Introduction to the art of art history - part 1
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.
This course has now started
Course Code: VB101
Duration: 10 sessions (over 11 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Center for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
This course is not a historical survey of periods and styles, but it is an introduction to the study of art, considering approaches from basic issues such as style, materials, genres, biographies to more complex issues, such as political context and gender representation. We will examine a range of artistic practices and time periods giving you ways to approach works of art in a structured way.
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?
- Formal and stylistic analysis
- Materials and techniques
- Contexts – social, political, cultural, artistic.
- Introduction to some basic methodology.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Formally analyse a variety of 2D and 3D artworks
- Discuss material practices of painting and sculpture
- Evaluate artworks as products of a range of contextual influences
- Participate in group discussions about art with more confidence.
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, 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 online with slide presentations and group discussions. Handouts will be provided by your tutor to support your learning on the course; these handouts will be available online/digitally for download, not printed out for you.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
You might wish to purchase a notebook for taking notes. You might wish to buy some of the books on any reading list provided.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
You might aslo be interested in: VB639 - Introduction to the art of art history - part 2.
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.
