Ways of Looking at Western Art

This course offers a focussed analysis of the key movements, artists, and ideas of Western art from the 14th to the 19th century.  

We will address and discuss questions such as: 

• How do you read a picture? 
• Why does that sculpture look the way it does? 
• How do artists make their works? 

You will be introduced to the important debates and ideas, as well as the key fundamentals of art history as a discipline. You will enhance your understanding of art and art history, through formal and contextual analysis. 
 

Why Glasgow?
The University of Glasgow is ideally situated for the study of art history. Not only is the University ranked number 3 in the Guardian’s Best UK Universities history of art league table, but it also holds its own impressive collection held at the Hunterian Art Gallery and Museum, and the collections centre at Kelvin Hall. 

Glasgow is also the contemporary visual art capital of Scotland, with a vibrant and innovative art scene, and home to world-class collections of art, from the newly re-opened Burrell Collection to the Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery, located next to the university. 

Teaching on this course will be a mixture of lectures, gallery visits and tutor-led discussions. 

Assessment information: 
visual assessment and essay