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The broad subject of the art forms encountered in this unit is twentieth-century British culture. As a result of the three stages of the methodology, students are enabled to discover cultural beliefs (and learn that cultural beliefs are always imbedded in works of art). The student becomes a historian of sorts who uncovers cultural meanings through his own creative mental processes.
The unit initially explains Professor Jules Prown’s methodology of material culture; this methodology is the basis of the unit. I have worked through applications of the methodology for use with the short story and the poem, and these subsequent applications are also explained.
Thematic pairings of paintings and works of literature are included in the unit. Thematic pairings allow the student two “keys” as it were with which to discover culture. Pairings also enable the student to become aware of the strengths and limitations of different forms of artistic expression. Two of these pairings or four works of art are extensively analyzed by me; they serve as particular examples of the methodology at work. They also provide the time-constrained teacher with classroom material. Additional unworked pairings are also included which might serve as beginnings for others in working through the method and/or discovering phenomena of twentieth century British culture for themselves.
Suggested lesson plans include:
(Recommended for English classes, grades 10 through 12)
- 1. a way of introducing the method to students
- 2. means to facilitate student engagement with the method
- 3. an idea for comparing art forms
- 4. an idea which promotes historical research (which will prove—or not—the use of the method)
- 5. ideas for creative endeavors for students which may underscore their remembrance of the entire learning process.
Key Words
British Art Twentieth-Century British Culture Literature
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