History of Art 1, basic course

Aim

On completion of the course, the student should: - have acquired general knowledge, both historically and theoretically, of visual art (including mass produced images) and of architecture and applied art, primarily in the western culture circle, - have developed broad knowledge and understanding of the functions and tools of image creation, - have developed skills in determining and describing images and buildings in speech and writing, as well as a familiarity with different methods for interpretation and analysis, - have achieved ability to an carry a reasoning argument in speech and writing and critically reflect on relevant facts based on scientific, social and ethical aspects of the subject.

Content

Art History from Prehistoric Times to the Beginning of the 15th Century, 7.5 HE credits (Konstens historia från äldsta tid fram till ca 1400) This module covers aspects on the earliest human cultural manifestations through study of, for example Palaeolithic cave images. More extensive studies will be devoted to visual art and architecture in the Mediterranean and the state formations of the Near East, from the first high cultures in Mesopotamia and Egypt until the Roman imperial time. An overview is also given of image production and building in Europe during the millennium when these activities to a great extent were in service of the church. Art History from the 15th Century to the Middle of the 18th Century, 7.5 HE credits (Konstens historia från ca 1400 till ca 1750) This module covers the aesthetics and functions of the image and the architecture from the time of the emergence of the Renaissance ideas in Italy until the Rococo tendencies of the 18th century. The important art theory shifts and the changed role of artists in society are discussed. The development of state constructions and environmental design is also studied, as well as handicraft and development of graphical techniques. Art History from the Middle of the 18th to the 20th Century, 7.5 HE credits (Konstens historia från ca 1750 till ca 1900) This module gives an overview of the most important style trends in art from neo-classicism to Art Nouveau at the turn of the century. The fields that are discussed are the changed conditions of designing through the artist emancipation and the development of the art market and exhibition life, the struggle between academism and Modernism, and the importance for architecture and urban development of the technical development. The course also covers both the origin and history of photography and breakthrough of the mass-produced image. Art History from the 20th Century until Today, 7.5 HE credits (Konstens historia från ca 1900 till idag) This module closely examines the efforts and groupings of important individual artists, as well as the theoretical conditions of different art movements from the break-through of Fauvism and Expressionism in 1905 until today. Also studied is the architecture, environmental formation and design and the art concept of the 20th century. The course gives perspectives on mass media images of different kinds, popular images, advertising and propaganda.