About ARTH 1420 A
Introduction to the visual arts, primarily painting, sculpture, and architecture from the Renaissance to present. Credit not awarded for both ARTH 1420 and ARTH 1018.
Notes
Open to degree and PACE students. System waitlisting enabled for this section.
Section URL
N/A. Course materials, readings, and assignments will be available through UVM Brightspace.
Section Description
This course offers an engaging introduction to global art history from the fourteenth century to the present, exploring the diverse artistic traditions, cultural exchanges, and historical transformations that have shaped visual culture across the world. Moving beyond a conventional Eurocentric narrative of art history, the course examines major artistic developments in Europe, North America, the Middle East, South Asia, and East Asia, highlighting both the distinctiveness of regional artistic traditions and their interconnected histories.
Beginning with the Renaissance in Europe, students will explore major artistic movements, including the Baroque, Rococo, Neoclassicism, Romanticism, Realism, Impressionism, and the emergence of modern and contemporary art. The course then broadens its geographical scope to examine Islamic art and architecture, Hindu and Buddhist visual traditions, and the rich artistic histories of China, Korea, and Japan. Throughout the semester, students will consider how artistic traditions developed through cultural encounters, religious practices, political transformations, trade, colonialism, and globalization.
Rather than approaching art history simply as a chronological survey of celebrated artists and masterpieces, the course encourages students to consider art as a dynamic form of cultural expression shaped by the societies in which it is produced and experienced. We will explore how artworks communicate ideas about identity, gender, class, religion, political authority, and social change, as well as how artistic production both reflects and challenges prevailing cultural values.
Students will develop foundational skills in visual analysis, learning to observe, describe, compare, and interpret artworks across different historical and cultural contexts. Through lectures, discussions, readings, and short reflective writing assignments, they will become familiar with essential art historical terminology, artistic techniques, and approaches to interpreting visual culture.
No prior knowledge of art history is required. The course is designed for students from a wide range of academic backgrounds who are interested in understanding how art connects to history, society, culture, and everyday life.
This course fulfills the AH1 Arts requirement and serves as a prerequisite for upper-level Art History courses.
Section Expectation
Students are encouraged to approach this course with curiosity, open-mindedness, and a willingness to engage with artistic traditions and perspectives that may be unfamiliar to them.
Regular attendance and active engagement with lectures and discussions are important components of the learning experience. Students are expected to complete assigned readings and short educational videos before class to develop a foundation for understanding the artworks and historical contexts discussed in lectures.
Throughout the semester, students will complete ten short weekly reflection journals (approximately 300–500 words each). These assignments offer opportunities to reflect on interesting ideas, artworks, and questions raised during lectures and readings. The emphasis is on thoughtful engagement, personal observations, and developing critical thinking skills rather than extensive research or formal academic writing.
Students will also complete a brief self-introduction assignment and two examinations, a midterm and a final, designed to assess their understanding of major artistic developments, concepts, and historical contexts.
All required readings and educational videos will be available through Brightspace or freely accessible online resources, primarily Smarthistory. No textbook purchase is required.
Evaluation
The course is designed to encourage consistent engagement with the material and provide students with multiple opportunities to demonstrate their learning throughout the semester.
Final grades are based on the following components:
Attendance, participation, and in-class activities: 20%, including a brief self-introduction essay (3%)
Midterm examination: 25%
Final examination: 25%
Ten weekly reflection journals: 30% (3% each)
The weekly journals are low-stakes assignments designed to encourage thoughtful reflection and meaningful engagement with lectures, readings, and artworks. Students are encouraged to develop their own interpretations and perspectives rather than simply memorize information.
The midterm and final examinations assess students' understanding of key artworks, artistic movements, concepts, and their broader historical and cultural significance. Both examinations are administered through Brightspace.
Attendance is extremely important in this course. Lectures provide essential explanations, visual analyses, and historical contexts that complement the assigned readings. Regular attendance and punctuality are therefore crucial for academic success. Students are permitted a maximum of three unexcused absences to receive a passing grade. Attendance is recorded through iClicker, and students are expected to attend and participate consistently throughout the semester.
Further details regarding attendance, assignments, and grading policies will be provided in the course syllabus.
Important Dates
Note: These dates may change before registration begins.
Courses may be cancelled due to low enrollment. Show your interest by enrolling.
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| Last Day to Drop | |
| Last Day to Withdraw with 50% Refund | |
| Last Day to Withdraw with 25% Refund | |
| Last Day to Withdraw |
Resources
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