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Interpreting Art Short Course

Course description

In this Interpreting Art Short Course we will cover a range of modes and methodologies commonly used to provide meaning and structure to the visual arts. Our access to art has become much easier, but in the age of the Turner prize our understanding of it seems like an increasingly arduous task.

Some ways of interpreting art which we will study include:

  • Semiotic (the study of symbols, signs and their interpretation)
  • Formalist (purely visual and stylistic analysis)
  • Historical (interpretation through context)
  • Political (examining power structures implied or present in the work)

Each session works with concrete examples of art taken from across history, where we apply certain methods of interpretation and discuss their applicability. Examples range from groups such as the Surrealists and contemporary conceptual works, all the way back to 19th Century and Renaissance paintings. With this practical element comes a focus on the theoretical foundations of the methods we use, as well as discussions on the issue of interpretation itself.

On this course, there will be occasional visits to galleries; during the weeklong intensive there will be one each day, and every other session for the evening formats.

Who should attend this course?
This short course is suitable for beginners, undergraduate and foundation arts/philosophy/curating students, journalists and critics, people with backgrounds in other humanities or arts areas, arts professionals or administrators. No prior knowledge needed, though familiarity with art history will enrich experience. This could be studied alongside Modern Art History.

Course outcomes
By the end of this course students should:

  • Have an understanding of some of the key methods of interpreting art.
  • Gained an insight into art history and aesthetics.
  • Be able to apply methods of interpretation when discussing art.

Please note: this course is for students aged 18 and older

Clear, easy to understand lessons:

  • Our tutors will explain things in easy to understand, accessible English. If they need to use any special terminology they will make sure they explain what they mean.
  • New methodologies will be explained or demonstrated
  • We also offer learning resources for you to access outside of the classroom

All our on campus courses include:

  • Network and share ideas with students from across the globe
  • Access the technology and materials relevant to your discipline
  • Shop in our college shops for any materials you might need
  • Ask questions to your tutor in real time
  • Receive feedback and critique on your assignments
  • Experience the many sights of London on your down time

All our online short courses include:

  • Live and interactive online lessons with classmates from around the world
  • The same course content and learning outcomes as our face to face courses
  • Lesson recordings, for review, so you never have to miss a class
  • Access to the virtual learning environment with course content
  • Forums for support
  • 2 weeks online access to the recordings of the live classroom sessions
  • Ask questions to your tutor in real time

A certificate of completion:

  • You've put the work in so we want to make sure you have something to show for it!
  • As long as you attend a minimum of 80% of your classes, we will provide you with a certificate of attendance.
  • However we always recommend you attend all of the classes so that you get the most out of the experience!
  • Certificates are a great addition to your CV

Available dates

It can take a few moments for our course dates to load - if there are no available dates, please contact our customer service team who will help you find a course or email you when new dates become available.
Make an enquiry or call us on 0207 514 7015.

Details

Topics covered

  • Art analysis
  • Aesthetics
  • Art history
  • Practical skills

Materials

Online Short Course Materials

To take part in the Online sessions you will need:

  • An up-to-date web browser (we recommend Chrome)
  • Microphone and headphones (a headset with a microphone function is recommended. The built-in microphone in your device would also be fine).
  • Webcam
  • Strong Internet connection - we recommend a minimum of 2 Mbps download, and 1 Mbps upload, faster if possible. You can test your network speed here - https://www.speedtest.net

Onsite Short Course Materials

Please bring the following with you to the first session:

  • Notebook and pen
Meet the Tutor:

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This Interpreting Art Short Course is designed to acquaint students with a set of interpretative tools that can be applied in a variety of encounters with art - from the museum visit to the critical essay or written review.

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