Study Skills in Art History

Course Title: Study Skills in Art History
Type of Course: Adult Education
Credit: Not credit bearing

Week and Session Title

1. Introducing Art History – Using SCIF to Ask the Right Questions

2. Ekphrastic Writing – Describing Art in Words

3. Formal Analysis – Visual Elements and Composition

4. Iconography and Symbolism – Interpreting Meaning in Art

5. Using Dialectics as a Critical Tool – Debating Interpretations

6. Using Semiotics as a Critical Tool – Signs and Structures of Meaning

7. The Objective Voice – Academic Writing and Conventions

8. Using Marxism as a Critical Tool – Art in Socio-Economic Context

9. Using Feminism as a Critical Tool – Gender and Representation

10. Using Psychoanalysis as a Critical Tool – Art and the Unconscious

11. Using Postcolonial Theory as a Critical Tool – Art, Empire, and Identity

12. Reception Theory – The Audience and the Artwork
13. Literary Parallels – Connecting Visual Art and Literature
14. The Non-Objective Voice – Personal Reflection and Critique
15. Presentations and Next Steps

Course Overview

This course is aimed at adult learners who are ready to take their interest in art to a higher level. 

Whether you're completely new to art history or looking to deepen your understanding, you'll be guided step by step—from learning how to really look at artworks and interpret their meaning, to exploring how art historians analyse images and how curators shape exhibitions.

Each session introduces a new way of thinking and talking about art, brought to life through engaging tutor presentations, lively discussions, short writing exercises, and home assignments. You’ll build the confidence to describe, analyse, and contextualise works of art—and use those skills to enrich your own gallery and museum visits.

By the end of the course, you’ll be equipped with a toolkit of art historical methods, able to write clearly and thoughtfully about visual art, and prepared to pursue more advanced study if you wish to go further.

Required Previous Experience (if any)
None required.

Required Reading Material or Special Equipment Needed (if any)
None required.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this course, you will be better prepared to:

• apply a logical and systematic method of analysis to various artworks.

• structure and write coherent short essays and presentations in art history.

• identify and apply basic academic theoretical models to the understanding of visual culture.

Teaching and Learning Approach

The teaching and learning approach for this course combines tutor-led instruction, group discussions, and independent study supported by individual guidance from the tutor. Classes are conducted face-to-face in a classroom setting and utilize diverse teaching methods, including presentations, site visits, class discussions, and interactive activities. These methods are selected to engage students, accommodate varied learning styles, and support effective understanding of the subject matter. The approach is also designed to recognize and be responsive to the diverse experiences, backgrounds, identities, and cultural perspectives represented within the student cohort, fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students.

Additional Information

This course descriptor may be subject to change during the delivery of the course, depending on the specific direction and nature of the learner cohort, and is intended to be responsive to the group dynamics as they emerge during the delivery of the course.