The 'isms' of 20th century art

A beginners’ guide to the key movements of modern art: fauvism, expressionism, cubism, modernism, century art surrealism, abstraction, pop art and postmodernism. You can study this course on its own or as a continuation of ‘Styles in art’.

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Key course information

Dates
24/04/12 - 03/07/12

Day(s)
Tue

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
VB114

Availability
Available
(status updated every 15 mins)

This course has started

It may still be possible to enrol on this course - please call 020 7831 7831 to discuss. Please note that you will have missed some course content and it may not be possible for the tutor to fully cover missed content with you. Please be advised that the published course fees will apply.

Course outline

What is the course about?

This course provides an introduction to the most important and popular movements in modern art. We will look at specific works in detail to see how and why art changed through the century. Famous artists and artworks will be presented and discussed in class. The social and cultural factors that affected art in the twentieth century will be explained. For example, the impact of two world wars, the growth of consumer culture, the proliferation of new communications technologies and the influence of feminism and postmodern theory.

What topics will we cover?

Each class will focus on a different movement or ‘ism’. They are, in order: Fauvism; Expressionism; Cubism; Futurism and Vorticism; Modernism; Dada and Surrealism; Abstract Expressionism; Minimalism; Pop Art and Postmodernism; Conceptualism and Installation.

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

• Recognise key artworks from the different ‘isms’ of twentieth century art
• Understand the impact of social and cultural factors upon twentieth century art
• Discuss art from different twentieth century movements 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?

Slide presentation by the tutor with the opportunity for group discussion at the end. There will also be some pair and small group activities. The afternoon class includes a guided gallery visit to Tate Britain – meet by the information desks, inside the main riverside entrance (the rotunda).

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

There are no additional costs, but you are advised to bring notebooks to the classes.
You may like to purchase a couple of the books suggested on handouts during the course and are also encouraged to use the City Lit library and explore suggested sites on the internet.

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?

You may like to take some of other courses in art history on offer. Styles in Art, Looking at Paintings or the series on modern art (1850-1900, 1900-1950 and 1950-2011) 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.

Contact us

Visual arts

Tel: 020 7492 2700

visualarts@citylit.ac.uk

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