British art

Explore the history and development of British art, from humble beginnings to international renown. Artists featured range from Holbein and Van Dyck to Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin.

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Key course information

Dates
16/01/12 - 26/03/12

Day(s)
Mon

Duration
10 weeks

Time
18:00 - 19:45

Fees
Full fee: £158
Senior fee: £158
Concession: £99

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
VB111

Availability
This course has finished

This course has finished

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Still got questions?
visualarts@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2700

Course outline

What is the course about?

British artists today are recognised as among the most original and creative in the world. London is a world centre for contemporary art. This course explores the history and development of British art, from humble beginnings to international renown. We will look at how an early reliance on continental Europe for models and masters gave way in the eighteenth century to a distinctive national school. The story of British art is followed through the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, up to the present day with contemporary artists such as Tracey Emin and Anthony Gormley.

What topics will we cover?

The course presents a broad chronological survey of British art. Each week focuses on a different period, movement and the related artists. Subjects covered include: Holbein and the British Renaissance; Van Dyck and Stuart patronage; Hogarth’s London; Joshua Reynolds and the Royal Academy; Romanticism and the sublime landscape; The Pre-Raphaelites and Victorian art; British Modernism; post-war art; BritArt, the YBAs, Tate Modern and Saatchi. A selection of iconic artworks accessible in major London collections comprises the core of works discussed on the course.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

• Recognise the work of different British artists
• Describe British art from different periods and express an informed personal response
• Understand the social and cultural contexts affecting the development of British art.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

The course is open to all. No prior knowledge of the subject is required.

You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support demonstrations, hand-outs and for health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion. You should be able to use numbers and be able to do simple measurements and calculations.

Please look at the rest of the course outline carefully to decide if you may benefit from support in your English and Maths skills to help you to take part fully in this class.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Sessions will consist of a mixture of lecture, slide show, group discussion and engaging activities. Recommended reading lists and lecture notes will be provided in relation to each topic. You may wish to visit galleries and exhibitions between classes to view works first hand.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

No. However, you may wish to buy some of the books on the reading list.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made. The pair and small group activities in class will enable you to check your understanding with other students and the tutor.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

You may like to take some of other courses in art history on offer. Styles in Art or Looking at Paintings may interest you.

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2700

visualarts@citylit.ac.uk

Please email us for advice or call us during these times:

Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays - 9.00 -12.00 & 15:00-18:00

Thursdays - 9.00-12.00

Saturdays - 14.00-17.00

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.

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Visual arts