UWA Handbook 2024

Major Overview

Description

Art is not a singular entity, but changes in time and space as cultures, that produce it, change. The History of Art major introduces you to art within the whole spectrum of our visual experience. It encompasses studies in visual arts, literature, film and new media, architecture, landscape architecture and the impact of other art and design practice on the history of cultures. Learning to experience aesthetic pleasure through emotional intuition and intellectual learning is an essential means of exploring the serious issues of past and present cultures from many parts of the world including Europe, America, Asia and Australia.

Outcomes

Students are able to (1) analyse a range of images, texts and items of visual culture and their social, political, economic, religious or aesthetic contexts; (2) apply the key concepts, theories and methodologies of the discipline of Art History in the study of art; (3) show a good general knowledge of several periods in the history of art as well as more detailed knowledge of particular subject areas studied in the major; (4) communicate by reasoned argument in written texts and general discussion the ideas and approaches of the discipline; (5) undertake independent research in the discipline of Art History; (6) demonstrate understanding of the significance of the visual arts and complex images in the construction of identities, ideologies, social formations and our place in the world; and (7) demonstrate understanding of the key contemporary issues of the discipline and their relevance to the study of art of diverse periods and cultures.

Broadening guidelines

All students studying towards a Bachelor's Degree at UWA are required to Broaden their studies by completing a minimum of four units (24 points) of study outside their degree specific major. Broadening is your opportunity to explore other areas of interest, investigate new disciplines and knowledge paradigms and to shape your degree to suit your own aspirations and interests. Many of you will be able to undertake more than this minimum amount of broadening study and we encourage you to do so if this suits your aspirations. Over the next few months you will find here some broadening suggestions related to your degree-specific major. While we know that many students value guidance of this sort, these are only suggestions and students should not lose sight of the opportunity to explore that is afforded by your Broadening Choices. Advice can also be sought from your Allocated Student Advising Office.

Courses

History of Art can be taken as a degree-specific major in the following degree courses:

• BP001 Bachelor of Arts
• BH005 Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)

Units