Explore the role of critical theory within the field of art history, and learn new ways of thinking about art by focusing on feminism, post-colonial theory and the notion of the death of the author.
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‘Critical theory’ has had a profound impact on how we think and write about visual art, or even how we experience it, whether it would be a medieval panting or contemporary multi-media installation. In this 5-week course we will continue to explore the role that critical theory plays in the field of art history. The course is an introduction to the theoretical writing about art, how we look and how we respond to it. We will focus on the theory of the death of the author, feminist writing on art and the impact of post-colonial theory on reception and production of art. We cover such key authors as Roland Barthes, Michel Foucault, Linda Nochlin, Laura Mulvey, Lucy Lippard, Edward Said and Homi K. Bhabha. The course can be taken either in conjunction with Art and Critical Theory – Ways to Think about Art – Vision and Gaze or separately.
What will we cover?
• Introduction to critical theory including the authors such as Roland Barthes, Michel Foucault, Linda Nochlin, Laura Mulvey, Lucy Lippard, Edward Said and Homi K. Bhabha. • The impact of feminist and post-colonial theories on art practice and criticism. • The relevance of the concepts developed within critical theory for thinking about and experiencing art.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Discuss key ideas of at least three authors. • Demonstrate improved critical analysis skills and an ability to situate artworks in a broader theoretical context. • Evaluate the role of theoretical texts for looking at and thinking about art.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable for most levels. Entry-level knowledge of art history and/or philosophy will be an advantage; readiness to engage with theoretical texts is crucial.
You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information as well as basic functions of Zoom, specifically microphone and camera.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will be taught with slide presentations, group discussions and short group exercises. There will be assigned weekly reading. Reading materials will be available online/digitally for download via a Google Classroom. You will be invited to join this Google Classroom within a week of the start of your course.
Please note: This is a live lecture course and will not be recorded for reasons related to copyright, data protection and digital infrastructure.
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?
Art and Critical Theory: Vision and Gaze Art and Critical Theory: Rethinking Nature
Irina Chkhaidze completed her PhD in Art History at University College London. Prior to this, she studied Liberal Arts and gained an MA in Humanities in Germany. Irina has published articles on contemporary art, theories of posthumanism and human-animal relations. She has taught gallery-based courses at UCL, covering 19th to 21st century art. Currently, Irina also lectures on philosophy and social theory at Leeds Beckett University, and teaches on Critical Studies programme at Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London.
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.
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https://www.citylit.ac.uk/art-and-critical-theory-feminism-and-post-colonialism286449Art and critical theory: feminism and post-colonialismhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/a/r/art-and-critical-theory-feminism-and-post-colonialism-vb889.jpg179179GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Art history/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Art history/Art, ideas & theory/Courses/vm/Contemporary Culture Courses in London/Courses/Short Courses/Courses/Short Courses/Humanities/Courses/International Women's Day at City Lit/Courses/vm/Summer courses/Courses/vm/Summer courses/Summer courses in humanities22851136117718831717134111341720031345713572122851177113616531341113457Explore the role of critical theory within the field of art history, and learn new ways of thinking about art by focusing on feminism, post-colonial theory and the notion of the death of the author.142916141Art and critical theory: feminism and post-colonialism179179https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/a/r/art-and-critical-theory-feminism-and-post-colonialism-vb889_4.jpgInStockEveningThuOnlineAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-06-04T00:00:00+00:00Jun 2026Culture, history & humanitiesVB889179179Art and critical theory: feminism and post-colonialism179116179Irina Chkhaidzeart-and-critical-theory-feminism-and-post-colonialism/vb889-2526Explore the role of critical theory within the field of art history, and learn new ways of thinking about art by focusing on feminism, post-colonial theory and the notion of the death of the author.0000-Available|2026-06-04 00:00:00‘Critical theory’ has had a profound impact on how we think and write about visual art, or even how we experience it, whether it would be a medieval panting or contemporary multi-media installation. In this 5-week course we will continue to explore the role that critical theory plays in the field of art history. The course is an introduction to the theoretical writing about art, how we look and how we respond to it. We will focus on the theory of the death of the author, feminist writing on art and the impact of post-colonial theory on reception and production of art. We cover such key authors as Roland Barthes, Michel Foucault, Linda Nochlin, Laura Mulvey, Lucy Lippard, Edward Said and Homi K. Bhabha. The course can be taken either in conjunction with Art and Critical Theory – Ways to Think about Art – Vision and Gaze or separately.Explore the role of critical theory within the field of art history, and learn new ways of thinking about art by focusing on feminism, post-colonial theory and the notion of the death of the author.• Introduction to critical theory including the authors such as Roland Barthes, Michel Foucault, Linda Nochlin, Laura Mulvey, Lucy Lippard, Edward Said and Homi K. Bhabha. <br/>• The impact of feminist and post-colonial theories on art practice and criticism.<br/>• The relevance of the concepts developed within critical theory for thinking about and experiencing art.• Discuss key ideas of at least three authors.<br/>• Demonstrate improved critical analysis skills and an ability to situate artworks in a broader theoretical context.<br/>• Evaluate the role of theoretical texts for looking at and thinking about art.This course is suitable for most levels. Entry-level knowledge of art history and/or philosophy will be an advantage; readiness to engage with theoretical texts is crucial.<br/><br/>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information as well as basic functions of Zoom, specifically microphone and camera.<p>You will be taught with slide presentations, group discussions and short group exercises. There will be assigned weekly reading. Reading materials will be available online/digitally for download via a Google Classroom. You will be invited to join this Google Classroom within a week of the start of your course.</p><p><strong>Please note</strong>: This is a live lecture course and will not be recorded for reasons related to copyright, data protection and digital infrastructure.</p>You might wish to bring a notebook. You might wish to buy some of the books on any reading list given out in class.<p>Art and Critical Theory: Vision and Gaze<br/>Art and Critical Theory: Rethinking Nature<br/><br/><br/> </p>Art historyArt, ideas & theoryvirtual179179116VB889NONEThu04/06/26 - 09/07/2618:15 - 20:1518:1520:156 sessions (over 6 weeks)65-10 weeksWeekdayOnlineOnlineIrina ChkhaidzeAvailable courses2026-06-04T00:00:00+00:00EveningJun 2026Culture, history & humanities179179Art and critical theory: feminism and post-colonialismart-and-critical-theory-feminism-and-post-colonialism/vb889-2526Explore the role of critical theory within the field of art history, and learn new ways of thinking about art by focusing on feminism, post-colonial theory and the notion of the death of the author.0000-Available|2026-06-04 00:00:00‘Critical theory’ has had a profound impact on how we think and write about visual art, or even how we experience it, whether it would be a medieval panting or contemporary multi-media installation. In this 5-week course we will continue to explore the role that critical theory plays in the field of art history. The course is an introduction to the theoretical writing about art, how we look and how we respond to it. We will focus on the theory of the death of the author, feminist writing on art and the impact of post-colonial theory on reception and production of art. We cover such key authors as Roland Barthes, Michel Foucault, Linda Nochlin, Laura Mulvey, Lucy Lippard, Edward Said and Homi K. Bhabha. The course can be taken either in conjunction with Art and Critical Theory – Ways to Think about Art – Vision and Gaze or separately.Explore the role of critical theory within the field of art history, and learn new ways of thinking about art by focusing on feminism, post-colonial theory and the notion of the death of the author.• Introduction to critical theory including the authors such as Roland Barthes, Michel Foucault, Linda Nochlin, Laura Mulvey, Lucy Lippard, Edward Said and Homi K. Bhabha. <br/>• The impact of feminist and post-colonial theories on art practice and criticism.<br/>• The relevance of the concepts developed within critical theory for thinking about and experiencing art.• Discuss key ideas of at least three authors.<br/>• Demonstrate improved critical analysis skills and an ability to situate artworks in a broader theoretical context.<br/>• Evaluate the role of theoretical texts for looking at and thinking about art.This course is suitable for most levels. Entry-level knowledge of art history and/or philosophy will be an advantage; readiness to engage with theoretical texts is crucial.<br/><br/>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information as well as basic functions of Zoom, specifically microphone and camera.<p>You will be taught with slide presentations, group discussions and short group exercises. There will be assigned weekly reading. Reading materials will be available online/digitally for download via a Google Classroom. You will be invited to join this Google Classroom within a week of the start of your course.</p><p><strong>Please note</strong>: This is a live lecture course and will not be recorded for reasons related to copyright, data protection and digital infrastructure.</p>You might wish to bring a notebook. You might wish to buy some of the books on any reading list given out in class.<p>Art and Critical Theory: Vision and Gaze<br/>Art and Critical Theory: Rethinking Nature<br/><br/><br/> </p>Art historyArt, ideas & theoryconfigurable
18831136Art, ideas & theoryhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/art-history/art-ideas-theory1/2/285/1177/1136/18831/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Art history/Art, ideas & theory
Italian Renaissance drawing: design, form and functionFull fee £199.00 Senior fee £159.00 Concession £129.00
