An introduction to art history: interpreting theory
Time: 11:00 - 13:30
Location: Keeley Street
- Course Code: VB679
- Dates: 04/05/24 - 29/06/24
- Time: 11:00 - 13:30
- Taught: Sat, Daytime
- Duration: 8 sessions (over 9 weeks)
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Rachel Sanders
Course Code: VB679
Duration: 8 sessions (over 9 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
This course will take an introductory approach to the art theory of writers such as Winckelmann, Baudelaire and
Greenberg in relation to movements they shaped or critiqued, including Neo-Classicism, Impressionism, Abstract Expressionism.
Please note: This is not a survey course. It is designed to enrich learners' understanding of Art History as a discipline. It builds on the ‘An introduction to art history: methods and techniques ’ course but you do not need to do this course first.
What will we cover?
• Art theory in relation to movements (for example, Burke & Romanticism).
• Formal & subject analysis of the artworks
• Contextual information (artistic, social, political) about the writers and artworks.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Analyse formal elements such as composition and the subject matter of a range of art
• Describe artworks as products of a range of contextual influences
• Assess the relationship between different art movements and art theorists.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable for all levels, but ideally you should have completed the ‘An Introduction to Art History’ course (VB101) first
You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will be taught by lecture with slide images and you will be invited to participate in group discussion. There will be handouts provided by your tutor. However, they will also be available digitally via a Google Classroom. You will be invited to join the Google Classroom within a week of your course start date.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
You might wish to bring a notebook. You might wish to buy some of the books on any reading list given out in class.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Looking at sculpture: Donatello to Rodin
An introduction to art history: methods and techniques
Looking at modern design: art nouveau to art deco.
Dr Rachel Sanders received her MA and PhD in History of Art from University College, London. She has taught at a number of institutions and currently lectures on the history of art and design at City Lit and Oxford Brookes University. Her research interest is early twentieth-century American political paintings and cartoons. She has published a number of articles on her research specialism and is currently writing a book on New Masses magazine.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
