107-430 Orientalism in Visual Culture

Formerly available as 107-060. Students who have completed 107-060 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

Usually 37.5 points of art history at second/third-year, see Prerequisites or admission to the postgraduate diploma or fourth-year honours in art history.

This subject is a consideration of orientalist art and culture from a postcolonial perspective. Painting in North Africa and the Middle East is supplemented by orientalism in architecture, photography, travel writing and colonial exhibitions. Major figures studied include Delacroix, Pierre Loti and Matisse. Students should complete the subject with a broad knowledge of European constructions of the East in a variety of representational forms and with a critical understanding of orientalism in art.

• be able to research through the competent use of the library and other information sources, and be able to define areas of inquiry and methods of research in the preparation of essays;

• be able to conceptualise theoretical problems, form judgements and arguments and communicate critically, creatively and theoretically through essay writing, tutorial discussion and presentations;

• be able to communicate knowledge in an intelligent and economical way through essay writing and tutorial discussion;

• be able to manage and organise workloads for recommended reading, essays, assignments and examination revision; be able to participate in team work through involvement in syndicate groups and group discussions.

Written work totalling 4000 words for 3rd year, 5000 words for 4th year.

A subject reader will be available.