English

Under the collective title, Art and Belief in Europe (c. 500 - 1700), the lectures in semester 1 address developments in European art from the rise of Christianity, through the Middle Ages and into the Renaissance, concluding with the Reformation and Counter-Reformation. Geographies studied include Britain, Italy, France, and Germany. The course looks at the work of both early anonymous and later celebrated artists, such as Giotto, Jan van Eyck, Durer, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci, all within a broad range of social contexts. Students consider issues surrounding art and identity, including gender, sexuality, nationality, religious and political belief, as well as issues surrounding the art objects themselves, such as patronage, materiality, display, and reception. Whenever appropriate the weekly tutorials are conducted in the museums, galleries and public spaces of Edinburgh, which has world-renowned art collections.

This course examines art from a cultural point of view. It is divided into two parts. The first part discusses art as a whole with a focus on particular aspects of art as historical, social, and cultural practice. The second part focuses on the main types of analysis of art and the work of art.

This course provides a theoretical introduction to microscopy, with an emphasis on fluorescence microscopy. Topics include theoretical principles of confocal microscopy and the use of deconvolution in microscopy, an overview of different types of advanced research microscopes as well as imaging methods that are not based on optical microscopes; preparation and optimization of both fixed and live samples for microscopy; microscopic visualization of cellular structures and physiological functions with fluorescent markers; and a theoretical introduction to digital visualization, with an emphasis on fluorescence-based methods and digital imaging. A practical project includes the preparation, documentation, and analysis of microscopy specimens with an oral and written presentation.

The course introduces students to transdisciplinary ways of viewing and examining modern Australia's relationship with the broad Asian region. It examines the conflicting perceptions, images, and emotions that Australians have towards their region and the various themes and events that have impacted upon them. Materials examined include historical accounts, literature, art, blogs, documentaries, and movies. Topics covered include: Asia and the formation of Australian identities, the rise of Asia and Australia’s shifting strategic relationships, the impact of Asian migration and multiculturalism, the transformations of urban spaces, Asian Australians speaking out, educating about and for the Asian Century, military adventures into Asia, tourism to Asia, economic ties with Asia, and cultural integration with our region.