Art history taster

About this course

The course introduces art history as a way of examining artworks and their wider cultural significance. It samples approaches including slow-looking, visual analysis and consideration of social context, using examples ranging from ancient to contemporary art. Teaching combines lectures with slide images and group discussion. Participants can contribute observations about the artworks and raise questions about the broader study of art history.

What you'll learn

• Explain some of the purposes and practices of art history.
• Use closer looking when examining a work of art.
• Recognise approaches such as slow-looking, visual analysis and social-contextual interpretation.

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for learners at all levels who want an introduction to art history. Participants should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and take part in group discussion.

• Suitable for learners with different levels of prior study.
• Teaching includes discussion of artworks alongside lecture content.

Before you go

• Participants may wish to keep something to write with nearby.