Curious about art history? Join us for this taster session where we explore different ways into visual art and its histories from the ancient to the contemporary.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
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.
This short course is designed as introduction to the some of the practices of art history: close-looking, visual analysis, art’s social context and its cultural impact. We start by defining what art history is and how it is useful for anyone interested in art and culture. We then sample art historical methods by interpreting artworks from the ancient to the contemporary.
You’ll be invited to participate in discussion on the artworks shared and will be welcome to ask questions the general study of art history and how City Lit’s art history programme might help progress your interests.
What will we cover?
-Defining art history and some of its cultural purposes
-Methods of art historical practice, including slow-looking, visual analysis and social context
-How to study art history at City Lit.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
- A greater understanding of the purpose and practice of art history
- Ability to look more closely at a work of art
- A greater understanding of City Lit's art history programme.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable for all levels.
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 by lecture with slide images and you will be invited to participate in group discussion.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
You may wish to have something to write with close by.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Options for further study will be discussed in class.
Sarah Jaffray holds a BA and MA in Art History with an emphasis in 19th/20th century France and a minor in the Italian Renaissance. She holds a second MA in Cultural Theory from Goldsmiths, University of London. Sarah was a lecturer for several colleges and universities in the Los Angeles area before relocating to London in 2012. She has worked in curatorial roles at the British Museum and Wellcome Collection. In addition to her current teaching at City Lit, Sarah is a lecturer at the University of Arts London and the Tutor Coordinator for City Lit's Art History programme. Her art historical practice focuses on experimental narratives, artistic process, art pedagogy, politics and philosophy. Sarah's current research is focused on translation and empathy.
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-history-taster231327Art history tasterhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/a/r/art-history-taster-1080.jpg1919GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Art history/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Art history/Introductory & general art history courses/Courses/Taster courses/Courses/Taster courses/Humanities tasters/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/vm/Courses under £69/Courses/Last available places228511361137180318091177135511742122851177113618031653Curious about art history? Join us for this taster session where we explore different ways into visual art and its histories from the ancient to the contemporary.1652621226Art history taster1919https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/a/r/art-history-taster-1080_9.jpgInStockEveningMonOnlineAvailable coursesOne-off onlyWeekday2026-03-23T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allMar 2026Culture, history & humanitiesVB5771919Art history taster151219Sarah Jaffrayart-history-taster/vb577-2526Curious about art history? Join us for this taster session where we explore different ways into visual art and its histories from the ancient to the contemporary.0000-Available|2026-03-23 00:00:00This short course is designed as introduction to the some of the practices of art history: close-looking, visual analysis, art’s social context and its cultural impact. We start by defining what art history is and how it is useful for anyone interested in art and culture. We then sample art historical methods by interpreting artworks from the ancient to the contemporary. <br/><br/>You’ll be invited to participate in discussion on the artworks shared and will be welcome to ask questions the general study of art history and how City Lit’s art history programme might help progress your interests.Curious about art history? Join us for this taster session where we explore different ways into visual art and its histories from the ancient to the contemporary.-Defining art history and some of its cultural purposes<br/>-Methods of art historical practice, including slow-looking, visual analysis and social context<br/>-How to study art history at City Lit.- A greater understanding of the purpose and practice of art history<br/>- Ability to look more closely at a work of art<br/>- A greater understanding of City Lit's art history programme.This course is suitable for all levels.<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.You will be taught by lecture with slide images and you will be invited to participate in group discussion.You may wish to have something to write with close by.Options for further study will be discussed in class.Art historyIntroductory & general art history coursesvirtual2621235Art history taster1919https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/a/r/art-history-taster-1080_6.jpgInStockDaytimeMonKeeley StreetAvailable coursesOne-off onlyWeekday2026-01-05T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersJan 2026Culture, history & humanitiesVB7361919Art history taster151219Sarah Jaffrayart-history-taster/vb736-2526Curious about art history? Join us for this taster session where we explore different ways into visual art and its histories, from the ancient to the contemporary.0000-Available|2026-01-05 00:00:00This short course is designed as introduction to the some of the practices of art history: close-looking, visual analysis, art’s social context and its cultural impact. We start by defining what art history is and how it is useful for anyone interested in art and culture. We then sample art historical methods by interpreting artworks from the ancient to the contemporary. <br/><br/>You’ll be invited to participate in discussion on the artworks shared and will be welcome to ask questions the general study of art history and how City Lit’s art history programme might help progress your interests.Curious about art history? Join us for this taster session where we explore different ways into visual art and its histories, from the ancient to the contemporary.-Defining art history and some of its cultural purposes<br/>-Methods of art historical practice, including slow-looking, visual analysis and social context<br/>-How to study art history at City Lit.- A greater understanding of the purpose and practice of art history<br/>- Ability to look more closely at a work of art<br/>- A greater understanding of City Lit's art history programme.This course is suitable for all levels.<br/>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information.You will be taught by lecture with slide images and you will be invited to participate in group discussion.You may wish to bring something to write with.Options for further study will be discussed in class.Art historyIntroductory & general art history coursesvirtual1437928Art history taster1919https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/a/r/art-history-taster-1080_5.jpgInStockDaytimeWedOnlineAvailable coursesOne-off onlyWeekday2025-12-10T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersDec 2025Culture, history & humanitiesVB1001919Art history taster151219Sarah Jaffrayart-history-taster/vb100-2526Curious about art history? Join us for this taster session where we explore different ways into visual art and its histories from the ancient to the contemporary.0000-Available|2025-12-10 00:00:00This short course is designed as introduction to the some of the practices of art history: close-looking, visual analysis, art’s social context and its cultural impact. We start by defining what art history is and how it is useful for anyone interested in art and culture. We then sample art historical methods by interpreting artworks from the ancient to the contemporary. <br />
<br />
You’ll be invited to participate in discussion on the artworks shared and will be welcome to ask questions the general study of art history and how City Lit’s art history programme might help progress your interests.Curious about art history? Join us for this taster session where we explore different ways into visual art and its histories from the ancient to the contemporary.-Defining art history and some of its cultural purposes<br />
-Methods of art historical practice, including slow-looking, visual analysis and social context<br />
-How to study art history at City Lit.- A greater understanding of the purpose and practice of art history<br />
- Ability to look more closely at a work of art<br />
- A greater understanding of City Lit's art history programme.This course is suitable for all levels.<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.You will be taught by lecture with slide images and you will be invited to participate in group discussion.You may wish to have something to write with close by.Options for further study will be discussed in class.Art historyIntroductory & general art history coursesvirtual1437961Art history taster1919https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/a/r/art-history-taster-1080_4.jpgInStockDaytimeWedKeeley StreetNo longer availableOne-off onlyWeekday2025-12-03T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersDec 2025Culture, history & humanitiesVB6681919Art history taster151219Sarah Jaffrayart-history-taster/vb668-2526Curious about art history? Join us for this taster session where we explore different ways into visual art and its histories, from the ancient to the contemporary.0015-FullStillOpen|2025-12-03 00:00:00This short course is designed as introduction to the some of the practices of art history: close-looking, visual analysis, art’s social context and its cultural impact. We start by defining what art history is and how it is useful for anyone interested in art and culture. We then sample art historical methods by interpreting artworks from the ancient to the contemporary. <br />
<br />
You’ll be invited to participate in discussion on the artworks shared and will be welcome to ask questions the general study of art history and how City Lit’s art history programme might help progress your interests.Curious about art history? Join us for this taster session where we explore different ways into visual art and its histories, from the ancient to the contemporary.-Defining art history and some of its cultural purposes<br />
-Methods of art historical practice, including slow-looking, visual analysis and social context<br />
-How to study art history at City Lit.- A greater understanding of the purpose and practice of art history<br />
- Ability to look more closely at a work of art<br />
- A greater understanding of City Lit's art history programme.This course is suitable for all levels.<br />
You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information.You will be taught by lecture with slide images and you will be invited to participate in group discussion.You may wish to bring something to write with.Options for further study will be discussed in class.Art historyIntroductory & general art history coursesvirtual2621220Art history taster1919https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/a/r/art-history-taster-1080_7.jpgInStockDaytimeWedOnlineAvailable coursesOne-off onlyWeekday2026-01-07T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allJan 2026Culture, history & humanitiesVB5581919Art history taster151219Sarah Jaffrayart-history-taster/vb558-2526Curious about art history? Join us for this taster session where we explore different ways into visual art and its histories from the ancient to the contemporary.0000-Available|2026-01-07 00:00:00This short course is designed as introduction to the some of the practices of art history: close-looking, visual analysis, art’s social context and its cultural impact. We start by defining what art history is and how it is useful for anyone interested in art and culture. We then sample art historical methods by interpreting artworks from the ancient to the contemporary. <br/><br/>You’ll be invited to participate in discussion on the artworks shared and will be welcome to ask questions the general study of art history and how City Lit’s art history programme might help progress your interests.Curious about art history? Join us for this taster session where we explore different ways into visual art and its histories from the ancient to the contemporary.-Defining art history and some of its cultural purposes<br/>-Methods of art historical practice, including slow-looking, visual analysis and social context<br/>-How to study art history at City Lit.- A greater understanding of the purpose and practice of art history<br/>- Ability to look more closely at a work of art<br/>- A greater understanding of City Lit's art history programme.This course is suitable for all levels.<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.You will be taught by lecture with slide images and you will be invited to participate in group discussion.You may wish to have something to write with close by.Options for further study will be discussed in class.Art historyIntroductory & general art history coursesvirtual2621223Art history taster1919https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/a/r/art-history-taster-1080_8.jpgInStockDaytimeWedKeeley StreetAvailable coursesOne-off onlyWeekday2026-02-11T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersFeb 2026Culture, history & humanitiesVB5651919Art history taster151219Sarah Jaffrayart-history-taster/vb565-2526Curious about art history? Join us for this taster session where we explore different ways into visual art and its histories, from the ancient to the contemporary.0000-Available|2026-02-11 00:00:00This short course is designed as introduction to the some of the practices of art history: close-looking, visual analysis, art’s social context and its cultural impact. We start by defining what art history is and how it is useful for anyone interested in art and culture. We then sample art historical methods by interpreting artworks from the ancient to the contemporary. <br/><br/>You’ll be invited to participate in discussion on the artworks shared and will be welcome to ask questions the general study of art history and how City Lit’s art history programme might help progress your interests.Curious about art history? Join us for this taster session where we explore different ways into visual art and its histories, from the ancient to the contemporary.-Defining art history and some of its cultural purposes<br/>-Methods of art historical practice, including slow-looking, visual analysis and social context<br/>-How to study art history at City Lit.- A greater understanding of the purpose and practice of art history<br/>- Ability to look more closely at a work of art<br/>- A greater understanding of City Lit's art history programme.This course is suitable for all levels.<br/>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information.You will be taught by lecture with slide images and you will be invited to participate in group discussion.You may wish to bring something to write with.Options for further study will be discussed in class.Art historyIntroductory & general art history coursesvirtual2621232Art history taster1919https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/a/r/art-history-taster-1080_10.jpgInStockDaytimeMonKeeley StreetAvailable coursesOne-off onlyWeekday2026-03-30T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allMar 2026Culture, history & humanitiesVB6931919Art history taster151219Sarah Jaffrayart-history-taster/vb693-2526Curious about art history? Join us for this taster session where we explore different ways into visual art and its histories from the ancient to the contemporary.0000-Available|2026-03-30 00:00:00This short course is designed as introduction to the some of the practices of art history: close-looking, visual analysis, art’s social context and its cultural impact. We start by defining what art history is and how it is useful for anyone interested in art and culture. We then sample art historical methods by interpreting artworks from the ancient to the contemporary. <br/><br/>You’ll be invited to participate in discussion on the artworks shared and will be welcome to ask questions the general study of art history and how City Lit’s art history programme might help progress your interests.Curious about art history? Join us for this taster session where we explore different ways into visual art and its histories from the ancient to the contemporary.-Defining art history and some of its cultural purposes<br/>-Methods of art historical practice, including slow-looking, visual analysis and social context<br/>-How to study art history at City Lit.- A greater understanding of the purpose and practice of art history<br/>- Ability to look more closely at a work of art<br/>- A greater understanding of City Lit's art history programme.This course is suitable for all levels.<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.You will be taught by lecture with slide images and you will be invited to participate in group discussion.You may wish to have something to write with close by.Options for further study will be discussed in class.Art historyIntroductory & general art history coursesvirtual2720430Art history taster1919https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/a/r/art-history-taster-1080_112.jpgInStockDaytimeTueOnlineAvailable coursesOne-off onlyWeekday2026-04-21T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allApr 2026Culture, history & humanitiesVB6941919Art history taster151219Sarah Jaffrayart-history-taster/vb694-2526Curious about art history? Join us for this taster session where we explore different ways into visual art and its histories from the ancient to the contemporary.0000-Available|2026-04-21 00:00:00This short course is designed as introduction to the some of the practices of art history: close-looking, visual analysis, art’s social context and its cultural impact. We start by defining what art history is and how it is useful for anyone interested in art and culture. We then sample art historical methods by interpreting artworks from the ancient to the contemporary. <br/><br/>You’ll be invited to participate in discussion on the artworks shared and will be welcome to ask questions the general study of art history and how City Lit’s art history programme might help progress your interests.Curious about art history? Join us for this taster session where we explore different ways into visual art and its histories from the ancient to the contemporary.-Defining art history and some of its cultural purposes<br/>-Methods of art historical practice, including slow-looking, visual analysis and social context<br/>-How to study art history at City Lit.- A greater understanding of the purpose and practice of art history<br/>- Ability to look more closely at a work of art<br/>- A greater understanding of City Lit's art history programme.This course is suitable for all levels.<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.You will be taught by lecture with slide images and you will be invited to participate in group discussion.You may wish to have something to write with close by.Options for further study will be discussed in class.Art historyIntroductory & general art history coursesvirtual2720433Art history taster1919https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/a/r/art-history-taster-1080_113.jpgInStockDaytimeMonKeeley StreetAvailable coursesOne-off onlyWeekday2026-06-29T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allJun 2026Culture, history & humanitiesVB9561919Art history taster151219Sarah Jaffrayart-history-taster/vb956-2526Curious about art history? Join us for this taster session where we explore different ways into visual art and its histories from the ancient to the contemporary.0000-Available|2026-06-29 00:00:00This short course is designed as introduction to the some of the practices of art history: close-looking, visual analysis, art’s social context and its cultural impact. We start by defining what art history is and how it is useful for anyone interested in art and culture. We then sample art historical methods by interpreting artworks from the ancient to the contemporary. <br/><br/>You’ll be invited to participate in discussion on the artworks shared and will be welcome to ask questions the general study of art history and how City Lit’s art history programme might help progress your interests.Curious about art history? Join us for this taster session where we explore different ways into visual art and its histories from the ancient to the contemporary.-Defining art history and some of its cultural purposes<br/>-Methods of art historical practice, including slow-looking, visual analysis and social context<br/>-How to study art history at City Lit.- A greater understanding of the purpose and practice of art history<br/>- Ability to look more closely at a work of art<br/>- A greater understanding of City Lit's art history programme.This course is suitable for all levels.<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.You will be taught by lecture with slide images and you will be invited to participate in group discussion.You may wish to have something to write with close by.Options for further study will be discussed in class.Art historyIntroductory & general art history coursesvirtual2720436Art history taster1919https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/a/r/art-history-taster-1080_114.jpgInStockDaytimeWedOnlineAvailable coursesOne-off onlyWeekday2026-07-08T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allJul 2026Culture, history & humanitiesVB9571919Art history taster151219Sarah Jaffrayart-history-taster/vb957-2526Curious about art history? Join us for this taster session where we explore different ways into visual art and its histories from the ancient to the contemporary.0000-Available|2026-07-08 00:00:00This short course is designed as introduction to the some of the practices of art history: close-looking, visual analysis, art’s social context and its cultural impact. We start by defining what art history is and how it is useful for anyone interested in art and culture. We then sample art historical methods by interpreting artworks from the ancient to the contemporary. <br/><br/>You’ll be invited to participate in discussion on the artworks shared and will be welcome to ask questions the general study of art history and how City Lit’s art history programme might help progress your interests.Curious about art history? Join us for this taster session where we explore different ways into visual art and its histories from the ancient to the contemporary.-Defining art history and some of its cultural purposes<br/>-Methods of art historical practice, including slow-looking, visual analysis and social context<br/>-How to study art history at City Lit.- A greater understanding of the purpose and practice of art history<br/>- Ability to look more closely at a work of art<br/>- A greater understanding of City Lit's art history programme.This course is suitable for all levels.<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.You will be taught by lecture with slide images and you will be invited to participate in group discussion.You may wish to have something to write with close by.Options for further study will be discussed in class.Art historyIntroductory & general art history coursesvirtual151912VB577,VB736,VB100,VB668,VB558,VB565,VB693,VB694,VB956,VB957NONEMon,Wed,Tue10/12/2516:30 - 18:0016:3018:001 session1One-off onlyWeekdayOnlineOnline,Keeley StreetSarah JaffrayBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for all,BeginnersAvailable courses,No longer available2026-03-23T00:00:00+00:00,2026-01-05T00:00:00+00:00,2025-12-10T00:00:00+00:00,2025-12-03T00:00:00+00:00,2026-01-07T00:00:00+00:00,2026-02-11T00:00:00+00:00,2026-03-30T00:00:00+00:00,2026-04-21T00:00:00+00:00,2026-06-29T00:00:00+00:00,2026-07-08T00:00:00+00:00Evening,DaytimeMar 2026,Jan 2026,Dec 2025,Feb 2026,Apr 2026,Jun 2026,Jul 2026Culture, history & humanities1919Art history tasterart-history-taster/vb577-2526,art-history-taster/vb736-2526,art-history-taster/vb100-2526,art-history-taster/vb668-2526,art-history-taster/vb558-2526,art-history-taster/vb565-2526,art-history-taster/vb693-2526,art-history-taster/vb694-2526,art-history-taster/vb956-2526,art-history-taster/vb957-2526Curious about art history? Join us for this taster session where we explore different ways into visual art and its histories from the ancient to the contemporary.,Curious about art history? Join us for this taster session where we explore different ways into visual art and its histories, from the ancient to the contemporary.0000-Available|2025-12-10 00:00:00This short course is designed as introduction to the some of the practices of art history: close-looking, visual analysis, art’s social context and its cultural impact. We start by defining what art history is and how it is useful for anyone interested in art and culture. We then sample art historical methods by interpreting artworks from the ancient to the contemporary. <br/><br/>You’ll be invited to participate in discussion on the artworks shared and will be welcome to ask questions the general study of art history and how City Lit’s art history programme might help progress your interests.,This short course is designed as introduction to the some of the practices of art history: close-looking, visual analysis, art’s social context and its cultural impact. We start by defining what art history is and how it is useful for anyone interested in art and culture. We then sample art historical methods by interpreting artworks from the ancient to the contemporary. <br />
<br />
You’ll be invited to participate in discussion on the artworks shared and will be welcome to ask questions the general study of art history and how City Lit’s art history programme might help progress your interests.Curious about art history? Join us for this taster session where we explore different ways into visual art and its histories from the ancient to the contemporary.,Curious about art history? Join us for this taster session where we explore different ways into visual art and its histories, from the ancient to the contemporary.-Defining art history and some of its cultural purposes<br/>-Methods of art historical practice, including slow-looking, visual analysis and social context<br/>-How to study art history at City Lit.,-Defining art history and some of its cultural purposes<br />
-Methods of art historical practice, including slow-looking, visual analysis and social context<br />
-How to study art history at City Lit.- A greater understanding of the purpose and practice of art history<br/>- Ability to look more closely at a work of art<br/>- A greater understanding of City Lit's art history programme.,- A greater understanding of the purpose and practice of art history<br />
- Ability to look more closely at a work of art<br />
- A greater understanding of City Lit's art history programme.This course is suitable for all levels.<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.,This course is suitable for all levels.<br/>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information.,This course is suitable for all levels.<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.,This course is suitable for all levels.<br />
You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information.You will be taught by lecture with slide images and you will be invited to participate in group discussion.You may wish to have something to write with close by.,You may wish to bring something to write with.Options for further study will be discussed in class.Art historyIntroductory & general art history coursesconfigurable
11371136Introductory & general art history courseshttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/art-history/introductory-general-art-history1/2/285/1177/1136/11371/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Art history/Introductory & general art history courses
Gods and heroes from Classical to Renaissance artFull fee £199.00 Senior fee £159.00 Concession £129.00
