DEPARTMENT OF FINE AND APPLIED ARTS
Ph.D. PROGRAMME IN ART HISTORY
2015/2016
Ph.D. PROGRAMME IN ART HISTORY
LIST OF SUPERVISORS
Professors
Oloidi, Ola
BFA, MA (Howard), Ph.D. (Nig.) Art History/ Art Education
Oyeoku, O.K.
BA (Nig.), PGDE (Jos), MA (ABU), Ph.D. (Nig.) Ceramics/ Art Education
Reader
Ikwuemesi, C.K.
BA, MFA, Ph.D. (Nig.) Painting/Art History
Senior Lecturers
Diogu, G.O.
B.A., MFA, Ph.D. (Nig.) Textiles /Art History
Uka, G.O.
B.A., M.A. (Zaria), Ph.D. (Nig.) Visual Comm. / Art History
Onuora, C.
B.A., MFA, Ph.D. (Nig.) Sculpture / Art History
Onuzulike, O.
B.A., MFA, Ph.D. (Nig.) Ceramics / Art History
Okpara, C.V.
B.A., MFA, Ph.D. (Nig.) Painting / Art Education
Obodo, E.C.
B.A., MFA, Ph.D. (Nig.) Sculpture/ Art Education
- PHILOSOPHY
The PhD course in Art History expands the horizon and vision of the knowledge acquired at the MA level. It combines the theories of historiography and interpretation as tools for engaging past and present issues and trends in art to construct a narrative that give meaning to contemporary art practice and knowledge. A sound knowledge in art history equips the students with knowledge, understanding and skills in the formulation and articulation of art principles, theories and historical projects so that they can function effectively as the vanguard for disseminating information as well as promoting African/Nigerian artistic and cultural heritage in relation to world arts studies and the demands of the global village.
- OBJECTIVES
The programme aims expand the student’s vision and to broaden his/her knowledge and perception of issues dealt with at the MA level. The object is to produce world class art historians who can assail the enduring challenges of historiography and art scholarship in Nigeria and Africa. The programme seeks to train individuals read and interpret visual images and art paradigms indices for the study of human civilisation.
- SCOPE
The courses and seminars complement the student’s research and the enabling field work. Through selected special readings and explorative enquiry, historical issues in art are documented, analysed and re-presented as contribution to knowledge. Based on international historiographical and critical theories, the PhD in Art History enables the study of civilisation through the evidence and indices embodied in art and visual culture.
- ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Graduates of the University of Nigeria or of other recognized Universities who obtained the degrees of M.F.A or M.A. degree in Fine and Applied Arts or Art History with a minimum of 3.50 grade point average on a 5- point scale provided satisfactory research formed part of the Master’s degree.
- MODE OF STUDY
The programme involves both course work and comprehensive research to be embodied in a thesis. Holders of M.F.A. degrees will be required to take electives to provide them with the necessary background for successful participation in the Ph.D. programme.
- DURATION OF PROGRAMME
Full-Time: 2 Calendar years minimum; 5 Calendar years maximum.
Part-Time: 3 Calendar years minimum; 6 Calendar years maximum.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Apart from the potential for self-employment, students who successfully complete the programme may be employed in the following establishments, among others:
- National Commission for Museums and Monuments.
- National Gallery of Art.
- National Arts Council.
- Universities, Polytechnics, Colleges of Education, Art Academies, Secondary Schools and Primary Schools.
- Federal/State Ministries.
- Local Government Authorities.
- Foreign Embassies.
- Television Houses.
- Auction houses
- Urban planning authorities.
AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION
Students may choose to specialise in the following areas:
Traditional African Art
Modern African Art
Asian/Oriental Art
Western Art
African-American Art
STRESS AREAS
Seminar
Traditional African Art Modern Africa n Art Western Art Pre-Columbia, Near and Far Eastern Art African-American Art Art Theory and Criticism Dissertation/Thesis |
0
1 2 3 4 5 6 9 |
LIST OF COURSES
Students may wish to specialize in the art of any region of the world as outlined below. Students take course work in the first year of their study
TRADITIONAL AFRICAN ART
FIRST SEMESTER
Major Courses
Course Code Course Title Unit
PGC 701 Grants and Synopsis Writing
FAH 601 Doctoral Seminar I FAH 611 African Art and Islam II FAH 613 African Art: Typology, Function and Aesthetics II FAH 615 African Art: Studies in Iconography II FAH 617 Masking Traditions in Africa II FAH 619 Nigerian Traditional Art II |
3
3 2 3 3 2 2 |
Ancillary Course
FAH 661 Techniques in Art Criticism |
2 |
Total | 18 |
SECOND SEMESTER
FAH 662
FAH 602 FAH 692
|
Art and Politics
Doctoral Seminar II Thesis Total |
2
3 12 17 |
MODERN AFRICAN ART
FIRST SEMESTER
Major Courses
Course Code Course Title Unit
PGC 701 Grants and Synopsis Writing
FAH 601 Doctoral Seminar I FAH 621 Contemporary African Art II FAH 623 Modern Nigerian Art of the Colonial Period II |
3
3 2 2 |
FAH 625 Modern Nigerian Art of the Post Colonial Period II
FAH 627 Theories in Modern African Art II FAH 629 Special Readings in Modern Art of Africa and the African Diaspora II |
2
2
2 |
Ancillary Course
FAH 661 Techniques in Art Criticism |
2 |
Total 18
SECOND SEMESTER
FAH 662 Art and Politics
FAH 602 Doctoral Seminar II FAH 692 Thesis Total |
2
3 12 17 |
WESTERN ART
FIRST SEMESTER
Major Courses
Course Code Course Title Unit
PGC 701 Grants and Synopsis Writing
FAH 601 Doctoral Seminar I |
3Units
3 |
|||
FAH 631 Western Art from the 17th to 19th Centuries II FAH 633 Readings in 20th Century Western Art II FAH 635 Special Readings in Renaissance Art FAH 637 Art and Culture in the Middle Ages FAH 639 Readings in Contemporary Western Art Ancillary Course |
2 2 2 2 2
|
|||
FAH 661 Techniques in Art Criticism
Total |
2
18 |
|||
SECOND SEMESTER
FAH 662 Art and Politics FAH 602 Doctoral Seminar II |
2 3 |
FAH 692 Thesis | 12 |
Total | 17 |
PRE-COLUMBIA, NEAR AND FAR EASTERN ART
FIRST SEMESTER
Major Courses
Course Code Course Title Unit
PGC 701 Grants and Synopsis Writing
FAH 601 Doctoral Seminar I 3 FAH 641 Art of Oceania, Pre-Columbia and North/Central America II |
3
2 |
|
FAH 643 Art of Asia-Minor II
FAH 645 Oriental Art Traditions II FAH 647 Japanese Art II FAH 649 Chinese Art II |
2
2 2 2 |
|
Ancillary Course
FAH 661 Techniques in Art Criticism |
2 |
Total 18
SECOND SEMESTER
FAH 662 Art and Politics
FAH 602 Doctoral Seminar II FAH 692 Thesis Total |
2
3 12 17 |
AFRICAN-AMERICAN ART
FIRST SEMESTER
Major Courses
Course Code Course Title Unit
PGC 701 Grants and Synopsis Writing
FAH 601 Doctoral Seminar I FAH 651 Readings in Contemporary African-American Art FAH 653 African-American Art in American History FAH 655 African-American Art of the 19th Century |
3Units
2 2 2 2 |
FAH 657 Art and Resistance in African-American History
FAH 659 Special Readings in African-American Art |
2
2 |
Ancillary Course
FAH 661 Techniques in Art Criticism 2
Total | 18 |
SECOND SEMESTER
FAH 662 Art and Politics
FAH 602 Doctoral Seminar II FAH 692 Thesis |
2
3 12 |
Total 17
ELECTIVES:
MFA holders enrolled for Ph.D. in Art History will be required to take any two of the following courses in addition to the main courses outlined above:
FAH 554 Advanced Research Methods in Art History
FAH 555 Special Readings in World Art FAH 524 Special Readings in Modern Art of Africa and the African Diaspora I |
2
2
2 |
COURSE DESCRIPTION
GENERAL COURSES
FAH 601: Doctoral Seminar I 3 units Each student is expected to present a minimum of one seminar per semester. Seminars are to address a wide range of issues emanating from the student’s research and relating to issues in art practice in his/her environment and elsewhere.
FAH 661 Techniques in Art Criticism 2 units This course takes the students through techniques and methods available in the art of art criticism. It emphasises interface between art history and criticism, especially how art criticism feeds the discourse of history. Students are expected to complete practical writing projects as a way of developing their critical skills.
FAH 602 Doctoral Seminar II 3 units
Each student is expected to present a minimum of one seminar per semester. Seminars are to address a wide range of issues emanating from the student’s research and relating to issues in art practice in his/her environment and elsewhere.
TRADITIONAL AFRICAN ART
FAH 611 African Art and Islam II 2 units
The course investigates the spread and influence of Islam on traditional African art forms and their evolution over different epochs.
FAH 613 African Art: Typology, Function and Aesthetics II 3 units
This course studies the types and functions of art in the native or traditional context and how vernacular aesthetic taste and judgements shaped the making and uses of art.
FAH 615 African Art: Studies in Iconography II 3 units
The focus here is on the form, nature and signification of art in Africa. There is a central concern with theory of meaning and how form and content give concretise and convey idea.
FAH 617 Masking Traditions in Africa II 2 units
Various masking traditions are studied in this course. Students are encouraged to compare forms and significations of masks and how they related to one another within and outside the local context.
FAH 619 Nigerian Traditional Art II 2 units
The rich art traditions of Nigeria, especially in the precolonial era are studied within the cultural contexts in which they were made and used. The connection between art and religion in the traditional context is highlighted.
MODERN AFRICAN ART
FAH 621 Contemporary African Art II 2 units
Issues in contemporary African Art and how they affect artists and art practice are discussed. Students are guided through seminars and research to explores selected topics and problems.
FAH 623 Modern Nigerian Art of the Colonial Period II 2 units
The focus in this course is on works of pioneers of modern Nigerian artist in the colonial period and how they set the stage for the development of Nigerian modernism.
FAH 625 Modern Nigerian Art of the Post Colonial Period II 2 units
The paradigmatic shifts in the Nigerian art of the post independence and post war periods are central in this course. Special attention is paid to the cultural re-awakening that informed the works of the artists of this periods.
FAH 627 Theories in Modern African Art II 2 units
Students are taken through different theoretical frameworks relevant to the demands of historiography. A practical approach that emphasise writing techniques is encouraged.
FAH 629 Special Readings in Modern Art of Africa
and the African Diaspora II 2 units
A survey of style and topical issues and events in modern African art. The course focuses on (a) Impact of change through colonialism and urbanization, style, form, functions, materials and techniques, visual expression and institutional patronage; (b) The impact of formal system of education
WESTERN ART
FAH 631 Western Art from the 17th to 19th Centuries II 2 units
Major artists of this era are studied with a view to interrogating and appreciating the aesthetic and general trends of the time and how they shaped the history of art.
FAH 633 Readings in 20th Century Western Art II 2 units
The course will focus on the stylistic and paradigmatic shifts that characterised and impacted the development of art and visual expressions in the 20th century, through the study of artists, materials, techniques, and institutional and other patronage.
FAH 635 Art and Culture in the Middle Ages 2 units
The artists, institutions and major influences of the Dark Ages are critically examined in light of the hopes that followed in the proto-Renaissance and the re-awakening that blossomed in the Renaissance through the works of major artists of the period.
FAH 637 Special Readings in Renaissance Art 2 units
The course will focus on the stylistic developments in the art and architecture of the Renaissance and how they impacted on humanism and the amelioration of the human condition. Major artists, patrons and other factors that characterised the Renaissance are studied and analysed.
FAH 639 Readings in Contemporary Western Art 2 units
In light of the fact that contemporary experience is in a flux, students are encouraged to study, analyse and compare artists and trends as they are shaped by socio-political forces in the Western geography of the present.
PRE-COLUMBIA, NEAR AND FAR EASTERN ART
FAH 641 Art of Oceania, Pre-Columbia and North/Central America II 2 units This advanced course examines selected aspects of the arts of Oceania, pre-Columbian and North/Central American in order to understand their forms, styles and content. Written projects will be required.
FAH 643 Art of Asia-Minor II 2 units From and advanced perspective, selected art traditions are used as a focus of study in evaluating the range of quality of the arts of India, Japan, China, etc. The relevance of cosmology to the understanding of artistic imagery is relevant to the course.
FAH 645 Oriental Art Traditions II 2 units Selected art traditions of the Oriental Civilization, their range and types; style and techniques. The formal categories will be studied in the context of their prevailing iconography as well as aesthetic system. At this level, a broader and more critical approach is necessary.
FAH 647 Japanese Art II 2 units
A study of history, style, techniques and meaning is studied with emphasis on painting, textiles, ceramics, and graphics, including manga.
FAH 649 Chinese Art II 2 units This involves the study of history, style, technique and meaning of aspects of Chinese art in different/selected epochs.
AFRICAN-AMERICAN ART
FAH 651 Readings in Contemporary African-American Art 2 units Special topics will be selected and engaged by students on trends and issues in African American art of today
FAH 653 African-American Art in American History 2 units
The history of slavery and how it changed the course of American history is discussed. And within that context, how did the activities of slaves give rise to the development of Black art in the context of American history.
FAH 655 African-American Art of the 19th Century 2 units
This course studies the works and activities of selected African-American artists of this period with a view to appreciating their role and place in the build up to the artistic advancements of the 20th century.
FAH 657 Art and Resistance in African-American History 2 units
The history of slavery is steeped in resistance the struggle for emancipation at various levels. Within this context, the role of art and artists in that struggle is the focus of this course. Selected artists are used as basis to discuss the connection of art and politics in the social sphere.
FAH 659 Special Readings in African-American Art 2 units
Selected literature on the development of African American art are studied by students individually and in groups to enable them gain further insight into the relevant issues and discourses in the area.
ELECTIVES:
MFA holders enrolled for Ph.D. in Art History will be required to take any two of the following courses:
FAH 554 Advanced Research Methods in Art History 2 This course takes students through the methods and techniques available to the creative person in the visual arts. Emphasis will be placed on getting the students to balance between the general guidelines and principles in relation to the demands of their individual research interests.
FAH 555 Special Readings in World Art 2
Course emphasis is on the application of analytic skills in the evaluation and interpretation of research materials in World Art History. Special readings will be based on research reports and essays so as to expose the student to a wide range of interpretative approaches and strategies in art historical studies.
FAH 524: Special Readings in Modern African Art II 2 units
Course will focus on (a) impact of change through colonialism and urbanization, style, form, functions, materials and techniques, visual expressions and institutional patronage; (b) the impact of formal systems of education.
FAH 554: Research Methods in Art History I 2 unit
Different tools of art historical research are evaluated in terms of their limitations and effectiveness. Source materials will be taken from the writings of eminent Africanists.
FAH 555: Special Readings in World Art History 2 unit
Course emphasis is on the application of analytic skills in the evaluation and interpretation of research materials in World Art History. Special readings will be based on research reports and essays so as to expose the student to a wide range of interpretative approaches and strategies in art historical studies.