Understanding Art 1: Western Art

This course introduces you to the development of western art from Ancient Greece to the present day. You are encouraged to respond to art not only by writing about it but also by means of sketches, diagrams or photographs. This helps you to absorb works of art more fully, to analyse them and to place them in context. You will develop confidence and ability in analysing works of art, understand broadly the cultural and historical context of art, and learn about accepted theories and practices in art. You will also develop a systematic structure for analysing, researching and recording information which you can then apply to any art form in any location. A World History of Art by Honour and Fleming and a nine-hour video sequence, Art of the Western World, are included with the course materials. The course is for fine art students wanting to include art history in their degree study programme or anyone who wants to develop greater appreciation of art. Some skill in drawing is helpful but not essential.