A programme of seminars will explore research areas in the subject that staff have
currently or recently engaged with in their own research. The module will be team-taught,
individual staff members usually teaching two or three seminars each; the first such seminar
will typically examine at least one ‘classic’ text that defines the area of research for
contemporary scholars, and the following one or two seminars will explore recent texts at the
forefront of current research in the area. As staff availability changes each year, the focus
research areas will change, but the module is intended to give a broad picture of research in
art history and philosophy of art, reflecting the broad range of art historical and art
philosophical research concerns of the members of the History & Philosophy of Art subject
area and the Aesthetics Research Group. Focus research areas in art history could include:
Renaissance art, Eighteenth Century Art, Nineteenth Century Art, Modern art, contemporary
art, the print, photography, collecting, and curating. Focus research areas in philosophy of
art could include, the philosophy of pictures and photographs, beauty, the sublime,
sentimentality, erotic art and pornography, and fiction, fakes and forgeries.
14. Indicative Reading List
Readings will change every year according to topics studied in the module, which will be
based on current research of HPA staff. Following are some texts that cover general
issues in Art History and Philosophy of Art, mostly at an advanced level. These may be
used to provide broader historiographical and theoretical context to topics directly
addressed in the module.
Art History:


Belting, H. Art History after Modernism, University of Chicago Press, 2003.
Cheetham, M. A., Holly, M. A., Moxey, K., The Subjects of Art History: Historical Objects
in Contemporary Perspective, Cambridge University Press, 1998.

Preziosi, D. (ed.), The Art of Art HIstory: A Critical Anthology, Oxford University Press,
1998.
Philosophy of Art:



Danto, A.C. After the End of Art, Princeton UP 1998.
Kahn, S., Meskin, A. (eds.), Aesthetics: A Comprehensive Anthology, Blackwell 2008.
Lamarque, P., Olsen,S. Aesthetics and the Philosophy of Art: The Analytic Tradition,
Blackwell, 2004.
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
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UNIVERSITY OF KENT
The module will be delivered over 12 weeks. It will typically consist of 11 x 2hr seminar
classes that focus upon structured discussion of assigned texts and assessment tasks, plus
a session devoted to a non-classroom based activity, such as a trip to view and discuss an
exhibition related to the module themes.
These teaching methods are linked to the achievement of all the programme learning
outcomes, but most directly to learning outcomes A1–12; B3, 5; C1-3, 5, 6, 8; D1, 2. Total
study hours 300.
16. Assessment methods and how these relate to testing achievement of the intended module learning
outcomes
Assessment will be 100% by coursework, broken down into two elements as follows:
Essay 1, 4000 words, 80% (promotes all Learning Outcomes)
Diary, 2500 words, 20% (promotes Learning Outcomes12.1; 13.2,4)
The diary will usually include reflective notes taken on HPA research seminars (including
those of the Aesthetics Research Centre and Art History & Visual Cultures Centre) and other
research presentations given by art historians and art theorists at the University of Kent.
These notes are typically expected to give a descriptive, analytical and evaluative account of
a selection of research seminars.
17. Implications for learning resources, including staff, library, IT and space
No new resources will be immediately required. A small selection of books will need to be
purchased for the library each year. This will not require funding outside HPA’s allocated
library budget.
The School of Arts 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 disability/dyslexia support service, and specialist support
will be provided where needed.
18. 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:
19. Partner College/Validated Institution: N/A
20. University School responsible for the programme: N/A
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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"
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Director of Learning and Teaching/Director of
Graduate Studies (delete as applicable)
Date
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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"
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Head of School
Date
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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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