The age of reason: art and culture in the 18th century

Explore the art and culture of the 18th century, the age of the Enlightenment and the French Revolution. Featured artists include Canaletto, Boucher, Watteau, David, Hogarth, Gainsborough and Reynolds.

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Key course information

Dates
30/04/12 - 16/07/12

Day(s)
Mon

Duration
10 weeks

Time
18:00 - 19:45

Fees
Full fee: £140
Senior fee: £140
Concession: £85

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
VB181

Availability
Available
(status updated every 15 mins)

Enrol now

Call enrolments: 020 7831 7831

Still got questions?

visualarts@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2700

Course outline

What is the course about?

This course explores the art and culture of the 18th century. Working within the context of ‘the age of reason and enlightenment’ we will explore key styles in art, design and architecture throughout the century and reflect on the impact of social and political ideas and events on creative practice during this period.

What topics will we cover?

Each week will focus on a different aspect of eighteenth-century art and culture. Key artists, architects and designers will be introduced and their works placed in a cultural and social context. The course works thematically, with each session focussing on a different idea or style, including: the Rococo; Neo-Classicism; Portraiture; the Beautiful and the Picturesque Landscape; Romanticism and the Sublime; history painting in the age of revolution etc. The course will conclude with a reflection on how developments in the 18th century impacted on art and culture in the 19th and 20th centuries.

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

• Recognise different styles and types of eighteenth-century art and design
• Describe eighteenth-century art and design and express an informed personal response
• Understand key aspects of eighteenth-century history and culture and their relationship with creative practice
• Discuss 18th century art with greater confidence.

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?

The course will be taught using a rigorous mixture of lectures, discussions and engaging activities. There will be no set work outside of classes, but you may wish to read books from the reading lists in preparation for classes.

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

You may wish to buy some of the books on the reading list given out by the tutor.

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.

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?

Some of the other art history survey courses may interest you, for example: British Art, Styles in Art, Looking at Paintings, The Mirror of Nature: art and culture in the 17th century.

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.

Contact us

Visual arts

Tel: 020 7492 2700

visualarts@citylit.ac.uk

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