Art Theory is a compulsory course in the degree in Art History, taught in the second semester of the 3rd year. It is part of the module 'Theory, Iconography, and Sources of Art History,' which includes courses of a theoretical, methodological, and instrumental nature. The course actively contributes to achieving the appropriate competency level for a graduate in terms of developing a complex discourse, the ability to reflect, and the appropriate use (from a disciplinary methodological perspective) of documentary sources, original texts and updated bibliography for each of the topics covered in the program. Fundamental disciplinary issues such as the nature and condition of art, the artist, and the artwork are addressed, developing both synchronic and diachronic analyses in conjunction with other subjects that comprise the mentioned module.

Art Theory and Iconography module competencies:

CM01: Ability to develop a complex and coherent discourse from a methodological and content perspective appropriate to the undergraduate level.

CM03: Ability to conduct critical analyses of texts and other material documents considered basic sources, corresponding to different periods and geographical frameworks.

CM04: Ability to assimilate complex concepts to construct a necessary theoretical apparatus for understanding the artwork in its complexity.

CM05: Ability to apply the fundamental principles of Art Theory, History of Aesthetics, and Iconography to the study and conservation of historical-artistic heritage and to museology.

Course Competencies: (G003, G005, G006, G007) (CM01, CM03, CM04, CM05)

- Be able to define the relationship between the artistic fact and contemporary theoretical discourse in the context of Western Europe, considering its specific sociocultural, ideological, and political characteristics.

- Be able to incorporate the elements and arguments studied in other courses into the formal and critical analysis of the artwork.

- Be able to use bibliographic and documentary resources.

- Be able to establish an elaborate and critical discourse both in group and individually and to effectively communicate the conclusions reached.

- Be able to develop an autonomous and efficient work both in the cooperative work environment and independently.

Learning Outcomes of the Course:

- The student identifies the main concepts that have developed parallel to creation processes throughout the Art History in the cultural context of Western civilization where they were conceived.

- The student develops the ability to work with complex concepts, applying them in the context of visual arts, in their formal and critical analysis and incorporating elements studied in other courses.

- The student works with, interprets and contextualizes adequately the original documents.

- The student makes an elaborate and critical discourse about artistic creation and its elements (the artist, the artwork, the creation process…), defending it both in a team work context and in front of the professor.

- The student develops a responsible and an autonomous work individually as well as in collaboration for improving results.

Theoretical Contents of the Course:

1.Introduction. Limits and definition of the discipline

2.Fundamental concepts

3.Art. The origin and development of the artistic phenomenon

4.Historical development of Art Theory. Interpretations.

4.1. Art Theory in Antiquity

4.2. Art Theory in the Middle Ages

4.3. Art Theory in the Modern Era

4.4. The 18th Century. The beginning of Modernity

4.5. Theoretical reflection of the 19th Century

4.6. Art Theory in the 20th Century. Key theorists



Practical Contents:

1.A project

2.Critical analysis of original texts

3.A bibliographic work

Teaching-Learning Activities:

- Lectures: The professor will present and work with the students on the fundamental concepts of the subject.

- Mandatory practical sessions:

•In-class sessions:

•Critical analysis of original and significant texts proposed by the professor (individually or in groups).

•Oral presentations by students (based on the work done throughout the semester).

•Teamwork: A Project.

- Out-of-class sessions:

•Sessions in the library and documentary centers.

•Mandatory academic tutoring: Meetings with the professor, both individually and as a team.



Non-classroom work:

Teamwork sessions.

Required readings.

Personal study; preparation for written exams.

• Continuous Assessment System
• Final Assessment System
• Tools and qualification percentages:
  • Written test to be taken (%): 30
  • Realization of Practical Work (exercises, cases or problems) (%): 20
  • Individual works (%): 20
  • Team projects (problem solving, project design)) (%): 30

The assessment outcome reflects the level of achievement of the student for each of the competencies associated with the subject, according to the following criteria:



Specific competencies: G003 G006 CM01 CM03

Written objective test. Percentage of final grade: 30%. Evaluation criteria:



•The accuracy and precision of the answers

•A Clear writing, correct use of written language, systematic organization of arguments, and concise expression

•An Adequate and well-argued development of ideas

•The correct use of concepts

•An effective use of bibliographic and documentary resources

•The knowledge and correct use of specific terminology



Specific competencies: G006 CM01

Individual practical assignments. Percentage of final grade: 20%. Evaluation criteria:

•A relevant and coherent assimilation of specific contents

•The use of appropriate technological resources.

•The use of citations of relevant bibliography and sources.

•Mastery of written language and communicative resources.



Specific competencies: G003 G005 G006 G007 CM01 CM03 CM04 CM05

Critical analysis of texts and documents. Percentage of final grade: 20%. Evaluation criteria:

•Relevant and coherent expression of specific concepts

•The use of citations of relevant bibliography and resources.

•A Clear writing, correct use of written language, systematic organization of arguments, and concise expression



Specific competencies: G003G005 G006 G007 CM01 CM03 CM04 CM05 Teamwork. Percentage of final grade: 30%. Evaluation criteria:

Methodological aspects:

•Correct description of objectives and the appropriate adaptation of the methodology.

•Proactive attitude of all team members.

•Quality of the work plan

•Correct use of documentation and bibliography

•Appropriate use of ICT resources



Content aspects:

•Correct and well-argued development of ideas

•Correct use of fundamental concepts.

•Adequate use of relevant bibliography and documentation and their proper integration into the discourse

•Knowledge of specific terminology



Formal aspects:

•Clear writing, correct use of written language, systematic organization of arguments, and concise expression

•Effective defense of methodology and conclusions

•Clear and structured presentation of work (written and oral)

•Mastery of verbal language and communicative resources.

•Appropriate use of ICT resources



GUIDELINES FOR THE ORDINARY CALL:

•Attendance to class is considered fundamental for effective learning.

•Tutoring, whether individual or group, is considered a fundamental part of the teaching-learning process.

•The student must complete all practical activities proposed by the instructor.

•Evaluable practical activities will be collected on the specified day only.

•Passing the course implies having passed all evaluation items.



The grade for the subject will be obtained from the results of the evaluable practical activities and the written test in the specified percentages.



Students will have the right to be evaluated through the final evaluation system, regardless of whether they have participated in the continuous evaluation system or not. To do this, the student must submit a written waiver to continuous evaluation to the professor responsible for the subject, for which they will have a period of 9 weeks from the beginning of the semester.



Specific information about the regulations: https://www.euskadi.eus/y22-bopv/es/bopv2/datos/2017/03/1701311a.pdf



If a new health emergency situation prevents the development of in-person evaluation tests as described, these will be conducted online, adapting to the mentioned conditions.

In extraordinary calls, the only evaluation system for the course will be the final evaluation, where students will be able to obtain 100% of the grade. The test that will constitute the final evaluation for the extraordinary call will be determined by the professor at the beginning of the academical year. If the practical assignments for the subject have been completed and passed, their grade will be retained (within the same academic year).



Specific information about the regulations: https://www.euskadi.eus/y22-bopv/es/bopv2/datos/2017/03/1701311a.pdf



If a new health emergency situation prevents the development of in-person evaluation tests as described, these will be conducted online, adapting to the mentioned conditions.

The material provided by the professor through the e-gela platform.

Basic bibliography

Barasch, M.: Teorías del arte de Platón a Winckelmann, Alianza, Madrid, 1991

Harrison, Ch. eta Wood, P.J. (ed): Art in Theory 1900-2000: An Anthology of Changing Ideas Blackwell, 2003 ( ed. or. 1992)

Jiménez, J.: Teoría del Arte, Tecnos, Madrid, 2002

Tatarkiewicz, W.: Historia de seis ideas, Tecnos, Madrid, 2002

Chipp, Herrschel B.: Teorías del arte contemporáneo. Fuentes artísticas y opiniones críticas, Madrid: Akal, 1995.

Key Writers on Art. The Twentieth Century, London: Routledge, 2003.

Key Writers on Art. From Antiquity to the Nineteeth Century, London: Routledge, 2003.

MURRAY, Chris (ed.), Pensadores clave sobre el arte: el siglo XX, Madrid: Cátedra, 2006.

In-depth bibliography

It will be specified in each topic

Journals

Anuario del Departamento de Historia y Teoría del Arte, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid: Art history and theory department
Revista de Teoría del Arte, The university of Chile, Faculty of Arts

Web addresses

http://www.artandarchitecture.org.uk/
http://goo.gl/3lzGk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lAjh_JqXAY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVH5vl4NuO8&feature=fvwrel
http://www.asociaciontemenos.org/