Core Courses

HR1001 (DD1005 / DD8002) Ways of Seeing: Exploring Visual Culture

Pre-requisite(s): Nil | 3 AUs

This course is foundational for more advanced art historical studies. It seeks to initiate critical reflection on “art” and “art history” as variable constructs subject to shifting matrixes of interconnected factors and forces. Based on a range of visual and textual materials from the premodern to the contemporary, the East and the West, the “North” and the “South”, this course investigates the ways of seeing, representing, interpreting and thinking about “art” and “art
history”. The first part of the course examines pictorial strategies adopted by image-makers from different periods and parts of the world; the second part explores a selection of art historical theories from Europe, East and South Asia. This learning will provide a conceptual framework for further, in-depth studies in global Art History.
HR1003 (DD1003) Introduction to Histories of Art I
Pre-requisite(s): Nil | 3 AUs

This intensive, one semester course aims to provide a foundational understanding of Western art historical content
and methods alongside foundation level visual and contextual analysis, academic research, presentation and
referencing skills. The course provides a groundwork for further study and research in Western art history. This
course is for students who wish to develop an understanding of human history through early visual representations.
You will find possible future career avenues in galleries, museums, heritage centres, institutions specialized in the arts,
culture and creativity.
HR1004 (DD1004) Introduction to the Histories of Art II
Pre-requisite(s): Nil | 3 AUs

This intensive, one-semester course aims to provide you with a foundational understanding of artistic traditions in Asia as critical and historical fi elds, through a survey of themes, genres, artifacts, and works of art from China, India, and Japan. It begins with the early cultures of prehistory and ends by investigating the global phenomenon of "Asian Art" today.
You will develop literacy over a range of visual representations by considering their aesthetics, symbolic attributes, and cultural/historical significances. You will cultivate and apply these knowledge through academic research, museum visits, visual and contextual analysis, critical thinking, oral presentations, written tests and assignments. This will provide a foundation for further research and study of Asian art histories, applicable to career avenues in galleries, museums, heritage centres, institutions specialized in the arts, culture and creativity.

HR2001 (DD2000) Introduction to the Histories of Southeast Asian Arts
Pre-requisite(s): DD1003 | 3 AUs

This is a foundational survey course covering works of art, artefacts and sites from Southeast Asia. It begins with the early cultures of prehistory and ends by investigating persisting traditions found in 20th -21st century artworks from Southeast Asia. You will study and question the dynamics, themes, and complexities that distinguishes the region geographically and artistically. You will develop literacy over a range of visual representations by considering their aesthetics, symbolic attributes, and cultural/historical significances. You will cultivate and apply these knowledge through independent research, critical thinking, oral presentations, written tests and assignments. This will provide a foundation for further research and study of art in Southeast Asia.