Art History: How To Look at Art

Introductory courses or seminars on topics beyond the scope of existing departmental offerings. See Schedule of Courses for specific titles.

Dates: July 18 - August 12, 2022

In this course, you will learn various approaches to looking at art. Why should we look at art? What can we learn about who, why, or when it was made? Why are there different periods and styles in the history of art? What tools can you use to analyze a work of art?

Students will learn the major approaches used by art historians to understand and appreciate art. Students will read and view art historians’ analyses of particular artists and art objects and then use what they have learned to do their own analysis on the object of their choice. The end goal is for students to feel confident viewing art and identifying the multiplicity of its cultural, aesthetic and personal values. Understanding how and why art can be viewed and analyzed engenders a greater and more sophisticated appreciation for the importance of art and its history and the great joy and intellectual stimulation to be had from viewing and thinking about art.

For each unit, you will have a series of readings and videos that will teach you about specific approaches to looking and studying art. Over the course of the semester, you will create a digital project, examining one work of art and using the new tools for looking and analysis as you go, and a research paper.