Chapter 1 Overview

What You’ll Learn To Do: Navigate the history and language of art.

Module 1 will serve as an introduction to the History of Art. We will cover some important art historical concepts and terms. It is imperative to understand the “language” of Art History in order to evaluate works of art.

Learning Activities

The learning activities for this module include:
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  • Complete: Orientation to Distance Learning
  • Review: Key Learning Items

An Introduction to Art

  • Read: What is Art? Form and Content
  • Watch: The Skill of Describing (3:42)
  • Watch: Art as Concept (10:07)
  • Watch: Art & Context (10:26)
  • Watch: Representation & Abstraction (8:28)
  • Watch: Why Is That Important? (12:17)
  • Watch: Why Is This Art? (7:08)
  • Watch: Interpreting Contemporary Art (7:48)
  • Read: Iconographic Analysis: Understanding Iconography
  • Read: Formal Analysis: Understanding Visual Form
  • Watch: Art History Terms (4:04)

Extra Review

  • Review: External Resources

Assignments

  • Submit: Module 1 Quiz (5 points)