Explore the role of critical theory within the field of art history, and learn new ways of thinking about art by focusing on the topics of vision and gaze.
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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 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 cover such key authors as John Berger, Hal Foster, Rosalind Krauss, Jonathan Crary, Norman Bryson, Martin Jay and Laura Mulvey. We will focus on the critique of vision and visuality, and theory of the gaze. The course can be taken either in conjunction with Art and Critical Theory: Feminism, Post-colonialism and the Death of the Artist or separately.
What will we cover?
• Introduction to critical theory broadly defined, including thinkers such as Michel Foucault in addition to the above-mentioned authors. • A critique of vision and theories of the gaze. • The relevance of the concepts developed within critical theory for understanding art.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Discuss at least three authors and their engagement with critical theory. • 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 written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, handouts and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion.
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?
You might also be interested in: Art and Critical Theory: Feminism, Post-colonialism and the Death of the Artist Art and Critical Theory: Rethinking Nature Feminism in Modern and Contemporary Art Animals in Art: From Medieval Art to Today.
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.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/art-and-critical-theory-vision-and-gaze282096Art and critical theory: vision and gazehttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/a/r/art-and-critical-theory-vision-and-gaze-vb888.jpg179179GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Art history/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Art history/Art, ideas & theory/Courses/Short Courses/Courses/Short Courses/Humanities/Courses/vm/Contemporary Culture Courses in London2285113611771883134111341717171228511771136134111653Explore the role of critical theory within the field of art history, and learn new ways of thinking about art by focusing on the topics of vision and gaze.002916138Art and critical theory: vision and gaze179179https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/a/r/art-and-critical-theory-vision-and-gaze-vb888_4.jpgInStockEveningWedOnlineAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-04-22T00:00:00+00:00Apr 2026Culture, history & humanitiesVB888179179Art and critical theory: vision and gaze179116179Irina Chkhaidzeart-and-critical-theory-vision-and-gaze/vb888-2526Explore the role of critical theory within the field of art history, and learn new ways of thinking about art by focusing on the topics of vision and gaze.0000-Available|2026-04-22 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 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 cover such key authors as John Berger, Hal Foster, Rosalind Krauss, Jonathan Crary, Norman Bryson, Martin Jay and Laura Mulvey. We will focus on the critique of vision and visuality, and theory of the gaze. The course can be taken either in conjunction with Art and Critical Theory: Feminism, Post-colonialism and the Death of the Artist 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 the topics of vision and gaze.• Introduction to critical theory broadly defined, including thinkers such as Michel Foucault in addition to the above-mentioned authors.<br/>• A critique of vision and theories of the gaze.<br/>• The relevance of the concepts developed within critical theory for understanding art.• Discuss at least three authors and their engagement with critical theory.<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/>You should be able to follow written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, handouts and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion.<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.You might also be interested in:<br/>Art and Critical Theory: Feminism, Post-colonialism and the Death of the Artist<br/>Art and Critical Theory: Rethinking Nature<br/>Feminism in Modern and Contemporary Art<br/>Animals in Art: From Medieval Art to Today.Art historyArt, ideas & theoryvirtual179179116VB888NONEWed22/04/26 - 27/05/2618:15 - 20:1518:1520:156 sessions (over 6 weeks)65-10 weeksWeekdayOnlineOnlineIrina ChkhaidzeAvailable courses2026-04-22T00:00:00+00:00EveningApr 2026Culture, history & humanities179179Art and critical theory: vision and gazeart-and-critical-theory-vision-and-gaze/vb888-2526Explore the role of critical theory within the field of art history, and learn new ways of thinking about art by focusing on the topics of vision and gaze.0000-Available|2026-04-22 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 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 cover such key authors as John Berger, Hal Foster, Rosalind Krauss, Jonathan Crary, Norman Bryson, Martin Jay and Laura Mulvey. We will focus on the critique of vision and visuality, and theory of the gaze. The course can be taken either in conjunction with Art and Critical Theory: Feminism, Post-colonialism and the Death of the Artist 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 the topics of vision and gaze.• Introduction to critical theory broadly defined, including thinkers such as Michel Foucault in addition to the above-mentioned authors.<br/>• A critique of vision and theories of the gaze.<br/>• The relevance of the concepts developed within critical theory for understanding art.• Discuss at least three authors and their engagement with critical theory.<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/>You should be able to follow written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, handouts and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion.<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.You might also be interested in:<br/>Art and Critical Theory: Feminism, Post-colonialism and the Death of the Artist<br/>Art and Critical Theory: Rethinking Nature<br/>Feminism in Modern and Contemporary Art<br/>Animals in Art: From Medieval Art to Today.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
Gods and heroes from Classical to Renaissance artFull fee £199.00 Senior fee £159.00 Concession £129.00
