Trauma & Spectacle: Postwar European Art (AHIS40005)
HonoursPoints: 12.5Not available in 2020
For information about the University’s phased return to campus and in-person activity in Winter and Semester 2, please refer to the on-campus subjects page.
About this subject
Please refer to the LMS for up-to-date subject information, including assessment and participation requirements, for subjects being offered in 2020.
Overview
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This subject examines selected artists and art movements in Europe from the occupation of France in 1940 to the late 1960s. Opposing the idea that New York stole the idea of modern art after WWII, in this subject the post-war decades in Europe are viewed as a period of extraordinary artistic and cultural ferment. It introduces students to the way in which artists reacted to the catastrophe of WWII and deals with several issues relevant to the analysis of art during this period, including the legacy of the historic avant-gardes, the aftermath of fascism, the demand to make socially relevant art, the rising cultural and economic influence of the USA, and the effect of the Cold War. It explores art practices in several countries, including France, Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom, focusing on the work of artists such as Pablo Picasso, Lucio Fontana, Willi Baumeister, and Eduardo Paolozzi. A broad range of genres and techniques of painting and sculpture will be examined, including surrealism, concrete art, matter painting, informal painting, neo-dada, and installation art. On completion of the subject students should have an understanding of selected artists and movements in Europe between 1940 and 1970 and be able to apply a range of art historical approaches to the study of art in relationship to its social and political context.
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this subject, students should:
- have an understanding of the major art practices and theories in Europe from 1940 to 1965;
- be able to recognise the work of specific artists and artistic movements of the period and explain them in relation to their social and political context; and
- have developed an appreciation for a range of art historical approaches to studying the relationship between art, society and politics in European post-war art.
Generic skills
At the completion of this subject, students hsould gain the following generic skills:
- be able to conduct independent research using catalogued sources and bibliographical indexes;
- have developed their ability to think creatively and express their ideas clearly in written communication; and
- have developed their skills in verbal communication and oral presentation.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
AHIS40005 Europe After the Rain: Post-War Art
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Assessment
Due to the impact of COVID-19, assessment may differ from that published in the Handbook. Students are reminded to check the subject assessment requirements published in the subject outline on the LMS
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
A paper, based on an in-class presentation
| During the teaching period | 20% |
A research essay
| During the examination period | 80% |
| Hurdle requirement: Students are required to attend a minimum of 80% (or 10 out of 12) classes in order to qualify to have their written work assessed. Any student who fails to meet this hurdle without valid reason will not be eligible to pass the subject. All required written work must be submitted in order to pass the subject. | Throughout the teaching period | N/A |
Additional details
Essays submitted after the due date without an extension will be penalised 2% per day. Essays submitted after two weeks of the assessment due date without a formally approved application for special consideration or an extension will only be marked on a pass/fail basis if accepted.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
Not available in 2020
Time commitment details
170 hours
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
- Subject notes
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Specialisation (formal) Art History Specialisation (formal) Art History Specialisation (formal) Art History Specialisation (formal) Art History Informal specialisation PD-ARTS Art History - Links to additional information
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Additional information for this subject
Subject coordinator approval required
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 3 November 2022