what are the highlighs of a high school art history course

by Juwan Rodriguez DVM 9 min read

With an art history curriculum, high school students will learn about various aspects of art, from influential artists like Da Vinci and Michelangelo to styles such as Gothic, Baroque, and Rococo. Students will explore art throughout different time periods beginning with the Middle Ages all the way through modern times.

Students will explore art throughout different time periods beginning with the Middle Ages all the way through modern times. Along the way, they'll learn to recognize artistic styles, discuss techniques, analyze sculptures and paintings, appraise differences, and more.

Full Answer

What is high school art history?

An art history curriculum is typically offered as a high school elective. As the name implies, high school art history provides students with an overview of art throughout history. Students explore art and how it evolved throughout different time periods and in various parts of the world.

What are the courses in an art history degree program?

Most bachelor's degree programs require students to complete general education coursework as well as foundational art classes covering form, space, color and artistic elements. Students take a set of major art history courses and round out their studies through a selection of electives.

Why teach high school art classes?

It really is that simple–use your classes to give kids a great beginning, an interesting middle, and a successful end to their high school art experiences. You will be well on your way to developing and maintaining a great art program.

What is the AP Art History course at a glance?

Excerpted from the AP Art History Course and Exam Description, the Course at a Glance document outlines the topics and skills covered in the AP Art History course, along with suggestions for sequencing. This is the core document for this course.

What do you learn in an art history class?

In art history, we study the art and architecture of cultures around the world and across the millennia. We take a variety of approaches to our objects, but focus on understanding their aesthetic and historical significance as well as their social relevance.

Is art history in high school hard?

As we mentioned above, Art History can be a tough AP course with a lot of memorization and homework required to do well. If you don't have an interest in the subject, that can make it a slog to get through the class.

What do you learn in AP Art History?

You'll study a broad range of artistic works from the civilizations of the ancient Near East and Egypt, as well as the Greek, Etruscan, and Roman cultures. Topics may include: The cultural context of ancient empires. The role of religion and royalty in early art.

Why you should take an art history class?

It'll give you a more worldly perspective. It's important to be aware of and respect other cultures. Believe it or not, learning about the art of other cultures is an amazing way to do that. Art can tell you a whole lot about how people see the world. Also, art history is a nearly endless topic.

Why are art history classes so hard?

As was mentioned in the introductory paragraph, art history is not an easy "A." There is more to it than memorizing names, dates, and titles. An art history class also requires you analyze, think critically, and write well.

What is art art history?

Art history – the study of art from across the world, and from the ancient to the present day – covers virtually every aspect of human history and experience. This is because it looks at works of art not just as objects, but as a way of understanding the world, and the societies in which they were created.

What is the hardest AP class?

The Three Hardest AP ClassesAP Physics 1. Despite a reputation as one of the most difficult AP classes, Physics 1 is also one of the most popular—137,229 students took it in 2021. ... AP U.S. History. AP U.S. history is one of the hardest AP classes in the humanities and in general. ... AP Chemistry.

What is the easiest AP class?

What is the easiest AP class? AP Computer Science Principles is rated as the easiest AP class by real AP class alumnae, with an average difficulty rating of just 2.8 / 10 (1 = easiest), though the 2021 pass rate of 67% is not especially high.

Why should I take AP Art History?

Although aspects of memorization and analyzing/attributing unknown works of art may be challenging, AP Art History has the potential to be a highly rewarding class that awakens students to the deeper meanings, creative processes, and impacts behind artwork from all over the world throughout history.

What is art history in high school?

An art history curriculum is typically offered as a high school elective. As the name implies, high school art history provides students with an overview of art throughout history. Students explore art and how it evolved throughout different time periods and in various parts of the world.

What does an art history major study?

An art history major is ostensibly about the study of fine art, sculpture, architecture, painting, decoration, and other forms of artistic expression throughout history.

How do you write an art history essay?

Develop a strong interpretive thesis about what you think is the overall effect or meaning of the image. Ground your argument in direct and specific references to the work of art itself. Describe the image in specific terms and with the criteria that you used for the analysis.

What is art history in high school?

An art history curriculum is typically offered as a high school elective. As the name implies, high school art history provides students with an overview of art throughout history. Students explore art and how it evolved throughout different time periods and in various parts of the world.

Is AP art history hard?

The AP Art History exam is a tough one to master, though many students pass it with average scores. In 2019, 63.1% of students who took the AP Art History received a score of 3 or higher. Of these, only 11.9% of students received the top score of 5, with another 24.6% scoring a 4.

Is art a level hard?

Surprisingly, Art A-Level is often ranked among some of the most difficult A-Level subjects to take, despite the common assumption that it is a 'soft' subject. Many people assume studying Art at A-Level can be easy, particularly if you are a gifted artist yourself.

What does an art history major do?

Art history majors study and analyze famous works of art, and art history programs teach skills related to research, critical thinking, and communication. Graduates can pursue a variety of positions, including roles as curators, archivists, and professors.

Art History Degree Programs Overview

A degree program in art history introduces students to the historical relevance of art and provides them with the tools necessary to analyze both classical and modern works of art. While artists most often pursue the degree, an art history degree may also be attractive to non-artists who have a keen interest in history.

Introduction to Art History

This course is designed to provide students with a broad overview of art history. While the art of many cultures is studied, most courses focus mainly on Western Europe art. Many time periods are investigated, including Renaissance and Medieval. Great emphasis is placed upon the variety of perspectives from which the history of art may be studied.

Methods and Theories of Art History

In this art history course, students are introduced to the many critical writings that have helped form the history of art. Texts written on a variety of topics are examined, including feminism, social history and gender studies.

Specializations

Art history specializations and elective areas include Asian art, Latin American art, art and architecture, portraiture, impressionism and digital art. Students may also have the chance to complete an independent study, study abroad and intern at the museum.

What is open learn art history?

Open Learn’s Art History courses are aimed at examining how perceptions of art change across history. The Seasons in Art explores the changing ways seasons of a year have been represented in art over the centuries. The Enlightenment examines the impact of Enlightenment on science, religion, the classics, art, and nature. Napoleonic paintings attempt to understand a range of Napoleonic imagery by David, Gros, and several other artists. Art and the Mexican Revolution ‘s focus is on Diego Rivera’s key murals, commissioned by the Mexican government after the Mexican Revolution of 1910-1920. Have a look at our compilation of Best History Courses.

What is Udemy art history?

Art History Courses (Udemy) Udemy hosts a plethora of courses in Art History. These courses study the nature of art and cultural and political influences on art during various eras. You will also find courses that examine art by some of the famous artists of all time.

What is the Impressionists painting?

The Impressionists: Painting Modern Life examines the major concerns of artists like Cézanne, Degas, Manet, and Monet, and their interaction with modern life. Learning to Look at Modern Art is your guide to look at contemporary art in an open-minded, critical, and analytical way.

What is the Museum of Modern Art?

The Museum of Modern Art, you will learn from artists, architects, and designers from around the world about their creative processes, materials, and inspiration. Modern Art & Ideas focuses on modern and contemporary art.

What is the art of Leonardo da Vinci?

The painting of Leonardo da Vinci in the Italian Renaissance, you will learn to interpret Leonardo’s paintings and their mystery. The Art of van Gogh, Cezanne, Gauguin, and Post-Impressionism appreciates the modern art of the Post-Impressionist artists.

What is the Renaissance to 20th century?

Art History Renaissance to 20th Century is a basic survey of painting, sculpture, and architecture. Art History Prehistory to the Renaissance covers the history of art since Prehistory until the beginnings of the Italian Renaissance. The painting of Leonardo da Vinci in the Italian Renaissance, you will learn to interpret Leonardo’s paintings ...

What is the emphasis of art?

Emphasis is placed on experiences with design principles, drawing techniques and painting skills leading to the development of abilities that are necessary for advanced art courses. Students are given more in depth problems to solve creatively while becoming more adept through a broad exposure to various media.

What is studio in art?

Studio in Art is designed to provide a foundation for advanced courses and satisfies the CULTURAL ART GRADUATION REQUIREMENT. Emphasis is placed on understanding the Elements of Art and Principles of Design as a basis for composition. Students will explore a variety of artists, art processes and materials such as drawing, painting, printmaking, two & three-dimensional design, and digital art. Student artwork will reflect aesthetics & cultural and historical contexts. Willingness to get involved in the creative process is a more important requirement than the student’s talent or previous experience.

What classes should I take to become an art historian?

Aspiring art historians should almost always take art classes while in high school. Some high schools offer more specialized classes such as in animation or sculpture, but most high schools simply offer several levels of general art classes through which students can progress throughout their years in high school. Art historians need to have a strong understanding of how art is created, including the materials, techniques and design principles used. Most high school art classes cover some basic topics of art history, including important artistic styles and movements. Students who take art classes will have more direct, hands-on exposure to creating and working with art, a valuable background when pursuing a professional career as an art historian.

Why do we need a workshop class in art history?

A workshop class can be beneficial for future art historians because many art historians work in the fields of restoration and preservation according to The Balance. This necessitates good dexterity, the ability to work with one’s hands and familiarity with important tools of the trade. A high school shop class will not provide hands-on experience with tools used to restore and preserve artwork, but it does consist of a good foundation for teaching students proper safety in a workshop environment as well as how to handle projects with care.

Why is a workshop class important for art historians?

A workshop class can be beneficial for future art historians because many art historians work in the fields of restoration and preservation according to The Balance. This necessitates good dexterity, the ability to work with one’s hands and familiarity with important tools of the trade. A high school shop class will not provide hands-on experience ...

What language do art historians speak?

Most high schools offer Spanish language classes, while others offer French, German and less common languages such as Italian or ancient languages that are useful for art historians. Most art historians will have an era, style or specific culture they want to focus on in their professional careers. This is usually what they find the most interesting. Being able to read and speak the language of a country where certain art comes from offers several significant benefits. This knowledge allows an art historian to read primary sources in their original languages, communicate more easily with art professionals from that culture, arrange deals and travel with ease.

What is art history?

The art history field contains a wide range of materials, tools and techniques that were used in the past. Knowing more about how they have been used in 2D and 3D mediums can help you gain a better understanding of the artistic process.

What can I expect from a hands-on art class?

When you take these types of courses, you can expect to do hands-on work that show what you’ve learned while building your artistic skills. In addition to hands-on experience, you’ll also be studying theoretical knowledge, such as why they used the materials or style they used.

Why do we study visual art?

Studying visual art, which predates written history , helps us explore what it takes to build or work toward a better future. The following are some of the art history classes you can expect to take in an art history degree.

Why are the Starry Night paintings so famous?

The Starry Night. Girl with a Pearl Earring. The Kiss. These iconic paintings are famous not just because of their artistic techniques , but rather they offer a glimpse of the historical context surrounding the pieces .

Course Content

Based on the Understanding by Design® (Wiggins and McTighe) model, this course framework provides a clear and detailed description of the course requirements necessary for student success.

Art Historical Thinking Skills

The AP Art History framework included in the course and exam description outlines distinct skills, called art historical thinking skills, that students should practice throughout the year—skills that will help them learn to think and act like art historians.

AP and Higher Education

Higher education professionals play a key role developing AP courses and exams, setting credit and placement policies, and scoring student work. The AP Higher Education site features information on recruitment and admission, advising and placement, and more.

1. A Really Strong Introduction to Art Class

Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: Syllabus, Blind Contour Drawing, Contour Drawing, Elements of Art, Value Scales, Still Life Drawing, Perspective Drawing.

2. A Place for Specialization

In your Intro class, in the midst of all of those great exciting projects we just talked about, your kids probably found something that interested them–a medium, a style, a technique, or an idea that really captured their attention.

3. A Capstone Class

For some, this might be Art 4. For others, AP Studio Art. Maybe IB. Whatever the course may be, it is important that kids have an overarching goal that they can work toward throughout their first few years of high school. This is where the best of the best should reside; this is the home of the superstars.

Timothy Bogatz

Tim is a high school teacher from Omaha, NE. His teaching and writing focus on the development of creativity, problem-solving, and higher-order thinking skills.

Why Study Art History in High School?

Image
The study of art history is important for many reasons. Studying art history allows students to gain a deeper understanding of art and see more than just the aesthetic of a particular piece. Even if a student doesn’t have much of an interest in art, learning art history provides exposure to other humanities such as literature, mus…
See more on time4learning.com

What Do You Learn in High School Art History?

  • With an art history curriculum, high school students will learn about various aspects of art, from influential artists like Da Vinci and Michelangelo to styles such as Gothic, Baroque, and Rococo. Students will explore art throughout different time periods beginning with the Middle Ages all the way through modern times. Along the way, they’ll learn to recognize artistic styles, discuss techn…
See more on time4learning.com

Why Choose Time4learning’S High School Art History I Curriculum?

  • Time4Learning’s art history curriculum teaches through interactive lessons and engaging activities. The material is presented in chronological and historical order, and helps students gain an understanding and appreciation for art through historical, social, geographical, political, and religious contexts. In addition to providing a comprehensive art history curriculum, below are ad…
See more on time4learning.com

Additional Electives

Art History Degree Programs Overview

  • A degree program in art history introduces students to the historical relevance of art and provides them with the tools necessary to analyze both classical and modern works of art. While artists most often pursue the degree, an art history degree may also be attractive to non-artists who have a keen interest in history. Such a program equips students with the skills necessary to seek emp…
See more on learn.org

Introduction to Art History

  • This course is designed to provide students with a broad overview of art history. While the art of many cultures is studied, most courses focus mainly on Western Europe art. Many time periods are investigated, including Renaissance and Medieval. Great emphasis is placed upon the variety of perspectives from which the history of art may be studied.
See more on learn.org

Methods and Theories of Art History

  • In this art history course, students are introduced to the many critical writings that have helped form the history of art. Texts written on a variety of topics are examined, including feminism, social history and gender studies.
See more on learn.org

Specializations

  • Art history specializations and elective areas include Asian art, Latin American art, art and architecture, portraiture, impressionism and digital art. Students may also have the chance to complete an independent study, study abroad and intern at the museum. Below are descriptions for a couple of core courses typically included in an art history degree program.
See more on learn.org