Art History: Key Concepts

About this course

The course traces developments in art from Ancient Greece through the Post-War period and the radical movements of the 1970s. Although Western art is the main focus, global contexts are also considered. Teaching centres on painting and sculpture, with additional attention to applied arts and architecture. Participants examine artworks in museums and galleries, using them to explore artistic movements, materials, methods and ways of seeing. The course also introduces visual analysis and considers how art relates to its historical, cultural and economic settings, as well as to circulation, curation, display and consumption.

What you'll learn

• Describe changes in art making from Ancient Greece to the contemporary period, including materials, methods and ways of seeing
• Recognise Western art as one part of global artistic production
• Relate artworks to their historical, cultural and economic contexts
• Discuss how circulation, curation, display and consumption shape encounters with art
• Apply visual analysis and communicate informed responses to artworks
• Explain broad theories and philosophies of art

Is this course right for you?

The course is labelled Beginner (A1), making it an introductory survey for learners developing a broad understanding of art history. Participation includes visiting museums and galleries, examining physical artworks and discussing responses to them. The source does not specify previous experience requirements.

• Includes learning in major London museums and galleries
• Covers a broad historical span rather than a single period or movement
• Focuses mainly on painting and sculpture, with some applied arts and architecture