Course overview
This course will introduce students to the major themes of Western art and craft from Classical times to the development of Modernism. Students will gain a broad historical understanding of the changing concepts pertaining to representation and meaning and the changing social and cultural contexts informing the development of visual culture, with some important critical and comparative perspectives on those themes. Students will also gain skills in essay writing and research across a broad range of issues and topics.
Course learning outcomes
- Provide an historical account of major themes in representation from Plato to postmodern culture.
- Explain the fundamental principles in the interpretation of symbolic and iconic texts
- Identify and articulate the cause and effect of significant historical developments in the field of visual culture.
- Articulate the significance of key stylistic trajectories in the discourse of visual art and culture.
- develop research skills in the field of visual culture.
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The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.