Art History
Art History is the study of artefacts and techniques, texts and concepts within social, historical, and philosophical contexts. The degree scheme provides a general survey of the discipline as well as a specialised and in-depth study of specific subjects. Core and optional modules cover a period from the Renaissance to the present day, with courses dedicated to the historical study of particular Fine Art mediums, conservation, museology, display, and collection management. The degree schemes emphasise the ability to conduct research, to investigate and analyse, and to articulate the ideas so gathered both orally and in writing. Many of the modules are delivered by academics who are practicing artists as well; this ensures that the study of the discipline is intimately related to and immediately informed by the experiences and techniques under discussion. The School of Art Museum collections and archives are used by staff in the training of students to become artists, art historians and museum curators.
As an art historian, you will examine the products of cultures and trace their development in painting and printmaking, in photography and digital art, in book illustration and commercial graphics, as well as ceramics and the plastic arts. In a visual-minded world such as ours, this ability to interpret images and grasp the meaning of signs is becoming increasingly important. In its approaches to cultures, Art History is interdisciplinary. It involves anthropology, sociology, philosophy, literature, history, as well as cultural and gender studies. As such, it promotes the sort of critical thinking that has many practical applications today. It provides an excellent foundation for careers in education and publishing, in journalism and advertising, and in the administration and conservation of art.
While dedicated to the study of art as an international phenomenon, the School is also mindful of its particular relationship and commitment to the visual arts in Wales. We aim to provide a critical account of the country’s art history and visual culture through optional art history modules on Art in Wales. There is also the possibility of exciting combinations of Art History with either Fine Art or another subject (for example, European Languages, English, History, Information Studies, Drama, or Television and Film Studies).