Course Details

1. Describe the main developments and artistic characteristics of the art periods from Renaissance to the Enlightenment and recall on the major theoretical and contextual arguments of each era.
2. Describe the main developments and cultural characteristics of societies from the early hunter and gatherers societies to the post-industrial societies.
3. Review and relate the art works and their context with appropriate academic terminology and distinguish their artistic techniques, materials and methods.
4. Analyse and review the theoretical works of the most important theorists in the field of sociology and anthropology with appropriate academic terminology and distinguish the different schools of thought in these fields.
5. Propose a visual and written research on a theme/topic, analyse in depth relevant art works, and relate and assess their context / artistic approaches in respect to the general theme and to relevant theoretical debates.

An introduction to the changes and artistic achievements from the Renaissance to the Enlightenment. Here the characteristic and  purpose of their practices shall be studied as well as materials and artistic methods.  Furthermore the ideologies, religious and socio-political consciousness involved in these periods shall be commented briefly since this subject runs is parallel to that of the cultural studies which tackles these issues extensively.

An introduction to the development and changes societies went through since the the beginning of civilisation to today.  Here the ideologies, religious and socio-political consciousness shall be discussed, with more emphasis to the consciousness of the modern world.  Furthermore the basic principles and research methods in sociology shall be studied.

• The Story of Art, E. H. Gombrich, Phaidon, London 1995
• Gardner’s Art through the Ages, Richard Tansev, Fred S. Kleiner, Horst De La Croix, Harcourt College Pub, 10th edition (August 1995)
• Art in Theory 1648-1815: An Anthology of Changing Ideas, Charles Harrison, Dr Paul J. Wood, Jason Gaiger, Wiley-Blackwell; 1 edition (January 16, 1991)

• Relevant notes from class given on each lesson

Extended project briefings, exercises, illustrated lectures and group critiques.

Emphasis given on familiarisation with the local art scene, so visits to gallery and museum spaces are a core element of the lesson.