Introduction to Modern Art History Online Short Course

The first half of the 20th Century was a time of radical artistic innovation and turbulent upheaval of ideas, the effects of which we still feel today. Whilst fascinating, the vastness of the era and the complexity of its art are understandably intimidating to those just starting in the field. This course aims to give you a working foundation from which you can really begin to get to grips with the intricate history of modern art.

Through movements such as Cubism, Futurism, Dada, Surrealism and many more, you will learn to identify the key characteristics of significant modern movements alongside the analysis of their historical significance. Across four weeks you will learn about the downfall of academic art, the rise of abstraction, and the contradictory, anti-modern impulses of opposing movements. A critical understanding of modernity and modernism is emphasised throughout the course and taught alongside all our examples.

You will develop skills in art historical analysis through weekly assignments which receive individual feedback at the end of the course. Resources for extended research are provided via the online Workflow interface, where the discussion continues outside of weekly lectures.

If you are interested in art and enjoy visiting galleries and would like to deepen your knowledge of modern art then this course is for you. You will develop and shape your understanding and opinions, which could give you a greater appreciation for art that you can apply to your own artwork or to a degree application.

Admissions Option 2

Several scholarship options are available. Please check the university website for more information.

Scholarships and Funding Option 2

The key movements of modern art from Impressionism through to Abstract Expressionism

The historical and social conditions of modernity

How to identify, analyse, and discuss modern artworks

The concepts of modernism and anti-modernism

Differences between traditional fine art and modern art

Program content

By the end of the course you will have an understanding of;

How modern art movements contribute to contemporary art today

Program Outcome

Program Tuition Fees Option 2

The same course content and learning outcomes

Program delivery

Summer Course

Master

Art Studies

Arts

Art History

Art Theory

University of the Arts London (UAL) is ranked 2nd in the world for Art and Design according to the 2023 QS World University Rankings®, for the fifth year in a row. It has an international reputation in art, design, communication, fashion, media and performing arts. Home to a diverse body of 18,000 students from 130 countries, UAL has over 100 years’ history of teaching across its institutions – Camberwell College of Arts, Central Saint Martins, Chelsea College of Arts, London College of Communication, London College of Fashion, Wimbledon College of Arts and UAL Creative Computing Institute.

Introduction to Modern Art History Online Short Course

Key Information

Introduction