Art History OpenCourseWare: University of Utah's Free Bachelor Level Art History Class

Published Jun 27, 2009

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'Introduction to Art History,' a free online OpenCourseWare from the University of Utah, traces the development and impact of artists and their creative endeavors in various cultures around the world. The course serves as a foundational study for those who wish to pursue advanced art studies or simply expand their knowledge of global art movements throughout history.

Introduction to Art History: Course Specifics

Degree Level Free Audio Video Downloads
Undergraduate Yes No No No

Lectures/Notes Study Materials Tests/Quizzes
Yes Yes No

Introduction to Art History: Course Description

Wendi Miller of the University of Utah's Department of Art and Art History facilitates the 'Introduction to Art History' course. The coursework covers the world of art from the earliest surviving artworks of ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome to the 20th and 21st century artistic movements known as pop art, op art and minimalism. Emphasis is placed on understanding the cultural context of artistic expression.

The course consists of 24 online lessons that require the use of the textbook A History of Western Art (4th Edition) by Laurie Schneider Adams, McGraw-Hill Higher Education. In addition to providing an overview of significant art movements, the course guides students into examining different methods used in analyzing and critiquing works of art. For that unit, students are encouraged to study an optional text, Visual Literacy: Writing About Art by Amy Tucker, McGraw-Hill, but use of the text is not essential to understanding the course content.

Students accessing the free online OpenCourseWare earn no credits, but 'Introduction to Art History' may be taken for three credits through the Department of Continuing Education at the University of Utah.

Course materials include lecture notes and reading assignments, all available online. One must either login as a guest or create an account to login. If you're interested in taking this course, visit the introduction to art history course page.

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