Previous knowledge of art history is not required.

The aims of this course are:

1. to give students an in-depth understanding of the history, culture, and visual art traditions of Europe

2. to equip learners with targeted skills to describe, recognize, interpret, and appreciate the historical and cultural value of European works of art

3 to deliver essential knowledge and tools to build thematic touristic itineraries.

Starting from the artistic heritage studied, students will have to be able to structure tourist itineraries in Europe.

The course is structured in two closely related parts:

1. Fundamentals of European art history

In the first part of the course, we will offer a survey of the artistic cultures of Europe from the Paleolithic period until contemporary art, selecting specific historical moments and including architecture, sculpture, and painting. We will explore European works of art in their social context, addressing issues of patronage, iconology, material culture, and religious development and conflict, among other topics.

2. Presentation of tourist itineraries in Europe

In the second part of the course, some possible tourist itineraries in Europe will be constructed and presented, structuring hypothetical visits to big and small museums, art cities, and specific territories, including minor and peripheral ones.

1 (A) H. Honour, J.F. Fleming, The Visual Arts: A History, Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs, 2005.

or

2  (A) E.H. Gombrich, The story of Art, Phaidon, London, 2002.

Students are required to study only one of the books which are in the program.

• • Lectures and group discussion
  • Visits to selected monuments and works of art

  
  

• The course is assessed by an oral exam verifying knowledge and understanding of European art history.

  The final evaluation (a maximum total of 30 marks available) is obtained through the analysis of the following criteria:

  • knowledge and understanding (up to 10 marks);
  • critical elaboration and problem-solving (up to 10 marks);
  • communication skills (up to 10 marks).

  
  

Italian And English

English