Art history taster
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.
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This course has now finished
- Course Code: VB694
- Dates: 16/04/24 - 16/04/24
- Time: 17:00 - 18:30
- Taught: Tue, Daytime
- Duration: 1 session
- Location: Online
- Tutor: Sarah Jaffray
Course Code: VB694
Please choose another course date
Duration: 1 session
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 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.
This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.
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.
