Studying online
There are now 2 possible online modes for units:
Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.
Click on an offering mode for more details.
Unit Overview
- Description
Tracking the shifting notion of both the citizen and the 'self', this unit explores the complex history of the nineteenth century through the lens of the portrait. By analysing visual representations and their social reception, the unit employs portraiture as both a fulcrum and foil for understanding the role of the individual in nineteenth century society. How does portraiture respond to political and cultural changes? Who is portrayed and for what audience? What is the role of the 'real' in portraiture of the nineteenth century? Implicit in this analysis is a consideration of the artist-as-individual and the personal and political stakes of self-portraiture. The nineteenth century witnessed a dramatic change in the reception and creation of portraits; by analysing the self as the subject, observer and producer of images, the unit explores how the individual evolved from an Enlightenment ideal to a 'modern subject' over the course of the nineteenth century.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
Availability Location Mode Not available in 2025 UWA (Perth) Face to face - Details for undergraduate courses
- Level 3 option in the History of Art; Art History and Curatorial Studies major sequences
- Level 3 elective
- Outcomes
Students are able to (1) analyse the theories and formal conventions of portraiture; (2) articulate how the political and philosophical definition of the individual changed over the course of the nineteenth century in Europe; (3) integrate knowledge about the evolving definition of the individual into an historical and formal analysis of portraiture in the nineteenth century; (4) employ effective research skills, including the use of primary and secondary materials; (5) construct a compelling and well-structured argument in a written paper; (6) demonstrate critical thought and cogent analysis through oral communication; and (7) engage critically with pertinent texts to make historic and theoretical arguments.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) short essay; (2) research paper; and (3) oral assessment. Further information is available in the unit outline.
Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Unit Coordinator(s)
- Associate Professor Emily Brink
- Unit rules
- Prerequisites
- at least one Level 2 unit from the History of Art major sequence
- Incompatibility
- VISA3333 Special Unit: The Shifting Subject: Portraiture in Nineteenth-century Europe
- Contact hours
- lectures: 2 hours per week
tutorials: 1 hour per week
- The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
- All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
- Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
- Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.
Face to face
Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.
Online flexible
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online timetabled
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online Restricted
Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.
NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.
External
No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.
Off-campus
Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.
Multi-mode
Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.