Day School: Art History - The Politics of Early 19th Century Landscape

Additional information about this course

This course is not supported by the Skills Funding Agency and does not have a fee waiver but concessions may be available - contact the Branch for further details.

Course aim

This short course covers the history and politics of rural unrest in early nineteenth century England and its impact on landscape art.

Who is the course for?

No previous knowledge of the history or art of the period is required.

What topics will this course cover

Late eighteenth-century and early nineteenth-century landscape painting including the work of J.M.W. Turner and John Constable. The history and politics of the rural unrest of the period including the enclosure acts and the Swing Riots. The changing role of the countryside as reflected in art. Social realism in art and English landscape painting.

What will it be like?

WEA classes are friendly and supportive. You will be encouraged to work together with your fellow students and tutor. You will be asked to share your ideas and views in the class and work with the group to give and accept feedback in a supportive environment. The WEA tutor will use a range of different teaching and learning methods and encourage you to be actively involved in your learning. You may be asked to undertake work to support your course outside of your class.

By the end of the course I should be able to:

1. Name two periods of rural unrest 2. Name three artists of the period 3. Name two causes of the rural unrest

How will I know I'm making progress?

It is a short one-day course and so progress will be judged by the end of course objectives.

What else do I need to know, do or bring?

Nothing is required although some students take notes.

Reading and information sources

There is no prior reading required but some books will be mentioned on the course.

What could the course lead to?

A broader interest in art and society and the ways in which they inform each other.