University of Leeds, BA (Hons), Fine Art

Level 1: Studio practice comprises of 4 x 5 week project periods, each led by different members of staff; in art history there is a questioning of modes of representation with the 'A story of art?', a series of 4 short modules providing a critical examination of the way art and visual culture, from the primitive through classical and medieval, to the modern and post-modern, has been perceived, interpreted and often misinterpreted; secondly, through the elements of visual culture modules, students are introduced to various ways in which the history and theory of art connect with the actual practice of art, close-reading texts and theorising visual art and culture with a view to enhancing their own self-directed learning in both written and practical contexts. Level 2: Comprises of 50% studio practice with the remaining half of study being a combination of art history and elective modules; electives are chosen by the student from a large array of university wide modules, though additional modules in art history or studio practice can be undertaken. Level 3: 2 options: model 'A' weighted towards studio practice and model 'B' towards art history/theory; both options include studio and critical theory modules; the critical studies/theory module ('practice in context') explores how art is presented and historicised and builds upon the history and theory developed in levels 1 and 2; this provides a framework in which students contextualise their own studio work within contemporary art practice and theory; this could be presented using a wide variety of traditional methods or new media technologies e.g. from written texts to web sites; whilst option 'A' allows the scope to fully develop a critically engaged studio practice, option 'B' allows particular students to develop their art history and theory interests to a greater level than ever before.