What are the views of the history of art students?
Students generally appreciate the passion and knowledge of their lecturers in the history of art, architecture, and design, finding them engaging, thoughtful, and inclusive. The staff are considered kind, caring, and attentive to students' needs, often going beyond what is necessary to support them. However, some students express frustration with the lack of clarity regarding who to contact for help with specific problems, citing bureaucratic systems as a significant issue.
Students value flexibility in their studies, particularly regarding subsidiary modules, and would like to see more options available. The assessment methods are also a point of contention, with some students feeling that they do not accurately reflect their knowledge or skills. Furthermore, concerns about the university's handling of COVID-19 include the lack of recorded lectures and online participation opportunities.
Some students praise the decolonial perspective offered by the course, which sets it apart from more Eurocentric approaches. However, others express disappointment with the department's refusal to provide lecture recordings and online participation options, particularly for students with special requirements or disabilities.
Despite some criticisms, many students appreciate the opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary thinking and explore various topics within the history of art, architecture and design. They also value the availability of tutors during office hours, which provides them with additional support and guidance.
Overall, while there are areas for improvement, students generally feel that their lecturers are dedicated and supportive and that the course offers a unique and valuable learning experience.