107-220 Medieval Art: Celtic to Gothic

Usually 12.5 points of first-year art history.

This subject forms an introduction to the art of medieval Northern Europe from the Celtic period to the 14th century, focusing on France, Britain, and Germany. Students should develop a knowledge of areas such as the Book of Kells, the art of the 11th and 12th centuries in the context of Benedictine, Cluniac and Cistercian expressions of monasticism; Romanesque art in Burgundy and Languedoc; the rise of Gothic and Abbot Suger of St Denis; the architecture, sculpture and stained glass of the Gothic cathedrals of France, England, and Germany; 12th and 13th century manuscript illumination, ivories, enamel and goldsmith work; Christological and Marian imagery, and that of the saints and their lives; chivalric culture and influence of the patronage of lay men and women at the courts of France and England in the 13th century.

• 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 intelligibly and economically through essay writing and tutorial discussion;

• be able to manage and organise workloads for recommended reading, the completion of essays and assignments and examination revision;

• be able to participate in team work through involvement in syndicate groups and group discussions.

Written work comprising of a 1000 word class paper 25% (due during semester), a 2000 word essay 50% (due during semester), and a 1000 word visual test 25% (in the examination period).

A subject reader will be available