Art History Courses
Our art history and art appreciation courses enable students to learn about the great artistic movements over time and appreciate the skill and techniques that unfolded over time to create the art of theWest.
Art Appreciation Courses
Our art appreciation courses designed for primary and middle school children, focus on the beauty and wonder of Western art. Our programs offer a hands-on approach to learning about art, allowing your child to explore different techniques and styles, inspiring creativity and imagination. Our experienced instructor will guide students on a journey through the history of western art, introducing them to famous artists and their iconic works. We look forward to welcoming your child to our class and opening up a world of art to them.
Elementary School
Our Art Appreciation Course on Western Art for grades 2 through 4 is an exciting opportunity for young learners to explore and appreciate art from a historical and cultural perspective. Through engaging and interactive lessons, students will discover and learn about influential Western artists and movements such as ancient mosaics, Leonardo da Vinci, and Impressionism. In addition, students will develop their critical thinking skills by learning and discussing works of art, as well as apply their creativity by creating their own pieces inspired by what they’ve learned. With a focus on hands-on activities, this course will foster a lifelong appreciation for art while enhancing important skills such as observation, expression, and communication.
8 week course (Grades 2-4)
Middle School
Our art appreciation course for middle school students is the perfect opportunity for your child to learn about the significant periods and movements in Western art such as the Renaissance, Baroque, and Impressionism. This class guides students on a fascinating journey through art history from the ancient to modern worlds, highlighting the works of famous artists such as Michelangelo, Rembrandt, Monet, and Van Gogh. Throughout the course, students will explore art and its role in society while improving their critical thinking skills and cultivating an appreciation for the beauty and power of art. In addition, they will have opportunities to create their own works in the style of the masters.
12 week course (Grades 5-8)
Art History Courses
Designed for Upper Middle and High School students, these survey courses can be taken individually or as a complete two-year course in the art history of Western Civilization. In addition to the survey courses, there are three courses that dive deeper into the lives of six great masters (Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo Buonarroti; Artemesia Gentileschi and Élisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun; Claude Monet and Vincent Van Gogh) and a course on architectural history. Each course lasts four weeks where students will login to a live Zoom meeting with instructor, Deanna Heikkinen. Upon enrollment, you will be sent a materials list for the course, downloadable reading guide, and optional enrichment exercises for the student to complete.
Ancient Art
This course on Western art history explores the rich cultural heritage of prehistoric art, Mesopotamia and ancient Egypt. Prehistoric art dating from over 30,000 years ago will form an integral part of the course followed by a chronological study of early civilizations. Students will examine the art, artifacts, and architecture that emerged in these regions to understand the cultural development from prehistoric times to early civilizations. Students will explore the developments in Mesopotamian art from the oldest known civilization through the rise and fall of the Assyrian empire. Ancient Egyptian art will be analyzed for its great religious symbolism and monumental architectural achievements.
4 week course (Grades 9-12)
Greek and Roman Art
This course will explore the art and architecture of the ancient Greeks and Romans, from the Bronze Age to the Late Roman Empire. We will investigate the principles of art-making, the materials available, and the techniques used by artists. We will also examine the historical and social contexts in which the art was created, including its role in religion, politics, and daily life. Focusing on the major periods of ancient Greek and Roman art, we will analyze key works and their cultural significance within the ancient world and their legacy in art beyond the ancient period. Students will be learn to identify and describe the most important works of ancient Greek and Roman art and understand their cultural and historical significance.
4 week course (Grades 9-12)
Medieval Art
This course will provide students with a comprehensive overview of medieval art history, focusing on major artistic developments from the early Christian period through the Gothic era. Through a combination of lecture, discussion, and visual analysis, students will engage with a variety of art forms, including manuscript illumination, sculpture, painting, and architecture. We will explore the stylistic and iconographic elements that define medieval art, as well as the cultural, social, and religious contexts that informed artistic production. Students will gain an understanding of the major themes of medieval art as we examine, illuminated manuscripts, sculpture, and painting. Participants will formulate a deeper appreciation for the art of this period and its enduring impact.
4 week course (Grades 9-12)
Italian Renaissance Art
In this course, we will explore the evolution of Italian Renaissance art, starting from the Proto-Renaissance period and culminating in the High Renaissance. We will delve into the seminal works of renowned artists such as Masaccio, Sandro Botticelli, Leonardo Da Vinci, and Michelangelo Buonarroti, examining their unique styles and techniques. We will also explore the historical context and societal influences that contributed to the Italian Renaissance, including the rediscovery of classical antiquity and the flourishing of humanism. At the end of this art history course, students will have acquired a comprehensive knowledge of the fundamental elements of Italian Renaissance art and a deep appreciation for the historical and social context that shaped these revolutionary artistic creations.
4 week course (Grades 9-12)
Northern Renaissance Art
This course explores the artistic developments of the Northern Renaissance in Flanders, Germany, and France. Through a survey of painting, sculpture, and printmaking, we will analyze the major themes and motifs prevalent in this period of art history. Attention will also be given to the economic, social, and cultural factors that contributed to the evolution of the art scene in each region. We will examine the works of notable artists, such as Jan van Eyck and Albrecht Dürer and identify the stylistic differences between their works. Additionally, we will explore how Northern Renaissance art was influenced by the religious, political, and technological innovations of the time. By the end of the course, students will have gained an understanding of the distinctive characteristics of Northern Renaissance art.
4 week course (Grades 9-12)
Baroque Art
This course focuses on the art and architecture of the Baroque period in Europe, from the late 16th to the mid-18th century. We will study the distinctive features and trends of Baroque art, including the use of dramatic lighting and sculptural effects, grandeur, and a sense of motion. We will examine the work of some of the great masters of the Baroque, such as Rembrandt, Caravaggio, and Bernini, in depth. We will explore the cultural, religious, and political context of the period, and how it influenced the development of art and architecture. Throughout the course, students will have the opportunity to analyze and discuss numerous examples of Baroque art within Europe and to develop an understanding of the artistic innovations and enduring legacies of this dynamic period.
4 week course (Grades 9-12)
Rococo
This course explores the Rococo artistic movement, which emerged in mid-18th century France. Students will learn about the key characteristics of Rococo art, including playful themes, pastel colors, and intricate ornamentation. The course will focus on two of the most famous Rococo artists, Jean-Honoré Fragonard and François Boucher, examining their lives and the impact of their work. Students will analyze selected works by each artist to gain insights into their unique approaches to painting, drawing, and sculpting. Discussions will consider the ways in which Rococo art reflected the social and cultural milieu of the time, including its connections to the court of Louis XV and the rise of the bourgeoisie. Students will developed a deep understanding of the Rococo movement and its enduring legacy.
4 week course (Grades 9-12)
Neoclassicism
This course will explore the development of neoclassical art in the 18th and 19th centuries. We will examine the style's origins in the classical art of ancient Greece and Rome, and its revival during the Age of Enlightenment. Students will study the political and historical context of the French Revolution and its impact on the neoclassical movement. We will explore David's vivid depictions of revolutionary events, such as the Death of Marat, as well as his imposing portraits of Napoleon Bonaparte. We will also consider Vigee-leBrun's striking portraits of contemporary aristocrats and her remarkable career as a female artist in a male-dominated field. Students will develop a critical eye for the formal elements of neoclassical art, such as its clean lines, idealized figures, and use of light and shadow.
4 week course (Grades 9-12)
Romanticism
This course will introduce students to the revolutionary art movement of Romanticism, which emerged in Europe in the late 18th century. We will explore how Romantic artists and thinkers sought to break free from the constraints of traditional art and literature, and instead focused on intense emotional expression, individualism, and a reverence for nature. Through lectures, discussions, and visual analysis of paintings and sculptures, students will gain an understanding of the key themes and techniques of the movement, including the use of dramatic lighting, bold colors, and grandiose landscapes. We will examine the cultural and historical context of Romanticism, including its connections to the French Revolution and Industrial Revolution through the dramatic and powerful works of Romantic artists.
4 week course (Grades 9-12)
Realism
This course will introduce students to the major themes, styles and techniques of Realism in art, a key movement in Western art history that emerged in the mid-19th century as a response to the prevailing Romanticism and Neoclassicism of the time. Through lectures, readings, and discussions, students will learn how Realist artists sought to represent the world as it appeared to them, emphasizing the everyday lives of ordinary people, nature, and social and political issues. Students will examine the works of major Realist painters and sculptors, including Gustave Courbet, Jean-Francois Millet, Honoré Daumier, and Winslow Homer. The course provides and in depth look at how Realism artists rejected earlier painting conventions of imaginative idealization in favor of close observations of outward appearances. .
4 week course (Grades 9-12)
Impressionism
This art history course is an exciting opportunity to delve into the Impressionist movement, a revolutionary style that transformed the art world. Throughout the course, students will explore the key artists, techniques, and themes that emerged during this era, gaining a deep understanding of the aesthetic and cultural shifts that occurred during this time. Beginning with the precursors to Impressionism, such as Realism and plein air painting, students will be challenged to analyze the techniques used by artists and how these reflect the social, political, and cultural factors of the time. The use of light and color in Impressionist paintings will be a key focus, as will the use of outdoor settings and the depiction of everyday life. Students will learn how to analyze artistic styles and techniques in a critical and informed manner.
4 week course (Grades 9-12)
Post-Impressionism
This art history course on Post-Impressionism will examine the artists and artworks of the late 19th and early 20th centuries who challenged the conventions of impressionism. Students will analyze visual characteristics of Post-Impressionist works such as bold colors, thick brushstrokes, and symbolism. Through discussions of the social, cultural, and political contexts in which Post-Impressionism emerged and its impact on the development of modern art, students will have a deeper understanding of why the artists painted in this new, revolutionary style. Class discussions will focus on key figures such as Vincent van Gogh, Paul Cézanne, Paul Gauguin, and Georges Seurat, among others. Students will develop a critical understanding of postimpressionism as a movement and appreciation for its influence on modern art.
4 week course (Grades 9-12)
Early 20th Century Art Movements
This course explores the diverse artistic movements that flourished at the turn of the 20th century and their lasting impact on art history. Focusing on Fauvism, Expressionism, Cubism, Futurism, and Dadaism, students will trace the evolution of these movements, their defining characteristics and key artists, and their influence on modern art. Participants will analyze the techniques and styles of the artists of these movements, as well as their social and political contexts. We will also explore the ways in which these movements challenged traditional artistic conventions, expanded the boundaries of artistic expression and representation, and paved the way for the emergent abstract art movements of the mid-20th century.
4 week course (Grades 9-12)
Mid 20th Century Art
This course explores the significant art movements of the mid-20th century, including surrealism, abstract expressionism, pop art, and minimalism. Through lectures, discussions, and in-class activities, students will delve into the historical and cultural contexts that contributed to the emergence of these movements, as well as the technical and stylistic innovations that defined each one. Students will examine the various ways in which these movements challenged conventional notions of art and aesthetics. Throughout the course, students will engage in critical analysis and interpretation of key artworks and artists associated with each movement, developing a deeper understanding of their artistic styles and social and political influences.
4 week course (Grades 9-12)
Architecture I
This course offers a comprehensive survey of the history of architecture from prehistoric times through 1600. The course will cover different architectural styles and movements from around the world, including ancient Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture. Students will examine the socio-economic and cultural contexts that influenced the development of these styles and investigate the role of architecture in shaping human history. They will also study the technical innovations that led to the construction of monumental structures, such as pyramids, cathedrals, and palaces. By the end of the course, students will have gained a deeper understanding of the history of architecture and its impact on the built environment from prehistoric times through the Renaissance.
4 week course (Grades 9-12)
Architecture II
Our introductory course on economics starts by delving into the earliest forms of trade in ancient civilizations. By carefully examining archaeological evidence and primary source documents, students will trace the evolution of economics through history and gain insight into how different cultures integrated the concept of money into their economic systems. The course then moves on to explore how state-level societies have aimed to control money, while highlighting how each of those systems met its downfall, be it through corruption or ruination. Finally, the course culminates in a discussion of the contemporary concept of a sovereign money supply, represented by Bitcoin. Overall, this comprehensive and fascinating course promises to provide a thorough understanding of the history of economics for high school students.
4 week course (Grades 9-12)
Request a course
All of our courses are on-demand. If you would like to have us teach a course for your child or a small group, please fill out the form below. We will get back to you about scheduling and start date right away. Also note if you are interested if you are interested in joining another group course.
Pricing
Course Size | Elementary Art Appreciation 8-weeks | Middle School Art Appreciation 8-weeks | High School Art History 4-weeks |
2-3 Students | $150 | $200 | $125 |
4-6 Students | $75 | $100 | $65 |