History of Art and Visual Culture
The established strengths of the discipline of art history in formal, iconographic and contextual analysis in the History Faculty's Department of the History of Art are being linked to a rigorous approach to questions of theory and method. The subjects of visual history are being redefined on a broad base to include a much wider range of artefacts and visual media. Images and objects produced in many contexts – ranging from the scientific to the popular – are being brought together to show how visual styles at different times and in different places can be understood in relation to the aesthetic, intellectual and social facets of various cultures.Master of Studies (M.St.) in History of Art and Visual Culture
This course offers a unique combination of methodological depth and access to magnificent primary sources. It is valuable both in its own right, and as a first step towards one of the research degrees of M.Litt. or D.Phil. Students wishing to proceed to the DPhil will be encouraged to develop their master’s and doctoral proposals in tandem during the first few months, so that they will be well placed to make doctoral applications in the spring. All students will be encouraged to attend some of the department’s and faculty’s many advanced research seminars and training opportunities. The admission of any candidate for further study at Oxford will depend on his/her overall performance in the master’s programme, together with the viability of any proposed research topic and the availability of appropriate supervision at Oxford.Teaching and examination comprises three elements:
- Theories and Methods in the History of Art: This compulsory methodology paper is taught in a class and lecture series during Michaelmas and Hilary Terms. It is assessed through a take-home examination comprising three short essays at the end of Trinity Term.
- One Option Paper: These papers are normally taught in small classes during Michaelmas and Hilary Terms. Assessment is through two extended essays of between 4,000 and 5,000 words each. Some of the option papers will not be available every year, and new ones may be added. Prospective students should check on the availability of specific courses during the application process.
- A dissertation: In Trinity Term students complete independently, under the guidance of an expert supervisor, a dissertation of up to 15,000 words on an topic of the student's choice and approved by the supervisor and the chairman of examiners for the programme.
Programmes
- Research degrees (by thesis only)
- Master of Letters (M.Litt.)
- Doctor of Philosophy (D.Phil.)