An Introduction to Art History

This course is a beginner’s guide to art history. You’ll be introduced to the main ways that art historians study art, comparing different artworks, and learning about the materials used to make them. You’ll also explore the time periods, cultures, and social changes that influenced artists and their work.

You’ll look at a wide range of European art, from ancient times (around 650 BCE) to today. You’ll consider the artists use of colour, light, lines, and space; how materials like paint, marble, bronze, and digital media affect art; and how history and culture have shaped artistic styles—from ancient Greece, through the Middle Ages and Renaissance, to modern and contemporary art.

Each class will have a presentation with images and a group discussion.

Any essential or recommended reading will be shared by the course teacher once the course is confirmed to run.

You will require access to a device with an internet connection.

If you have fully engaged with all the learning activities and have attended regularly, by the end of the course you should be able to:

• Analyse the form and content of works of art produced in western Europe between 650 BCE and the present
• Identify and evaluate secondary material about art
• Develop transferable skills in critical analysis, effective communication, and cultural awareness to be able to explain basic terms and concepts associated with different facets of art and visual analysis 

No prior knowledge is required, making this course accessible to all with an interest in art history.

We welcome all and are committed to fostering a positive culture and sense of community among learners and staff. We expect learners to treat others with dignity and respect. Learners must be 16+.

If you have a disability, learning difficulty, health condition, or personal circumstances which may affect your learning, please let us know so that we can make appropriate adjustments in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.

Wherever possible, we mainstream adjustments in line with the University’s Accessible and Inclusive Learning Policy.

Learners will have limited access to the University’s student support services.  

The course is suitable for those with no prior experience of university study.

You will need to have reading, listening and communication skills, including the ability to understand detailed ideas and information presented verbally and in writing. You must be comfortable learning in English if it is not your first language. You will need basic digital skills, such as using a computer and navigating a website, to access the learning materials.