What Does an Art History Class Teach?

Art|Art History

Art history classes teach students to appreciate the visual arts and understand the importance of art in society. Through the study of art, students learn about the different techniques and styles used to create works from different times and places. They also learn about the history and culture of a particular time period or civilization, as well as how art has been used to express ideas, beliefs, and values.

In an art history class, students are introduced to a variety of artistic styles such as Impressionism, Expressionism, Cubism, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, Pop Art, Minimalism and Post-Modernism. They learn about the characteristics of each style and how they developed over time. Students also learn how to analyze works of art by looking at composition, color theory, perspective, symbolism and other elements that can help them interpret a work’s meaning.

Art history classes also cover topics such as patronage systems in which wealthy individuals or organizations supported artists financially during certain times in history; artist biographies; movements such as the Renaissance or Baroque period; political influences on art; religious influences on art; gender issues in art; art criticism; aesthetics; and more. Students may also be asked to read primary source documents such as letters written by artists or reviews written by critics in order to gain a better understanding of a particular work or movement.

By taking an art history class students gain an appreciation for arts from all over the world that is both educational and entertaining. It is through this type of education that students gain a greater awareness of their own cultural heritage as well as that from other cultures around them.

In conclusion, an Art History class teaches students about important movements in visual arts from all over the world throughout time. It helps them develop analytical skills through studying composition, color theory and perspective while learning about political and religious influences on artwork both past and present. Furthermore it provides insight into cultural heritage from various countries around the world which can help cultivate an appreciation for diversity among its participants.