History of Art

Themes in European Art 1450-1700: Renaissance Bodies - Transformed, Constructed, Desired

How do we see the body in Michaelangelo's iconic marbles, or Titian’s bright canvases? In this module you’ll examine how Renaissance Europeans viewed the world - and the people in it. You’ll explore ideas about travel, science, the Church and colonialism that emerged during this extraordinary period. You’ll consider how Europeans saw themselves, and others, via their art. You’ll consider how art may have created or enforced social stereotypes. And you’ll be immersed in the charged debates of the time - on issues like race, sexuality and gender.

This module option is part of our compulsory Themes in European Art 1450-1700 module. This particular module option is subject to availability in any given year.

Themes in 18th and 19th Century European Art: European Art (1700-1840)

In this module you’ll examine European Art during a period of transformative change. You’ll consider the sweeping political and social movements of the time - and their impact on art. You’ll explore the British Empire, the French Revolution and the drive for European political reform. You’ll learn about the rise of artistic exhibitions and the beginnings of the print trade. You’ll consider the emergence of a ‘public’ for art and the birth of art criticism. And you’ll examine a range of genres, from portraiture and tomb sculpture to comic art

This module option is part of our compulsory Themes in 18th and 19th Century European Art. This particular module option is subject to availability in any given year.

Themes in Modern Art: Art and the Modern World (1914-1939)

How did the First World War transform European culture? How did artists, architects and designers embrace new technologies, materials and new ways of thinking? And how did changing views on gender and sexuality influence art and architecture? In this module you’ll examine how emerging modernist culture was expressed. You’ll look at forms like paintings, buildings, magazines, film and exhibitions. And you’ll study artists like Charlotte Perriand, Varvara Setpanova, Wells Coates and Marcel Breuer.

This module option is part of our compulsory Themes in Modern Art module. This particular module option is subject to availability in any given year.

Field Work in Art History: Paris

In this module, you’ll be spending a week in Paris, one of the world’s most famous cities for art. You’ll gain core analytical skills and fresh insights for your History of Art degree. You’ll explore the city’s rich range of architecture, and its renowned galleries, museums and temporary exhibitions. You’ll benefit from the input of expert staff on guided visits, while having the freedom to explore sites and galleries independently, absorbing the city’s extraordinary paintings, sculptures and buildings. 

This field work trip ordinarily runs in Paris. It is possible that circumstances may arise in any given year that could change the destination of the field work trip.

Oxford Buildings

In this module, you’ll explore Oxford’s famous buildings first-hand. You’ll gain valuable analytical skills for studying the History of Art, as you explore the buildings in their social, environmental and architectural contexts. You’ll benefit from studying buildings directly, and visiting their sites. You’ll visit a diverse range of buildings in Oxford, from the renowned Oxford colleges to the Bodleian Library and the Sheldonian Theatre. 

Independent Study in History of Art

This module gives you the chance to do independent study on a topic that fascinates you. You’ll have the support of our expert History of Art staff, while having the freedom to design your own topic alone or in a small group. Whether you’re responding to a current art exhibition, or a pressing issue in art history and criticism, you’ll shape your project around your passions and gain key research skills for your future career. 

History of Art Dissertation

In this module, you’ll have the chance to do independent research on a topic that fascinates you. You’ll have the support of our expert academics who guide you as you carry out research on your chosen topic. You’ll gain key skills for your chosen career, as you gain expertise in your topic and express the knowledge you’ve gained throughout your degree. 

History of Art Synoptic

In this module, you’ll identify and harness all of the skills and knowledge you’ve gained throughout your course. Through weekly discussions and debates, you’ll unlock your potential for a groundbreaking career. You’ll gain a strong and advanced understanding of your History of Art course content. You’ll make new connections between the ideas and content you’ve encountered in all your modules, giving you critical knowledge of your course and supporting your academic success.

Curatorial Practice

Do you dream of curating your own exhibition? Do you want to explore career options you didn’t know existed? In this module, you’ll gain direct and expert experience in curating displays and exhibitions of historic and contemporary art. You’ll learn the core issues in curating exhibitions, and explore themes such as: 

• theories of curating
• curating contemporary art
• curating historic exhibitions.

You’ll also look at the practical side of curation, including: 

• proposals
• loans
• funding
• displays
• lighting
• layout
• catalogues
• interpretation.

Advanced Independent Study in History of Art

This module gives you the opportunity to conduct an advanced level exploration of a subject not directly covered by the History of Art syllabus. In doing so, you’ll develop skills in independent research and analysis. 

You might choose to explore a response to a current exhibition, or investigate an issue in the field of art history or criticism. Alternatively, you might select a specialist topic related to another module, or connected to ongoing staff research. The topic will be a substantial one and you will design and carry out your study under the guidance and supervision of one or more members of the History of Art staff.

Advanced Seminar 1: Continuity and Change in Venetian Painting

What does Bellini’s intensive, meditative art have in common with Titian’s dramatic, emotive paintings? How are they part of the same tradition of Renaissance Venetian painting? In this module, you’ll explore Venice’s unique history and culture. You’ll consider Venetian material culture - from the perspective of residents and visitors. You’ll scrutinise ‘Venetian-ness.’ And you’ll examine how Venetian painters pushed boundaries in a traditional culture.

This module is subject to availability in any given year.

Advanced Seminar 1: The Art of Death

How is art involved in death? What is art’s role in rites of passage like mourning, burial and commemoration? In this module, you’ll explore the changing practices, beliefs and attitudes toward death - across cultures and centuries. You’ll investigate the Roman way of death. You’ll examine death in the Middle Ages, including the sumptuous Medieval chantry chapels. And you’ll learn how the Reformation drove sweeping changes in attitudes toward death across Europe. You’ll also consider specialist topics like commemoration, and the art of anatomy in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

This module is subject to availability in any given year.

Advanced Seminar 2: Dutch Seventeenth Century Painting

How is art involved in death? What is art’s role in rites of passage like mourning, burial and commemoration? In this module, you’ll explore the changing practices, beliefs and attitudes toward death - across cultures and centuries. You’ll investigate the Roman way of death. You’ll examine death in the Middle Ages, including the sumptuous Medieval chantry chapels. And you’ll learn how the Reformation drove sweeping changes in attitudes toward death across Europe. You’ll also consider specialist topics like commemoration, and the art of anatomy in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

This module is subject to availability in any given year.

Advanced Seminar 2: Culture and Modernity in 1920s and 1930s England

Explore the explosion of creativity surrounding art and ways of life in the 1920s and 30s. This visionary period saw the emergence of artists like Barbara Hepworth, Elizabeth Denby and Sadie Speight. And it produced groups like Unit One and the MARS Group. You’ll examine cultural artifacts of the time - from paintings and periodicals to film and furniture. You’ll explore debates about nationhood. And you’ll examine how these ideas impacted all areas of British culture.

This module is subject to availability in any given year.