KUN4030 – Methods and the History of Art History
Course content
The course is based on an analysis and critical discussion of recent theoretical developments within the field of art history.
Topics covered are the relationship between sign and image, the gaze and the body, theories of performativity, the cultural and iconic turn within art history, as well as recent interpretative theories.
The course is taught in English in the autumn semester 2025.
Learning outcome
By completing this course, you will:
- Gain in-depth knowledge of recent art history's scientific and artistic theories and methods, as well as develop the ability to analyze and critically approach these.
- Be able to independently apply these theories and methods in your own master's thesis.
- Practice your ability to write.
Admission to the course
Registered students must apply each semester in order to be admitted and register for the exam in Studentweb.
To be admitted to this course, you must be a student in Curating, Criticism and the Heritage of Modernism (field of study) or Art History and Visual Studies (field of study).
If you are not registered at UiO, you can apply for admission to our study programs.
Teaching
Teaching consists of ten three-hour sessions, divided into lectures and seminar teaching.
To be able to take part in the exam, you must have completed and approved the following mandatory activities:
- Attendance of a minimum of 70% of the classes.
If you are absent for more than the permitted limit, you must apply for a valid absence.
Approved mandatory activity is valid for the semester in which it is approved, as well as the next two times the course is taught.
Examination
3-day home exam. Your answer should be 6-7 pages à 2,300 characters, not including spaces, bibliography, illustrations and notes.
You submit your answer in the Inspera exam system. Read about how to submit. You must familiarize yourself with the login and submission method well in advance of the submission deadline.
When writing an assignment, you are required to familiarize yourself with the rules for using sources and references. If you violate the rules, you may be suspected of cheating/attempted cheating. See an example of how to reference correctly.
All mandatory teaching activities must be before you will be allowed to take part in the exam.
Tidligere eksamensoppgaver - Universitetet i Oslo
Language of examination
You may submit your response in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English. If you would prefer to have the exam text in English, you may apply to the course administrators.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- How to use AI as a student
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.