Theory and Practice of Art History (AHIS30019)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
Contact information
Semester 2
Overview
| Availability | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This capstone subject examines the theory and practice of art history. Through a survey of the different approaches to the study of art which have emerged since the early modern period the subject will provide students with a fundamental grounding in the methodologies of the discipline. Students will also learn the broader critical and analytical skills necessary for the study of art at higher levels. The subject introduces students to the issues involved in applying art historical methods to real world contexts both within the academic environment and in industry contexts such as the museum sector. The subject will involve students in the research and interpretation of works of art encountered in University of Melbourne collections.
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of the subject, students should be able to:
- Analyse the distinct methodological approaches used in the historical interpretation of art, from Renaissance to Contemporary, and primary theoretical frameworks applied in the study of art.
- Identify broadly the historical and aesthetic characteristics of artworks produced during selected artistic periods.
- Compare the benefits and limitations of different contexts and conditions that inform the analysis of works of art, and the different ways art and its meaning is valued.
- Apply close interpretive skills to the analysis of visual art for comprehensive elucidation of meaning and cultural insight.
- Exercise critical and analytical skills through applying different historical modes of interpretation and theoretical considerations necessary for the study of art at higher levels.
Generic skills
At the completion of this subject, students should gain the following generic skills:
- The ability to conceptualise theoretical problems, form judgments and arguments and communicate critically, creatively and theoretically through essay writing, tutorial discussion and presentation
- The ability to communicate knowledge intelligibly and economically through essay writing and tutorial discussion
- The ability to manage and organise workloads for recommended reading, the completion of essays and assignments and examination revision
- The ability to participate in team work through involvement in syndicate groups and group discussions.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
This is a Capstone subject and only available to students in the Art History major within the Bachelor of Arts or the Art History specialisation of the Graduate Diploma in Arts. This subject is not available to students in the minor or as breadth.
Bachelor of Arts students are required to have completed the Level One requirements for the major before enrolling into this subject.
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
Bachelor of Arts students are expected that have completed the Level Two requirements for the major and completing the final year of the degree.
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
An exercise
| During the teaching period | 50% |
A take-home examination
| During the examination period | 50% |
| Hurdle requirement: 1. Attendance hurdle requirement: This subject has a minimum requirement of 80% attendance at tutorials, seminars, or workshops. | Throughout the teaching period | N/A |
| Hurdle requirement: 2. Late Penalty and Assessment hurdle requirement: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at five per cent (5%) of the possible marks available for the assessment task per day or part thereof. All pieces of assessment must be submitted to pass the subject. Each submitted assessment must be complete, constitute a genuine attempt to address the requirements of the task and will not be accepted after 20 University business days from the original assessment due date without written approval. | Throughout the semester | N/A |
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Principal coordinator Miguel Gaete Coordinator Francis Plagne Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours Total 24 hours: a 2 hour seminar per week throughout semester. Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 28 July 2025 to 26 October 2025 Last self-enrol date 8 August 2025 Census date 1 September 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 26 September 2025 Assessment period ends 21 November 2025 Semester 2 contact information
Time commitment details
170 hours
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Subject notes
This capstone subject is compulsory and only available to students undertaking a major in Art History. It is not available in the minor or as breadth. It is expected that students will have completed all required level 1 and level 2 subjects before enrolling in the capstone.
Bachelor of Arts students should endeavour to take the capstone subject in their final semester of study after completion of 25 pts of 3rd year. See the Handbook Bachelor of Arts entry for each Discipline's requirements.
This subject is compulsory in the Graduate Diploma in Arts (Art History).
Enrolment in the Bachelor of Arts or Graduate Diploma in Arts (Art History) is required.
- Related Handbook entries
- Links to additional information
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 4 March 2025