Medieval and Renaissance art: an introduction

You will begin by looking at the production and use of images in the Medieval period and its distinguishing features, followed by a contrasting look at Renaissance art.

(average based on 4 reviews) » Write a review of this course

» View full course outline

Key course information

Dates
23/09/11 - 21/10/11

Day(s)
Fri

Duration
5 weeks

Time
14:35 - 16:35

Fees
Full fee: £73
Senior fee: £46
Concession: £36

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

» View location

Course code
VB190

Availability
This course has finished

This course has finished

» Find another course in Visual arts » Search all courses

Still got questions?
visualarts@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2700

Course outline

What is the course about?

This course will begin by looking at the production and use of images in the Medieval period, contrasting the works' distinguishing features and style, and their influence on the period that would follow – the Renaissance.

What topics will we cover?

Religion dominated the society and culture of the medieval period in Europe and this in turn dominated the production of objects we now call works of art. However, this dominance would soon be rivalled by an interest in the classical pagan past and an interest in naturalism in the depiction of images that would become known as the Renaissance. These events would set in motion a different view of man’s place in the world. These gradual and eventual changes, brought on by social and economic influences as much as the aforementioned reasons, will be traced by looking at the painting, sculpture and architecture of the period. And finally, we will examine key works that reflect these changes and consider the role of the artist and the different evolving styles.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

• Describe the distinctive features of these two periods
• Compare and contrast different styles of painting
• Discuss how the role of the artist changed.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

The course is open to all. No prior knowledge of the subject is required.

You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion.

Please look at the rest of the course outline carefully to decide if you may benefit from support in your English and Maths skills to help you to take part fully in this class.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

The first part of each session will be an illustrated lecture, followed by a discussion of the issues raised, and it will conclude with a visual exercise. A guided visit to study the original works of art at the National Gallery may be made if appropriate.

You will be encouraged to keep a weekly course journal and may choose to give a presentation or submit a short written piece.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

No, but to take the subject further looking at the following might be appropriate:

Sekules, Veronica, Medieval Art, (Oxford, 2001)
Conant, Kenneth John, Carolingian and Romanesque Architecture: 800-1200 (Penguin, 1974)
Paoletti & Radke, Art in Renaissance Italy (Prentice Hall, 2005)
Huizinga, Johan H., The Waning of the Middle Ages (Dover, 2005)
Welch, Evelyn S., Art in Renaissance Italy, 1350-1500 (Oxford, 1997).

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2700

visualarts@citylit.ac.uk

Please email us for advice or call us during these times:

Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays - 9.00 -12.00 & 15:00-18:00

Thursdays - 9.00-12.00

Saturdays - 14.00-17.00

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.

Contact us

Visual arts

Tel: 020 7492 2700

visualarts@citylit.ac.uk

Featured course

VX120 - Textiles: recycle, reuse, retell Sunday; 06/05/12 - 13/05/12; 10:30 - 16:30 Recycle your old favourite fabrics into a small experimental quilt; exploring the idea that textile carries many memories and secrets

Visual arts

Work from printmaking art classes at City Lit

City Lit offers the most diverse range of part-time, weekend and evening art courses in London, with many courses taught by successful artists and practitioners