Culture and Society 1850-1920

Aim

On completion of the course, the student should have acquired - knowledge of the development of western culture and its interactive relation to the other countries during the period from around 1850 until around 1920, - ability to analyse cultural and social phenomena and processes during the period from around 1850 until around 1920, - ability to analyse, interpret and evaluate fictional texts, images, objects of art and buildings in their historical and aesthetic context, - understanding of what a critical and analytical approach means, and be able to apply this on interpretations and explanations relevant to the period from around 1850 until around 1920, - understanding of how choices of perspective based on class, gender and diversity, influence our understanding of an era.

Content

History, 4.5 HE credits: This module contains a general study of events and social progress in a global perspective from around 1850 until around 1920. Sweden and Scandinavia's role in the general development are reflected, as well as these countries' specific development during the period. Art History and Visual Communication, 6 HE credits: This module contains a general study of the history and aesthetics of visual art, photography, mass-produced images and architecture during the formulation period of modernism. Important independent artistic actions and group formations from impressionism to surrealism are covered, as well as the different theoretical conditions of the art movements and the importance of technical development for architecture and urban development. Literature, 4.5 HE credits: This module covers western literature history from realism until symbolism and late naturalism.