University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 10

Semester: 2

Availability restrictions: Not automatically available to General Degree students

Planned timetable: 3.00 pm - 5.00 pm Tue (lecture) and either 9.00 am or 11.00 am Thu (seminar)

This module examines the major artists and groups in French postwar art through a consideration of aesthetic features and theoretical issues in tandem with their social and political context. The problems facing the neo-avant garde following the war will be assessed by looking at topics such as Dubuffet and Art Brut, Socialist Realism, Giacometti and Existentialist philosophy, abstract painting, Yves Klein and the 'New Realists', the Cobra group, the Situationists and the May '68 uprising, and post-1968 projects by Daniel Buren, Christian Boltanski and Annette Messager. Additional topics for discussion include the relationship of French culture to British and American culture, 1950s design, NewWave cinema, and the impact of the Cold War and the Algerian War.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Before taking this module you must pass AH2001 and pass AH2002

Anti-requisite(s): You cannot take this module if you take AH4213

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 1 x 2-hour lecture, 1 x 1-hour seminar (x 11 weeks), 2 x tutor's office hour (x 12 weeks), field trip - 8 hours

Scheduled learning hours: 33

Guided independent study hours: 267

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews:

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 0%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 100%

Personnel

Module coordinator: Professor N A Adamson
Module teaching staff: Dr Natalie Adamson