75839 - Seminar (1) (G-C)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the seminar (an activity closely related to the objectives of the degree course), the student will acquire specific skills and knowledge to address linguistic, philological, literary, historical, and artistic themes and problems.

Course contents

Women Artists, a neglected chapter (16th–20th century)

The seminar aims to explore - through the active participation of students - an entire ‘chapter’ in art history that remains largely overlooked and substantially absent from textbooks: art produced by women. Although research in this field has been shedding light on the topic for decades (a foundational moment being the exhibition Women Artists: 1550-1950, curated by Linda Nochlin and Ann Sutherland Harris in 1976 at the Los Angeles County Museum, followed by countless studies), many women artists still remain in the shadows, so to speak, or risk, due to overexposure, being reduced to clichés. Well-known examples, whose fame is also linked to particularly moving biographies, include Artemisia Gentileschi and Frida Kahlo.

The seminar's goal is to understand the reasons behind the difficulties women artists have faced in different historical contexts and to examine the work of some prominent figures.

In the first week, the historical reasons that hindered women from undertaking artistic activity will be explored in depth, particularly those related to the training of artists and the system of the Fine Arts Academies. The exception represented by Bologna - a university city that was particularly open and more favorable to women’s artistic work already in the early modern period (16th–17th century) - will also be taken into consideration.

In the second week, we will consider several women artists active in different regions between the 16th and 20th centuries.

During this first part of the seminar, working groups will be formed. Each group will focus on an artist, a movement, or a work, choosing the topic in agreement with the teacher. The results of this research will be presented and discussed collectively in class.

Following this introductory phase, a presentation schedule will be set starting from the third week.

In addition to the in-class presentation, students will be required to submit a written paper (approx. 20,000 characters /4,000 words) either on the topic presented or on another one, chosen in agreement with the teacher, in order to pass the course.

The paper must be submitted 15 days before the exam session in which the student intends to enroll.

Note: The maximum number of participants is 30.

Interested students must register via email addressed to the instructor with the subject line: ISCRIZIONE AL SEMINARIO.

 

Students with SLD or temporary or permanent disabilities

It is suggested that they get in touch as soon as possible with the relevant University office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en) and with the lecturer in order to seek together the most effective strategies for following the lessons and/or preparing for the examination.

 

 

Readings/Bibliography

At the beginning of the seminar, sources and bibliography useful for the discussion and for selecting topics for the students' work will be discussed.

Here are some suggested readings (novels, memoirs):

Anna Banti Artemisia (first edition 1947)

M. Mazzucco, L'architettrice, Torino, Einaudi 2019

E. Vigée-Lebrun, Ricordi dall'Italia , Palermo , Sellerio, 1990 (or later editions)

Teaching methods

Lectures supported by PowerPoint presentations and seminar-based activities.

Assessment methods

Attendance is mandatory for at least 12 out of 15 sessions.

The course will be considered successfully completed upon the presentation of group work results and the submission of an individual paper on a topic agreed upon with the teacher. The paper must be at least 20,000 characters / 4,000 words in length (including notes, bibliography, and images). It should demonstrate a critical understanding of the topics covered in class and in the assigned readings, as well as an appropriate level of expression and coherent structure.

In addition to lecture notes, students are expected to use the texts listed in the bibliography and other materials discussed with the instructor or in class.

Guidelines for writing the paper will be available on the “Virtuale” platform.
The paper must be submitted both as a printed copy (to be delivered to the Department) and by email, at least 15 days prior to the exam date.

Teaching tools

Power Point presentations provided by the teacher.

Office hours

See the website of Sonia Cavicchioli