When & Where

Quick Facts

  • Availability Yes
  • Tutor Jenny Vuglar
  • Course Code W24PDGB09A
  • Suitable For 19 year olds and up are permitted on this course

What you will learn

How does art history as a discipline decide what makes great art and what doesn't? Who are the gate keepers and what are they looking for? What is art? What makes something art ? Looking at a range of works spanning the history of art - from the medieval period to the present day, this course introduces you to how art is studied, helping you to think critically about different types of art and ideas about art.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • Have an understanding of the 'canon' of western art and be able to give examples of its limitations
  • Have an awareness of the role and significance of the patron/the market on a work of art
  • Have an awareness of how our idea of what makes art has changed and changes
  • Have an awareness of how ideas of 'the artist' and the role of the spectator have changed and continue to change
  • Be introduced to ideas of visual analysis

Class format and activities

The works of art that we will be discussing in this course span from the medieval period to the present day. Each class focuses on a different theme including topics as diverse as how our ideas of what constitutes ‘great art’ are formed; the changing role of the spectator and the market. You are encouraged to engage in discussion and lecture materials will be shared by email. In order to ensure that you make the best possible progress on your course, you will have regular feedback from your tutor, in a constructive and supportive environment.

Entry requirements

This course is for beginners and those with some knowledge of art history.

What you need

You will find it helpful to bring a paper and pen for making notes.

What you can do next

We offer a range of long and short courses in art history at Morley and cover a range of periods and subjects of interest. You may like to opt for a lecture based programme online or in the college or one where you visit galleries and study the art and artefacts in situ (subject to Covid 19 restrictions). You can browse our full programme by searching "art history" on our website.