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

This unit traces global developments in art and material culture through a series of case studies focusing on the fifteenth to eighteenth centuries. The unit is not a survey of global art but instead concentrates on the increasing globalisation and its impact on the production and reception of art across different cultures in Latin America, South and East Asia, Africa and Europe. Exploring issues such as national vs transnational, cultural encounter, ethnography, cross-cultural exchange and cultural transfer (acculturation, transculturation, hybridization, etc.), this unit critically investigates what constitutes ‘globalisation' and the ‘global' in art and culture. Simultaneously, we will survey current theoretical and historiographical discourses regarding Global art history or World art history and critically revaluate art history as a (Western) discipline. The unit is designed to stimulate critical thinking and writing, shape research skills and develop the capacity to speak to multiple audiences.

Credit
6 points
Offering
AvailabilityLocationMode
Not available in 2025UWA (Perth)Face to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 2 option in the History of Art; Art History and Curatorial Studies major sequences
  • Level 2 elective
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) recognise key concepts in the globalisation of art and material culture; (2) describe global developments in art and material culture; (3) critically analyse the latest scholarship in global and world art history; (4) compare contemporary understandings of globalisation to earlier phenomena; and (5) develop a compelling, coherent and well-structured argument in a written paper.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) short essay; (2) long essay; 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)
Arvi Wattel
Unit rules
Prerequisites
HART1000 Great Moments in Art
or HART1003 Ways of Seeing: Themes and Theories in Art
Contact hours
Up to 3 hours 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.