European Renaissance Art (AHIS20011)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
Contact information
Semester 1
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
The subject explores the art and culture of Renaissance Europe between 1300 and 1600, with a particular focus on Italy, France, and Spain. This is one of the most pivotal periods in the history of art, when many of our contemporary ideas about art and artists were coming into being.
Topics to be covered include the life and practice of individual artists, including such figures as Leonardo, Titian, and Holbein; the rise of art theory; collecting and the birth of the museum; and the role of power and desire in the making and reception of art. Readings include both Renaissance texts and contemporary art history and theory. Tutorials will examine issues related to a given week’s lecture, or focus on related and object-based teaching in University and Melbourne collections.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of the subject students should be able to:
- Analyse the historical, cultural, and artistic contexts that shaped the production of Renaissance art in Europe, with a focus on Italy, France, and Spain, between 1300 and 1600.
- Evaluate the technical achievements, stylistic developments, and contributions to art theory of major Renaissance artists and makers.
- Examine the role of power, patronage, desire, and collecting practices in the creation, reception, and display of Renaissance art.
- Interpret and critically engage with primary Renaissance texts and contemporary art historical writings to understand the ideas, values, and debates surrounding Renaissance art and culture.
- Apply skills in visual analysis, critical thinking, and effective written and oral communication through tutorial discussions, short papers, a research essay, and object-based learning with University and Melbourne collections.
- Discuss the significance of the Renaissance period in the development of contemporary ideas about art and artists, and its lasting influence on subsequent artistic movements and cultural developments.
Generic skills
At the completion of this subject, students should gain the following generic skills:
- Be able to research through the competent use of the library and other information sources, and be able to define areas of inquiry and methods of research in the preparation of essays
- Be able to conceptualise theoretical problems, form judgements and arguments and communicate critically, creatively and theoretically through essay writing, tutorial discussion and presentations
- Be able to communicate knowledge intelligibly and economically through essay writing and tutorial discussion
- Be able to manage and organise workloads for recommended reading, the completion of essays and assignments and examination revision
- Be able to participate in team work through involvement in syndicate groups and group discussions
Last updated: 16 April 2025