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Objects in Focus (History of Art) - HOA00007C

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  • Department: History of Art
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: C
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25

Module summary

In this module, you will study a discrete art historical topic in a sustained and cumulative way, through a combination of lectures, seminars, research, and close looking at objects.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2024-25

Module aims

In this module, you will study a discrete art historical topic in a sustained and cumulative way, through a series of close-looking exercises and focused research. Through sustained engagement with a small group of images, objects, buildings, or films, you will develop a multi-faceted, rich understanding, explored from various perspectives. Where most of the modules in Stage 1 develop broad art-historical knowledge and skills that enable you to progress to further study, Objects in Focus directly introduces you to the more in-depth, research-intensive nature of the modules at Stages 2 and 3, which increasingly focus on specific topics that deepen your levels of knowledge and understanding. This module aims to also think about the way in which research informs different types of writing about art objects, and how complex art historical ideas can be communicated to different types of audiences.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should have acquired:

  • A detailed knowledge of a clearly defined art historical subject

  • A critical knowledge of its literature

  • Experience of the diverse and multifaceted nature of art historical enquiry

  • The ability to communicate the above to a wide variety of audiences

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Module feedback

You will receive feedback on assessed work within the timeframes set out by the University - please check the Guide to Assessment, Standards, Marking and Feedback for more information.

The purpose of feedback is to help you to improve your future work. If you do not understand your feedback or want to talk about your ideas further, you are warmly encouraged to meet your Supervisor during their Office Hours.

Indicative reading

  • Archer, Mildred. Early Views of India: The Picturesque Journeys of Thomas and William Daniel. New York: Thames and Hudson, 1980.
  • Christie’s London. India Observed: The P&O Collection of Watercolours of India by Thomas Daniell, R.A. and William Daniels, R.A. London: Christie’s, 1996. Auction catalog.
  • The Daniells in India. Washington D.C.: Smithsonian Publications, 1962.
  • Goswamy, B. N. Daniells’ India: Views from the 18th Century. New Delhi: Niyogi Books, 2013.
  • Hardie, M. and Clayton, M. “Thomas and William Daniell: Their Life and Work”. Walker’s Quarterly no. 35-36, 1932: 3-34.
  • Martinelli, Antonio and George Michel. Oriental Scenery: Aquatints by Thomas and William Daniel. n.p., 1998.
  • Prior, Katherine. An Illustrated Journey Round the World by Thomas, William & Samuel Daniell. London: Folio Society, 2007.
  • Shellim, Maurice. The Daniells in India: The Waterfall at Papanasam. Calcutta: The Statesman, 1970.
  • Sutton, Thomas. The Daniells: Artists and Travellers. London: The Bodley Head, 1954.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.