What Is an Art History Survey Course?

Art|Art History

An art history survey course is an educational program designed to introduce students to the history of art and its significance in the world. It covers a wide range of topics, including art theory, aesthetics, and art movements from different eras and cultures. In addition to exploring the major works of art that have shaped the visual arts, students learn about the various techniques used by artists throughout history, as well as the important historical figures who have influenced art and culture.

A typical art history survey course will begin with a discussion of various artistic techniques such as painting, sculpture, and printmaking. Students learn about the different materials used by artists throughout time as well as their importance in creating works of art.

This can include an exploration of various mediums such as canvas, stone, metal, clay, wood, glass, and paper. Students also gain insight into how these materials can be manipulated to create unique pieces of artwork.

The course will then move on to discuss the major periods in Western Art History from Ancient Greece and Rome to Modernism. During this section students will gain an understanding of how each period has contributed to our current understanding of art today.

For example, students are introduced to Classical Greek sculpture or Renaissance painting and their impact on modern day artistic styles. Additionally they are taught about important historical figures such as Michelangelo or Georgia O’Keefe who have shaped our view of the world through their work.

In addition to exploring these periods in depth, students also become familiar with more contemporary styles such as Postmodernism or Contemporary Art which are still evolving today. They learn about how these styles differ from traditional forms and how they reflect current cultural trends or events that shape our world today.

Finally, students gain an understanding of how artwork is created for public consumption through exhibitions or galleries. They explore topics such as curating a show or marketing artwork for sale within a gallery setting which helps them understand what it takes for an artist’s work to be seen by others outside the classroom environment.

The overall goal for any student taking an art history survey course is for them to leave with a greater appreciation for not only artistic forms but also for those who create them and why they do so. By providing context and background information on various periods in history it allows them to become better informed on both past and present works so that they can make more informed decisions when engaging with artwork either inside or outside of school..

Conclusion
An art history survey course is a great way for anyone interested in learning more about this subject area to gain a better understanding of its importance in our culture today. Through exploring various techniques used by artists throughout time along with learning about important historical figures within this field it provides students with invaluable knowledge that they can use beyond just the classroom setting when engaging with artwork either inside or outside school walls.