An introduction to art history

About this course

The course surveys major developments in Western art, including Greek sculpture, early Christian art and architecture, Renaissance and Baroque traditions, nineteenth-century painting, and twentieth-century abstraction and conceptual art. It considers how historical context, artistic intention and formal qualities shape interpretations of artworks, alongside changes in their function, value and the status of artists. Teaching combines lectures, slide presentations and group discussions based on short readings and other resources. The course also examines biographical, critical and art historical writing that influenced the development of art history as a discipline.

What you'll learn

• Compare different approaches to interpreting artworks using relevant examples.
• Describe ways in which the function and value of artworks have changed over time.
• Identify authors whose biographical, critical or art historical writing influenced interpretations of art and artistic work.

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for learners at all levels. Participants should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and are invited to contribute to group discussions.

• Includes discussion of short readings and other course resources.
• Participation involves group discussion as well as listening to lectures and presentations.

Before you go

• A notebook may be useful.
• Course documents are shared through Google Classroom.
• Books from any reading list provided in class may be purchased.