Academic Sessions: Exeter 1998
Theory and the Identity of Art History
Conveners:
Dr Paul Smith (University of Bristol) and Dr Carolyn Wilde (University of Bristol)
The broad aim of this session is to review critically the use of theory since the advent of the 'New Art History' and to examine its effect upon the discipline. Contributors are expected to address a number of ('meta-theoretical') issues, including: What counts as 'theory', and why? What generates theory? What are the criteria whereby individual theories are judged coherent? What is the relation of theories to one another? How does theory illuminate or obscure aspects of particular objects and problems? When is theory applied too rigidly or loosely? Do theories constitute and serve the interests of particular interest groups? What determines whether theory expands or limits the practice of art history and its objectives?
It is hoped that in addressing these issues the session will not merely provide a critique of current uses of theory, but that it will also open up fresh possibilities for its use. It is also hoped to address the question of whether greater consensus among different theoretical positions is either possible or desirable. The possibility of a general theory of theory will also be open to question.
Proposals for papers should be sent to the conveners at the following addresses:
Paul Smith, Department of History of Art, University of Bristol, 36 Tyndalls Park Road, Bristol BS8 1PL.
Tel: (0117) 928 8591.
Dr Carolyn Wilde, Dept for Continuing Education, University of Bristol, 8-10 Berkeley Square, Bristol BS8 1HH.
Tel: (0117) 928 7140; Fax: (0117) 925 4975; Email: Carolyn.Wilde@bristol.ac.uk
Dr Paul Smith (University of Bristol) and Dr Carolyn Wilde (University of Bristol)
The broad aim of this session is to review critically the use of theory since the advent of the 'New Art History' and to examine its effect upon the discipline. Contributors are expected to address a number of ('meta-theoretical') issues, including: What counts as 'theory', and why? What generates theory? What are the criteria whereby individual theories are judged coherent? What is the relation of theories to one another? How does theory illuminate or obscure aspects of particular objects and problems? When is theory applied too rigidly or loosely? Do theories constitute and serve the interests of particular interest groups? What determines whether theory expands or limits the practice of art history and its objectives?
It is hoped that in addressing these issues the session will not merely provide a critique of current uses of theory, but that it will also open up fresh possibilities for its use. It is also hoped to address the question of whether greater consensus among different theoretical positions is either possible or desirable. The possibility of a general theory of theory will also be open to question.
Proposals for papers should be sent to the conveners at the following addresses:
Paul Smith, Department of History of Art, University of Bristol, 36 Tyndalls Park Road, Bristol BS8 1PL.
Tel: (0117) 928 8591.
Dr Carolyn Wilde, Dept for Continuing Education, University of Bristol, 8-10 Berkeley Square, Bristol BS8 1HH.
Tel: (0117) 928 7140; Fax: (0117) 925 4975; Email: Carolyn.Wilde@bristol.ac.uk