European Art & Absolute Power 1660-1815 (AHIS30003)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

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Semester 1
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This subject examines the visual culture of Europe in the period 1660–1815, from the reign of Louis XIV of France to the end of the Napoleonic wars. We will consider several significant centres of power in France, England, Italy and the Holy Roman Empire to study how powerful political, religious, social and cultural factors shaped changes in the production, patronage and reception of images, objects and buildings.

We will also consider how European contact with cultures around the globe led to a fascination with the foreign other that indelibly shaped European visual culture at this time. Close study of artworks in local collections – including paintings, prints, furniture, ceramics, glass, metalwork and textiles – will explore how these objects were deployed in the construction of social identity in the courts and cities of eighteenth-century Europe.

Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of the subject, students should be able to:

  • Analyse the visual and material characteristics of an eighteenth-century artwork and relate this to the social context of its production
  • Explain the contexts in which 18th century art was produced across Europe in many centres
  • Employ critical and analytical skills appropriate to the study of the art of European eighteenth-century art
  • Compare different centres of power in France, England, Italy and the Holy Roman Empire and explain how powerful political, religious, social and cultural factors shaped changes in the production, patronage and reception of images, objects and buildings
  • Discuss how European contact with cultures around the globe led to a fascination with the foreign other that indelibly shaped European visual culture at this time
  • Examine artworks in local collections – including paintings, prints, furniture, ceramics, glass, metalwork and textiles – and argue how these objects were deployed in the construction of social identity in the courts and cities of eighteenth-century Europe.

Generic skills

At the completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • Research through the competent use of the library and other information sources, and be able to define areas of inquiry and methods of research in the preparation of essays
  • Conceptualise theoretical problems, form judgements and arguments and communicate critically, creatively and theoretically through essay writing, tutorial discussion and presentations
  • Communicate knowledge intelligibly and economically through essay writing and tutorial discussion
  • Manage and organise workloads for recommended reading, the completion of essays and assignments and examination revision
  • Participate in team work through involvement in syndicate groups and group discussions.

Last updated: 9 April 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

None

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: 9 April 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

A short essay of 1,000 words, together with a 700-word annotated bibliography. Students are welcome to turn it in earlier

  • 1700 words (total)
Week 645%

A research essay proposal

  • 300 words
Hurdle requirement: The 300-word essay proposal must be completed in order to pass the subject.		Week 105%

A final research essay

  • 2000 words
During the examination period50%
Hurdle requirement: 1. Attendance hurdle requirement: This subject has a minimum requirement of 80% attendance at tutorials, seminars, or workshops. There is an expectation that students attend lectures.Throughout the teaching periodN/A
Hurdle requirement: 2. Late Penalty and Assessment hurdle requirement: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at five per cent (5%) of the possible marks available for the assessment task per day or part thereof. All pieces of assessment must be submitted to pass the subject. Each submitted assessment must be complete, constitute a genuine attempt to address the requirements of the task and will not be accepted after 20 University business days from the original assessment due date without written approval. Throughout the semesterN/A

Last updated: 9 April 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 1
    CoordinatorMatthew Martin
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hoursTotal 30 hours: 12 x 1-hour lecture and a 1.5-hour tutorial per week throughout semester.
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period 3 March 2025 to 1 June 2025
    Last self-enrol date14 March 2025
    Census date31 March 2025
    Last date to withdraw without fail 9 May 2025
    Assessment period ends27 June 2025

    Semester 1 contact information

    mmartin1@unimelb.edu.au

Time commitment details

170 hours

What do these dates mean

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  • Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
  • And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
       -  Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
     

    Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.

Last updated: 9 April 2025

Further information

Last updated: 9 April 2025