Ways into advanced art history: style and form

About this course

The course examines how visual form and style connect with historical context, cultural standards and theories about art. Participants use close looking to consider aesthetics, formalism, artistic process and social theories of space, alongside selected writings by major art historians and theorists. Teaching combines seminar discussion, interpretation of artworks, workshop-style activities and lectures. Participants are expected to read assigned academic texts, contribute to group and smaller discussions, and finish by presenting a short analysis of an artwork in speech and/or writing.

What you'll learn

• Analyse how aesthetic ideas about beauty influence the interpretation and cultural reception of artworks
• Explain the theories or methods of selected art historians studied on the course
• Apply close looking and formal analysis to visual style rather than focusing only on subject matter
• Relate an artwork’s subject and visual qualities to wider cultural concepts

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for learners pursuing serious personal or professional study of art history, particularly those with some previous study. People new to the subject are welcome, but the course is academically focused rather than introductory. Participation involves reading academic writing, preparing outside class and contributing to group discussions.

• Requires willingness to discuss readings and consider other participants’ interpretations
• Includes approximately 1 to 2 hours of reading and artwork analysis outside each class
• Finishes with a short spoken and/or written presentation analysing an artwork

Before you go

• Assigned readings are provided in printed form; absent learners can access them through Google Classroom.
• Participants must be willing to access Google Classroom for course communication and materials.
• A notebook may be useful but is not stated as required.
• Participants may choose to buy books from any reading list provided in class.