Overview

The BA (Hons) History of Art at the University of York examines artworks, visual cultures and the historical contexts in which they are created and interpreted. The course develops an understanding of art across different periods and cultures while encouraging students to consider how artistic works reflect, challenge and shape ideas within society.

What You'll Learn

• Major periods, movements and themes in the history of art.

• Painting, sculpture, architecture and other forms of visual culture.

• Methods for analysing artworks and interpreting visual meaning.

• Historical, cultural, political and social contexts surrounding artistic production.

• Different approaches to art history, including theoretical and critical perspectives.

• Relationships between artists, institutions, audiences and wider cultural developments.

• Research methods for investigating artworks, artists and historical questions.

• Critical reading, visual analysis, academic writing, independent research and argument development.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to identify, describe and critically analyse artworks using appropriate historical, visual and theoretical approaches. They will understand how artistic production and interpretation are connected to wider cultural, political and social contexts and be able to compare different periods, movements and artistic practices. Students will develop the ability to research art-historical questions, evaluate primary and secondary sources and construct well-supported arguments. They will also be able to communicate complex interpretations clearly in written and spoken forms, while using evidence effectively to support their conclusions. The course encourages independent thinking and a critical appreciation of the ways visual culture can communicate and influence ideas.