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: 10.00 am Tue and 12.00 pm Wed (lectures) and either 10.00 am or 12.00 pm Thu (seminar)

Exploring the Symbolist movement from an international perspective, this module will cover groups including the Nabis, the Italian Divisionists, and the British Aesthetic Movement, setting them in the context of contemporary aesthetic, scientific and social debates. Until recently, histories of Symbolism isolated a few stylistically experimental figures such as Munch, Gauguin and Klimt from the messier melting-pot of misogyny, nationalism and mystical fervour. This module confronts head-on the movement's uncomfortable blend of tradition and modernity, stylistic innovation and thematic obsessions. Students will explore themes including dream and nightmare, spirituality and the occult, nationalism and myth, evolution and degeneration, sexuality and the femme fatale. In the spirit of the fin-de-siecle 'total art work', we will pay particular attention to the crossovers between text and image, and between the 'fine' and 'decorative' arts.

Relationship to other modules

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

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 2 x 1-hour lectures and 1 x 1-hour seminar.

Scheduled learning hours: 65

Guided independent study hours: 235

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Coursework = 100%

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

Re-assessment: 1 x Written Assignment to be agreed by the Board of Examiners

Personnel

Module coordinator: Professor L J Goddard
Module teaching staff: Dr L Goddard