This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
This module explores a range of interconnections and tensions between western and non-western art historical and visual traditions. The lectures and seminars identify and consider examples of transcultural 'encounter' between principally western and non-western countries and territories, as well as appropriations from, and differences between, traditions of representational and non-representational art. In examining the influences, appropriations and cross-fertilizations of western and non-western art and culture the course will also place these within broader political and social histories, the rise of nationalism, continental trade relations, the advent of war, tourism, colonialism and imperialism. More broadly, the module will explore the nature and modalities of 'dialogue' from various critical and art historical perspectives, including the terms, elisions and the failures of such between western and non-western traditions. Visual and textual examples will also encompass the exclusions, altercations, violations and marginalization of non-western cultures and their traditions within and across this framework.
Total contact hours: 36
Private study hours: 264
Total study hours: 300
Main assessment methods
Essay 1 (1500 words) (35%)
Essay 2 (2500 words) (45%)
Seminar Preparation (20%)
Reassessment methods
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The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices. The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages: https://kent.rl.talis.com/index.html
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the historical relationship and reciprocal influence of western and non-western traditions of art and visual culture from the Renaissance to the present;
2 demonstrate the ability to offer a selective comparison of the aesthetic theories that have shaped western and non-western traditions;
3 examine the influence of post-colonial theorists and other theoretical frameworks on the discussion and mediation of western and non-western visual culture;
4 examine a range of issues related to constructions of national and racial identity, artistic tradition and heritage through a selection of explanatory case studies;
5 demonstrate knowledge of subject-specific skills employed by art historians, in particular those relating to the visual analysis of works of art and to general visual literacy;
6 contextualise the artistic influences and interchanges between western and non-western cultures within broader histories of imperialism, colonialism, Empire and Globalisation.
7 Reflect more broadly on transcultural issues of influence, appropriation and hybridisation arising from the coverage of the module;
8 Evaluate and characterise issues arising from the broader coverage and occlusions of the art historical and cultural literature studied within the module.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 develop skills of visual, critical and historical analysis, together with generic intellectual skills of synthesis, summarisation, critical judgement and problem-solving intrinsic to original and persuasive arguments;
2 develop the key skills of communication, improving performance, problem-solving, and working with others, to a level where a substantial degree of autonomy and self-reflexive awareness is achieved in these tasks;
3 communicate effectively, using appropriate vocabulary and illustrations, ideas and arguments in both a written and oral form;
4 read critically, analyse and use a range of primary and secondary texts;
5 locate and use appropriately a range of learning and reference resources (including visual resources) within the Templeman Library and elsewhere, including museums, galleries and the internet;
6 employ information technologies to research and present their work.
7 demonstrate the ability to work and research in a semi-independent fashion consistent with the expectations of final year undergraduate study;
8 demonstrate skills of self-management in the setting and prioritisation of academic and module tasks and assignment tasks.
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