'History and Art in the European Middle Ages' delivered at Darlington
A WEA (North East) Course
Venue: Bondgate Methodist Hall, Darlington, DL3 7DJ
Day and Time: Thursdays 1.30 - 3.30pm. 11 sessions. 22 hours. (Note: you can still join after the start date if places are available)
Start date: 24 September, 2015. End date: 10 December, 2015
Fee: £61
More information: 01325 284122
MAIN LEARNING OUTCOMES
By the end of the course, students should be able to:
1. demonstrate a basic knowledge of the broad historical context within which European art and culture developed;
2. have an appreciation of how medieval society, culture and major events affected the development of art;
3. comment relevantly and take part in group discussions;
4. appreciate the use of art historical and textual sources in order to achieve a balanced opinion of history;
COURSE TEXTS
There is no suitable course text available in print which can be recommended. However, learners are advised to purchase a good dictionary of art, artists and art terminology for general reference purposes, such as:
TEACHING AND LEARNING
Historical events and everyday life in the European Middle Ages were recorded, not always accurately, by contemporary artists in illuminated manuscripts, paintings, tapestries and other art media. This course looks at the art and documentary evidence which, when viewed together, provides a better understanding of late medieval society and culture.
The first half of the session will consist of a mini-lecture by the tutor on the topic of the week. This part of the session consists of information, learning and familiarisation. During the second half of the session, the group will examine, analyse and discuss selected examples of art demonstrating the topic. This part of the session is very much ‘hands on’ and is about 'reading' or interpreting art and appreciating the relevance of art works to our understanding of the cultural beliefs and attitudes of the past. Although tutor-guided, it is the active participation of the group which is important to the learning process. Newcomers need not have attended other Art History courses to take part, enjoy, learn and benefit. Enthusiasm is the main requirement.
SESSION PROGRAMME
24/09/2015 Week 1 Medieval housing
01/10/2015 Week 2 The medieval court
08/10/2015 No session
15/10/2015 Week 3 Portraiture
22/10/2015 Week 4 Dress
29/10/2015 Week 5 Horses
05/11/2015 Week 6 Pets
12/11/2015 Week 7 Food
19/11/2015 Week 8 Hunting
26/12/2015 Week 9 Hawking
03/12/2015 Week 10 Other leisure activities
10/04/2014 Week 11 Books and literacy.
Venue: Bondgate Methodist Hall, Darlington, DL3 7DJ
Day and Time: Thursdays 1.30 - 3.30pm. 11 sessions. 22 hours. (Note: you can still join after the start date if places are available)
Start date: 24 September, 2015. End date: 10 December, 2015
Fee: £61
More information: 01325 284122
MAIN LEARNING OUTCOMES
By the end of the course, students should be able to:
1. demonstrate a basic knowledge of the broad historical context within which European art and culture developed;
2. have an appreciation of how medieval society, culture and major events affected the development of art;
3. comment relevantly and take part in group discussions;
4. appreciate the use of art historical and textual sources in order to achieve a balanced opinion of history;
COURSE TEXTS
There is no suitable course text available in print which can be recommended. However, learners are advised to purchase a good dictionary of art, artists and art terminology for general reference purposes, such as:
- Read, Herbert, The Thames and Hudson Dictionary of Art and Artists (London, 1994);
- Piper, Sir David, (ed.), Collins Reference, Dictionary of Art and Artists (Glasgow, 1988);
- For imagery, Hall, J., Dictionary of Subjects and Symbols in Art (London, 1974) is highly recommended.
- The classic text by Gombrich, E. H., The Story of Art (many editions,) provides useful and interesting background reading and reference.
- Images are taken from the Web Gallery of Art image collection and virtual museum.
TEACHING AND LEARNING
Historical events and everyday life in the European Middle Ages were recorded, not always accurately, by contemporary artists in illuminated manuscripts, paintings, tapestries and other art media. This course looks at the art and documentary evidence which, when viewed together, provides a better understanding of late medieval society and culture.
The first half of the session will consist of a mini-lecture by the tutor on the topic of the week. This part of the session consists of information, learning and familiarisation. During the second half of the session, the group will examine, analyse and discuss selected examples of art demonstrating the topic. This part of the session is very much ‘hands on’ and is about 'reading' or interpreting art and appreciating the relevance of art works to our understanding of the cultural beliefs and attitudes of the past. Although tutor-guided, it is the active participation of the group which is important to the learning process. Newcomers need not have attended other Art History courses to take part, enjoy, learn and benefit. Enthusiasm is the main requirement.
SESSION PROGRAMME
24/09/2015 Week 1 Medieval housing
01/10/2015 Week 2 The medieval court
08/10/2015 No session
15/10/2015 Week 3 Portraiture
22/10/2015 Week 4 Dress
29/10/2015 Week 5 Horses
05/11/2015 Week 6 Pets
12/11/2015 Week 7 Food
19/11/2015 Week 8 Hunting
26/12/2015 Week 9 Hawking
03/12/2015 Week 10 Other leisure activities
10/04/2014 Week 11 Books and literacy.
