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Rita Vlas

Welcome to an introduction to art history for children. This course will focus on Western art history and its development from Ancient times to our present day. During this course, students will learn basic artistic concepts, discover different art movements and styles and the way they changed over time and also become familiar with major works of art of these periods.

Throughout history, artists have created some of the best records of the development of our civilization and I can't wait to take you on a journey through this fascinating history.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Students will learn about art movements and styles throughout the history of western art
  • Students will discover different genres and techniques used in art
  • Students will become familiar with major works of art
  • Students will learn about famous artists and their lives

Syllabus

Characteristics and purposes of Ancient Art including Egypt, Greece and Rome.
Ancient Egyptian Art
Ancient Greek Art
Ancient Roman Art
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Introduces basic artistic concepts, which builds a strong foundation for young learners interested in art and design
Explores art movements and styles throughout Western art history, fostering an appreciation for cultural heritage
Familiarizes learners with major works of art, which can inspire creativity and critical thinking skills
Covers art history from ancient times to the present day, providing a comprehensive overview for beginners
Examines Ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman art, which are foundational to understanding Western artistic traditions
Includes quizzes on different art periods, which reinforces learning and knowledge retention in a fun way

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Reviews summary

Western art history overview for children

According to learners, this course offers a well-structured introduction to Western Art History specifically tailored for a younger audience. Students appreciate how the course covers major periods from Ancient times to the present, presenting complex ideas in a clear and engaging manner. While many find it perfectly suited for children, some reviews suggest the pace can be quick and the depth introductory, meaning it may be less suitable for older teens or adults seeking a detailed dive. Overall, it is seen as a positive and accessible starting point for exploring art history with kids.
Simple quizzes test understanding.
"The short quizzes after each section were helpful for reviewing what we learned."
"Quizzes are basic and good for reinforcement, not stressful."
"I liked that there were checks along the way to make sure the concepts were sticking."
Instructor makes concepts easy to grasp.
"The instructor explained things in a simple, clear way that was easy for both me and my child to understand."
"Complex art concepts were broken down into bite-sized, digestible pieces suitable for the target age group."
"Lectures were easy to follow and well-paced, the explanations were very clear."
Covers history from Ancient to Postmodern art.
"I was impressed by how many different art periods were covered, from ancient civilizations all the way up to modern art."
"Gives a great overview of the progression of Western art styles throughout history."
"The course structure moving chronologically was easy to follow and covered all the key eras I expected."
Presents art history in an accessible way.
"My child really enjoyed learning about the different artists and periods; the way it was explained kept their attention."
"This course was perfect for introducing my kids to art history without being overwhelming or boring for them."
"The engaging content made it fun for my younger kids to follow along and learn."
"It is perfectly suited for children, making art history interesting and easy to understand."
Good overview, but light on detail.
"While it covers a lot, it moves quite quickly through some periods, so it's definitely just an introduction."
"For older children or someone seeking more in-depth analysis, this might be too basic."
"I feel like it could have gone into a little more detail on some specific artists or works."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Introduction to Western Art History for Children with these activities:
The Story of Art
Provide a broad overview of Western art history before starting the course.
View The Story of Art on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'The Story of Art'.
  • Read the introduction and first chapter.
  • Focus on the key themes and artists.
Katie and the Impressionists
Introduce Impressionism in an accessible and engaging way.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Katie and the Impressionists'.
  • Read the book and discuss the paintings featured.
  • Identify the key characteristics of Impressionism.
Timeline of Art Movements
Help visualize the progression of art movements and their relationships to each other.
Show steps
  • Research the major art movements covered in the course.
  • Create a visual timeline using online tools or physical materials.
  • Include key artists and artworks for each movement.
  • Present the timeline to a friend or family member.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Glossary of Art Terms
Reinforce understanding of key art terms by creating a personal glossary.
Show steps
  • Identify unfamiliar art terms from the course materials.
  • Research the definitions of these terms.
  • Compile the terms and definitions into a glossary.
  • Add images or examples to illustrate each term.
Virtual Art Gallery Tour
Enhance understanding of art by curating a virtual gallery tour.
Show steps
  • Select artworks from different periods covered in the course.
  • Create a virtual gallery using online platforms or presentation software.
  • Write short descriptions for each artwork.
  • Share the virtual tour with classmates or friends.
Art Style Imitation Project
Deepen understanding of different art styles by attempting to recreate them.
Show steps
  • Choose three art movements from the course.
  • Research the characteristics of each movement.
  • Create a small artwork in the style of each movement.
  • Write a short reflection on the challenges and insights gained.
Artist Biography Presentation
Deepen knowledge of famous artists by creating a biography presentation.
Show steps
  • Choose a famous artist from the course.
  • Research the artist's life, works, and influences.
  • Create a presentation with images and information.
  • Present the biography to a friend or family member.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Western Art History for Children will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Art teacher
An art teacher introduces students to artistic concepts, techniques, and history. This course, which provides an overview of Western art history from ancient times to the present, helps build the foundation needed to teach these subjects. It covers various art movements and styles, major works of art, and the artists who created them, offering a broad knowledge base applicable to the classroom. Specifically, understanding the development of art from Ancient Egypt to Postmodernism is pertinent to teaching art history. A focus on genres and techniques also offers ideas for classroom projects. This course may be useful to those pursuing a career as an art teacher.
Museum Educator
A museum educator develops and delivers educational programs related to museum collections. This course on Western art history provides crucial background information on the development of art. Familiarity with major works of art, various art movements, and the artists themselves can assist in creating engaging programs for children visiting museums. The ability to explain art from ancient Egypt through postmodernism, which this course provides, is beneficial. A museum educator should understand the historical context of the art they present and this course may be useful in that process. The course also emphasizes different genres and techniques.
Art Curator
An art curator is responsible for managing and researching collections of art. This course may be useful for those interested in becoming an art curator, as it provides an introduction to Western art history, exploring different art movements and styles, major works of art, and their historical context. Understanding the evolution of art from ancient times to postmodernism, along with the different techniques and genres, is beneficial for curatorial work. This course focuses specifically on the historical context of art which is particularly relevant to this role. Knowledge of famous artists and their lives is also a key component of an art curator's understanding.
Art historian
An art historian researches and analyzes art, delving into its historical and cultural significance. This course, which provides a broad introduction to Western art history from ancient times through postmodernism, may be useful for those interested in pursuing a career as an art historian. Its coverage of major works, art movements, techniques, and artists builds a foundation for more advanced study. A mastery of the chronological development of art from ancient times to now, as covered in this course, underpins the work of an art historian. To be an art historian often requires an advanced degree.
Exhibition Designer
An exhibition designer creates engaging displays for museums and galleries. This course, which provides a broad overview of Western art history, may be helpful for an exhibition designer. It provides insight into different art movements and eras, which can inform the design choices for exhibitions. Understanding the historical context of different works of art, as taught in the course, can also help in the development of thematic displays. An exhibition designer uses many of the concepts covered by the course to achieve effective displays.
Art Consultant
An art consultant advises clients on art acquisitions, sales, and investments. This course provides foundational knowledge in Western art history, which is crucial for understanding the art market. The course offers information about different art movements and styles, major works of art, and their historical context, which is relevant to assessing art value and advising clients. This course may be helpful for those pursuing a career as an art consultant, particularly to understand the historical context of art. An art consultant needs a broad understanding of art.
Illustrator
An illustrator creates visual content for various media, and a broad understanding of art history can be beneficial to their work. This course, which explores Western art history, may be helpful by exposing illustrators to different styles and techniques throughout history. The course’s coverage of various art movements, including the Renaissance, Baroque, and Modern art periods can provide inspiration and insight into different visual approaches used by masters of the past. Understanding the works of famous artists may also give insight and direction. An illustrator should be aware of the history of artistic expression.
Art Appraiser
An art appraiser assesses the value of works of art, often requiring an in-depth understanding of art history. This course on Western art history can help those looking to become an art appraiser by providing them with a broad understanding of different art periods and styles. The course covers major works of art, famous artists, and historical context, all of which are necessary for an art appraiser. This course may be useful as a foundation for those looking to be an art appraiser. An art appraiser must be keenly aware of developments in art.
Art conservator
An art conservator works to preserve and restore works of art. While hands on technical training and experience is necessary, this course may help those who wish to be art conservators by establishing a foundational knowledge of Western art history. This includes knowledge of the historical development of art from ancient times to the present. The course covers major art movements and styles, which provides an important historical perspective that may be useful for conservators. An understanding of techniques and genres is also helpful.
Set Designer
A set designer creates the visual environment for theater, film, or television productions. This course may provide inspiration from the study of Western art history. Set designers may draw upon knowledge of art movements and styles as they develop their vision for specific projects. Understanding the historical context of art can inspire designs. The course's overview offers a broad background useful for this important role. The styles and techniques covered in the course may also inspire set design.
Costume Designer
A costume designer creates the clothing for theater, film, or television productions. This course, with its overview of Western art history, may be useful as it touches on the different eras in Western history. The styles and movements of various periods provide inspiration for costume design. The historical context of art, such as the Renaissance and Baroque styles, may inform the aesthetics of the costumes. The wide breadth of artistic knowledge covered in the course can be a good foundation for costume design.
Content Creator
A content creator produces content for various platforms, and content may explore topics related to art. This course can help a content creator by providing foundational knowledge of Western art history. The course explores art movements throughout history, which can serve as inspiration for new works. A content creator may also use aspects of the history of art in their work, and this course can help them find topics for exploration. A familiarity with major works of art, artists, and techniques is particularly useful for a content creator in the art space.
Archivist
An archivist is responsible for maintaining and preserving historical records and materials, which may include art or art related documents. This course may be helpful as a foundation for archivists who handle art related materials. An archivist needs to contextualize historical art pieces. The course's exploration of Western art history, including different movements, styles, and techniques, provides crucial background knowledge. While not the core of the archivist's work, an understanding of art can be helpful in the preservation of important records. This course may be helpful for those looking to become archivists in art institutions.
Gallery Assistant
A gallery assistant supports the daily operations of an art gallery. This course may provide useful context about art for those who wish to become a gallery assistant. The course's focus on Western art history from ancient times to the present may be helpful for those who interact with the public. Understanding art movements and styles, along with major artists and works of art, can enhance their ability to assist visitors and discuss the art on display. The course may be especially useful for those who interact with the public. A gallery assistant should be conversant with art history.
Writer
A writer may focus on artistic topics and therefore a knowledge of the history of art may be invaluable. This course offers a survey of Western art history from ancient times to the present day. This knowledge may be useful to those who write about art or incorporate art historical elements into their writing. The course provides an overview of various art movements and styles, which provides a broad base of information for writers in this space. Understanding artistic concepts, as taught by the course, may be invaluable to a writer.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Introduction to Western Art History for Children.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Western art history, making it an excellent resource for students. It covers a wide range of periods and styles, aligning perfectly with the course syllabus. While it's a substantial read, focusing on chapters relevant to each module will greatly enhance understanding. It is commonly used as a textbook in art history courses.
This children's book introduces Impressionism through a fun and engaging story. It's a great way to familiarize younger students with famous Impressionist paintings and artists. The book is more valuable as additional reading to spark interest in the topic. It provides a gentle introduction to the world of art.

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