Ways into advanced art history: historiography

About this course

The course introduces historiography as the study of how artworks accumulate interpretations, and how those interpretations reflect the historical circumstances of the people producing them. Each week, participants examine an artwork through two or more historical perspectives, using art historical texts to consider its changing cultural significance. Teaching combines lectures, slide presentations, activities and discussions in the main group and smaller breakout groups. Readings by writers including Griselda Pollock, Giorgio Vasari, T.J. Clark, Saidiya Hartman, Linda Nochlin and Roland Barthes provide material for critical analysis and discussion.

What you'll learn

• Analyse how art historians’ interpretations affect the understanding of artworks
• Critically assess different historical readings of an artwork
• Explain how an artwork’s meaning can change according to its historiographical context
• Use art historical writing to examine an artwork’s cultural impact

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for learners preparing for academic art history study or pursuing it independently. All levels are welcome, although some previous art historical study may be helpful. Participation involves discussing required readings with the wider group and in smaller peer conversations.

• Requires weekly academic reading and related homework
• Expects learners to contribute to group discussions and consider other viewpoints
• Includes an art analysis to be shared with the course cohort

Before you go

• Learners will need to use Google Classroom to access course documents, assignments and required readings.
• The course involves approximately 1–2 hours of homework each week.
• A notebook may be useful.
• Books from any reading list may be purchased if desired.