Trace the evolution of human visual expression across 40,000 years — from the ochre handprints of Paleolithic caves to the immersive digital installations of the 21st century. Each module pairs richly illustrated readings with visual analysis exercises, timeline diagrams, and knowledge checks. You will learn to "read" artworks by examining composition, color, line, and symbolism, and you will situate them within the social, political, and spiritual contexts that gave them meaning. By the end of this track you will be able to identify the major periods and movements in art history, analyze works using the elements and principles of design, and connect artistic innovation to broader cultural change across civilizations.
The elements and principles of design, methods of art criticism, and how to "read" a work of art.
From Paleolithic cave paintings through Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome — the origins of visual culture.
Early Christian, Byzantine, Romanesque, and Gothic art — sacred imagery, illuminated manuscripts, and soaring cathedrals.
The rebirth of classical ideals in Italy and Northern Europe, followed by the drama and grandeur of the Baroque era.
Neoclassicism, Romanticism, Realism, Impressionism, and Post-Impressionism — a century of revolutionary change.
Cubism, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, and Pop Art — the radical experiments that shattered traditional art.
Installation art, digital media, performance, and non-Western traditions — art in a globalized world.
Comprehensive assessment covering all modules of the Art History track.