• To demystify language orthodoxies
• To encourage effective use of language
• To develop and understanding of appropriateness in the use of language
• To address the cultural politics of criticism
• To develop an understanding of relevant theory
• To extend knowledge of the practice of criticism

Objectives

By the end of the module, the student should have

• Met with a number of models of writing and criticism
• Analysed a range of critical and theoretical texts
• Participated in group discussion and the exchange of ideas and interpretations
• Produced a critical review
• Produced a piece of discursive writing, identifying type of publication and readership and identifying critical framework and methodologies
• Shown the ability to write cogently and purposefully

Indicative Content

• Introduction: Attitudes to Language
• The Craft of Writing
• Style and Context
• Theory and the New Art History
• Authorship: Readers/Audiences
• Deconstruction: The Openness of Language
• The New Non-Fiction
• Feminist Criticism
• Analysis and Psychoanalysis
• Art Criticism and the Media
  

Indicative Reading List

Araeen, R., Cubitt, S. and Sardar, Z. The Third Text Reader on Art and Cultural Theory, 2002
Barnet, S. A Short Guide to Writing about Art, 1993
Barry, P, Beginning Theory, 1995
Bauer, L and Trudgill, p. eds. Language Myths, 1998
Blamires, H. The Penguin Guide to Good English, 2000
Chambers, E. and Northedge, A. The Arts Good Study Guide, 1997
Collings, M. Blimey: From Bohemia to Britpop, 1997
Cobley, P. and Jansz, L. Introducing Semiotics, 1999
Crystal, D. The Encyclopaedia of Language, 2nd ed. 1997
Crystal, D. The English Language, 1998
Culler, J. A Very Short Introduction to Literary Theory, 1997
Deepwell, K.New Feminist Art Criticism: Critical Strategies, 1995
Eco, U. The Open Work, 1989
Capote, T. In Cold Blood, 1965
Durracott, Art Criticism: A User’s Guide, 1991
Gee, M. Art Criticism Since 1900, 1993
Goddard, A. and Patterson, L. Language and Gender, 2000
Harris, J. The New Art History: A Critical Introduction, 2001
Harrison, C. and Frascina, F. Art in Theory 1815-1900, 1998
Harrison, C. and Frascina, F. Art in Theory 1900-2000, 2003
Irvine Fine Arts Gallery, The Theatre of Refusal: Black Art and Mainstream Criticism, 1993
Lupton, E. Design Writing Research: Writing on Graphic Design, 1996
Mailer, N. et Al, Armies of the Night, 1968
Michelson, A. et al. October: the First Decade, 1987
Modern Painters, Writers on Artists, 2001
Murray, C. Key Writers in Art: The Nineteenth Century, 2003
Murray, C. Key Writers in Art: The Twentieth Century, 2003
Norris, C. Deconstruction: Theory and Practice, Revised ed. 1991
Parrish, T. The Grouchy Grammarian, 2002
Piper, A. Selected Writings in Art Criticism 1967-1992
Pollock, G. Differencing the Canon: Feminist Desire and the Writing of Art Histories, 1999
Sewell, B. The Reviews that Caused the Rumpus and other pieces, 1994
Spencer, J. The Art History Study Guide, 1996
Steyn, J. Writing Art, 1995
Trask, R.L. Mind the Gaffe: The Penguin Guide to Common Errors in English, 2001
Trask, R.L. and Mayblin, B. Introducing Linguistics, 2000
Trask, R.L. The Penguin Guide to Punctuation, 1997

Periodicals and Newspapers
Artforum, Art Monthly, Blueprint, Creative Review, Contemporary, Eye, Fashion Theory,
Frieze, G2, Guardian, Independent and Times Supplements, Make, Mute, October, Third Text.