Introduction to Tate Modern

Course Dates: 24/02/25 - 31/03/25
Time: 14:00 - 16:00
Location: Off Site
Tutors: 
Explore different aspects of the permanent collection of Tate Modern by looking at the work of its curators and the modern and contemporary artists in painting, video, sculpture and mixed media installations.
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Full fee £199.00 Senior fee £159.00 Concession £129.00

Introduction to Tate Modern
  • Course Code: VB154
  • Dates: 24/02/25 - 31/03/25
  • Time: 14:00 - 16:00
  • Taught: Mon, Daytime
  • Duration: 6 sessions (over 6 weeks)
  • Location: Off Site
  • Tutor: Sarah Jaffray

Course Code: VB154

Mon, day, 24 Feb - 31 Mar '25

Duration: 6 sessions (over 6 weeks)

Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.

What is the course about?

This course provides an introduction to the wide range of art works within the collection at Tate Modern in Southwark. We will explore specific works by modern and contemporary artists in relation to wider cultural and social contexts. The aim is to develop your confidence when looking at and discussing art in London’s galleries and it will help you to consider the methods curators use to display and interpret modern and contemporary art.

We also think about Tate’s themed displays in relation to key 20th century art movements, and look at the key themes developed by the 21st century’s leading practitioners. This course also includes an introduction to more recent types of art common to the contemporary art, including video and installation. It is designed to give students a greater insight into the Tate Modern as a museum. Please note: this is not a survey of modern or contemporary art, but focussed on the collection, curation and institutional goals of the Tate Modern.

A list of meeting points will be emailed to you within a week of the course start date.

What will we cover?

We will:
• Explore different artists; various periods, styles and isms in modern art
• Discuss techniques, terms and jargon; concepts and approaches
• Curating and displaying – the role of the gallery
• Look at political, cultural and social influences and inspirations.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

• Describe at least 2 key themes, periods, styles and isms of modern and contemporary art and to relate them to their wider cultural and social contexts.
• Be more confident in discussing and analysing works of art in the Tate Modern
• Explain the differences between conceptual art and abstract art
• Recognise at least 3 important artists and their works of art in the Tate Modern.

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

This course is suitable for all levels.

You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information.

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

The course will be taught with a mixture of guided gallery visits, group discussion and short group activities.

There will also be a Google Classroom for the sharing of documents related to the course. You will be sent an invitation to the Google Classroom within a week of the course start date.

Museum/gallery-based courses take place during public access hours. Tutors are not able to control sound levels or behaviours of visitors outside of the course group. Unless you are a wheelchair user, and have confirmed access details with us (as levels of access can vary between galleries), you will need to be able to walk between exhibits and stand for some time while looking at them (you may bring your own portable stool if you have one, but we cannot guarantee access to any gallery stools.) If you feel you may be impacted by these environmental variations, please inform the department on humanities@citylit.ac.uk before the course begins, to discuss reasonable accommodations we can make to assist your learning in the museum space.

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

Gallery entry is free. You might wish to bring a notebook and buy some of the books on the reading list. Please note we are unable to guarantee seats on gallery visits so you may have to stand and to walk between exhibits. You might prefer to invest in a lightweight portable seat.

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

You might also be interested in:
Introduction to Tate Britain
A history of modern art in 50 objects.

Sarah Jaffray Tutor Website

Sarah Jaffray holds a BA and MA in Art History with an emphasis in 19th/20th century France and a minor in the Italian Renaissance. She holds a second MA in Cultural Theory from Goldsmiths, University of London. Sarah was a lecturer for several colleges and universities in the Los Angeles area before relocating to London in 2012. She has worked in curatorial roles at the British Museum and Wellcome Collection. In addition to her current teaching at City Lit, Sarah is a lecturer at the University of Arts London and the Tutor Coordinator for City Lit's Art History programme. Her art historical practice focuses on experimental narratives, artistic process, art pedagogy, politics and philosophy. Sarah's current research is focused on translation and empathy.

Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.