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Renaissance Art in Global Context (AHIS30022)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 2
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This class focuses on artistic encounters between European cultures and other world cultures between about 1300 and 1650. The goal is to place the art and culture of Europe into an expanded geopolitical sphere, and to explore particularly important and representative moments within the larger exchange of people, objects, ideas, and materials in the early-modern period. Readings will be drawn from both period sources and contemporary art history; and tutorials will focus whenever possible on objects in University and Melbourne collections.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of the subject students should be able to:

  • Analyse and critically evaluate the artistic encounters, exchanges, and cross-cultural influences between European and other world cultures during the Renaissance period (c.1300-1700), through case studies and representative artworks.
  • Examine the role of global trade, colonialism, and the circulation of people, objects, ideas, and materials in shaping the artistic production and reception of Renaissance art across different cultural contexts.
  • Interpret and engage with primary Renaissance texts and contemporary art historical writings to understand the diverse perspectives, values, and debates surrounding art history in a global context.
  • Apply advanced skills in visual analysis, critical thinking, and effective written and oral communication through tutorial discussions, short writing assignments, and a research essay focused on Renaissance art in a global context.
  • Evaluate the significance of the Renaissance period as a pivotal moment in the acceleration of global artistic encounters and exchanges, and its lasting impact on subsequent artistic movements and cultural developments.
  • Critically assess the challenges and opportunities of studying Renaissance art from a global perspective, and the implications for contemporary art historical practice and discourse.

Generic skills

Students who successfully complete this subject should be able to:

  • Analyse and evaluate a variety of texts, images, objects, and materials
  • Participate in discussion and group activities and increase their creative and critical skills through workshopping and collaboration
  • Independently devise and articulate research and ideas in both verbal and written modes.

Last updated: 16 April 2025