Art History 1

The Art History 1 module is designed with a threefold teaching strategy introducing the learner to a methodological toolkit to critically engage with works of art from the past. Learners will primarily explore various ways of approaching the study of historic works of art and architecture; secondly considering the authors and historiography of the discipline and thirdly considering contemporary art in the context of the art of the past.

The lecture series will draw on diverse examples, predominantly from Western European art, from antiquity to the Medieval, Renaissance, Mannerist, and Baroque periods with an emphasis on the cultural contexts of art production. While painting will be emphasised it will not be the exclusive focus with diverse examples from sculpture and architecture included.  The contribution of significant authors of art history will be explored, drawing the learners’ attention to how art history has been written and presented and highlighting changes within the discipline in the modern era.

Learners will be encouraged to discuss their understanding of the lecture content and to participation in active learning through classroom based exercises and dialogue.  The importance and vitality of experiential learning by viewing actual works of art and architectural space will be embedded in the module with guided field trips.  This module will encourage student access to national and local resources and the continued potential that these repositories of visual culture offer to students.

Weekly topics will be supported on Moodle with links to GMIT library resources, texts, AV materials and discussion forums.  Classes to take place in a lecture theatre or room with PC/laptop connection to a digital projector for large screen projection, high broadband speed, and blackout facilities.

The Art History 1 module aims to deepen the learners understanding of art; to provide a foundation for learners to independently and critically investigate, analyse, evaluate, discuss and write about works of art; to empower further study in the discipline and ultimately to augment their own development as artists.

1. Compose critical reflections on topics based on the lecture series, employing academic methods of research, writing, citation and presentation.

2. Demonstrate correct use of specialist vocabulary from the lecture series to describe, analyse, document and critically evaluate works of art

3. Describe, interpret, contextualize and evaluate historic works of art and architecture, using relevant terminology and specialist insight.

4. Recognise and refer to important authors of art history introduced in the lecture series and independently access the literature and learning resources of the discipline from libraries and online resources.