Theory and analysis of art history and aesthetics teaching practices [ LARKE2920 ]

The seminar is organized in alternation with the internships and presupposes attendance at general and field-specific didactic courses.

By the end of the course, students will be able:
- to reflect critically on their practical internship experience in connection with the theories developed during general and discipline specific didactics courses;
- to give a historical overview (focussing on the 20th century) of the modalities of the different conceptions of art history and its teaching: critical description of procedures, the principles on which they are based, and the methods used in elaborating the contents of the discipline. To bring students to an awareness of the epistemological issues related to the aims of courses in art history.

 Assessment will partially be based on seminar participation and a written report. Criteria for the final exam will be clearly defined by each lecturer and made explicit for the students. Individual written assignment elaborated progressively and discussed during seminar meetings. Interview to discuss the assignment.

The seminar is a privileged point of interface allowing students to: - compare their mutual experiences and take a critical distance from the practical observations and projects carried out during their internships; - analyse the pedagogical practices observed and/or put into practice during their observation and teaching internships; - develop the use of conceptual reference and analysis frameworks in order to take a fresh approach to their teaching practices, thus improving their effectiveness; - acquire a method of analysis for the pedagogical situations experienced in view of transposing it onto future practices. To approach the elaboration of art history as an evolutionary process developed across the centuries through different conceptions. Ways of understanding art are determined by the socio-cultural conditions of an epoch and by the evolution of stages in human knowledge. To give a historical survey of the different conceptions of art history while establishing a critical commentary of the changes in mindset linked to the evolution of our vision of the world. To bring to light and compare the methodological principles at the basis of art historical theories.

The lecturers will consult with the internship director in order to ensure (the smooth-functioning of) this alternation.Course Materials : Course notes and reading folder.