History of Art

Course summary

History of Art is a very popular subject at Fine Arts College. A-level History of Art assumes no prior knowledge of this area of study and is suitable for a range of students who wish to develop their interest in and enjoyment of, the subject. The subject examines the relationships between society and art, exploring how historical and social contexts contribute to the interpretation and meaning of painting, sculpture and architecture. Students develop a historical and critical awareness of great works from Ancient Greece and Rome to the present day. Students also acquire an understanding of key techniques, colour, styles, composition and the use of visual signs. Teaching is centred on class discussions and presentations using slides and online materials. Students acquire a sophisticated grasp of research skills through regular essay writing, the analysis of works of art and architecture and critiquing art-historical texts. For this reason, students develop strong critical thinking skills and the ability to analyse and interpret information from a range of sources, skills that are highly valued by employers and universities alike.