Comprising a series of lectures and related seminars this module looks at the two themes of The Natural World and The Arts of Modernity. It will provide you with a historical survey of western art which - instead of adopting a conventional chronological approach - employs a thematic one which encourages stimulating cross-comparisons across time and space. The module will introduce you to the broad spectrum of images, ideas and approaches which the history of art comprises. You will acquire a basic grasp of the essential areas which you will need to use as reference points for other modules in the degree.

This module is likewise formed by a series of lectures and related seminars that address the intertwined themes of Classicism and Christianity. It will provide a historical survey of western art and concentrates on late antique, medieval and Renaissance art, periods with which our first year students are often unfamiliar. The lectures follow a broadly chronological sweep, while the related seminars will concentrate on issues of technique, terminology and iconography. The key aim of this module is to empower you with the ability to describe what you see – in terms of how an image or object is made, as well as its form and iconography. You will acquire a basic grasp of the essential areas which you will need to use as reference points for other modules in the degree.

 

History of Art and Interpretation is designed to foster awareness of the relationship between art and its historical and physical contexts, and of methods (or approaches) to the work of art as tools for interpretation. You will consider works of art in context at Waddesdon Manor and at other collections, learning how to look and how to intrepret what you see. In effect, this core module will introduce history of art as a practice of interpretation and it will initiate you into the kinds of interpretation you will be required to undertake during the course of you degree.

Our study skills module will enable you to make the transition from school to university, and to begin to acquire the research skills you need for your undergraduate career. It will provide a wide-ranging introduction to university-level study of art history in terms of resources, the process of research, and ways of improving and developing your academic performance. It will also help you develop transferable skills that will be essential in your future careers.