This friendly and welcoming, online course will involve discussion and collaboration, both to question the dominant narratives of Western art history and to celebrate modes of artistic production outside of this framework. We will explore art traditions and makers in different geographical regions and continents, at different points in history as well as in present-day Britain who are underrepresented in our art institutions and mainstream criticism. We will seek to un-pick cultural values through exploring the ways in which culture is controlled, owned, produced and presented whilst considering why and how narratives of linear progression in Western art have been formed and received. We will touch on responses from artists and through art activism to the prejudices inherent in such narratives. You will have the opportunity to present to your group, artists and artworks which you find interesting or inspiring but which are marginalised from or challenging to the European art canon.
Course aim
To provide an introduction to forms of visual art and artistic production which have been largely overlooked by major European art narratives whilst developing skills to critique the dominant value systems and accounts of Western art history.
Do I need any particular skills or experience?
- You will need your own personal email address so that you’re able to login to the WEA’s digital learning platform: WEA Canvas. You will need to be able to understand how to follow URL links to pages on the internet. If you want to understand more about Canvas please visit: http://bit.ly/WEAonline
- You will need to be able to follow links to join our WEA live video learning platform: WEA Zoom. If you’d like to understand more about our video learning platform, Zoom please visit: http://bit.ly/WEAonline and http://bit.ly/ZoomSpec
- This course is for a group of around 15 students studying in a live video-learning platform conference and an online digital learning environment platform from the comfort of your own home.
- This course is suitable for beginners and improvers
By the end of the course I should be able to:
- Identify at least two underlying values presented to us in the Western, canonical vision of linear progress in art history
- Discuss at least three selected artists or modes of artistic production which do not feature heavily in the Western, canonical view of art, within their social and historical context
- Explain how and why at least two artists, writers or art activists address themes of identity such as gender and ethnicity
- Engage in debates around concepts such as 'art', 'primitivism', 'authenticity' and postcolonialism, whilst exploring how art is owned, esteemed and presented
- Participate in discussions with other students online, to compare interpretations, opinions and greater understand works of art and their contexts
How will I be taught?
- The WEA’s digital learning platform, Canvas will be used to provide resources or to support lessons, enable assessment, provide learner feedback and for other activities for individuals away from the course. If you want to understand more about our digital learning platform please visit: http://bit.ly/WEAonline
- The WEA tutor will use a range of different teaching and learning methods and encourage you and the group to be actively involved in your learning
- You may be asked to undertake additional work in your own time to support your learning
What kind of feedback can I expect?
- A range of informal activities will be used by the tutor to see what you are learning which may include quizzes, question and answer, small projects and discussion
- You will be encouraged to share your work with the group and discuss your learning
- You will be encouraged to consider other students work and give your opinions and suggestions
What else do I need to know?
- What you need: You will need an internet connection, speakers, a microphone and a webcam so that you can use our video learning platform, Zoom. If you’d like to understand more Zoom please visit: http://bit.ly/ZoomSpec
- You will need a personal email address to join the WEA’s digital learning platform, Canvas so that you can receive resources, record your progress and achievement and to work with others and share ideas. If you want to understand more about our digital learning platform please visit: http://bit.ly/WEAonline
Pre-course work, reading and information sources
- You will have access to course resources and links to wider learning through the WEA’s digital learning platform, Canvas: http://bit.ly/WEAonline
- No pre reading or pre course work is required
What can I do next?
- Progress to another WEA course
- Progress to a course with another provider
- Become involved with the WEA in a range of voluntary work and other activities including campaigning as a WEA member
- Become involved as a volunteer for a WEA partner or another organisation
- Access the WEA What Next? booklet here http://www.wea.org.uk/learn-wea/what-can-i-do-next
Download full course information sheet
