A/AS History of Art

A/AS History of Art

What is History of Art?
History of Art can open your eyes to the world around us. We are used to living in a world dominated by images. Similarly images can tell us a great deal about the past. For example warfare, political power, the nature of society, ideals of beauty, religious thought and the like can all be better understood by an appreciation of the art of the period.

The AS level consists of two units. The theme of the first unit is -Visual Analysis and Interpretation . The unit is intended to help you analyse and interpret the formal visual features and stylistic elements of painting, sculpture and architecture. You will study aspects such as composition, use of colour, techniques and use of materials. The second unit deals with -Themes in History of Art . You will cover a range of topics relating to Classical Rome. You will study aspects such as artistic patronage, the status of artists, and the impact of the historical and social context in the creation of art and architecture.

Having successfully completed the AS level, you will pursue two further units for the A level. The units will focus on Art and Architecture in the fifteenth and the early twentieth centuries. The fifteenth century unit will deal with aspects such as church architecture, altar pieces, sculptural representations and the like. The twentieth century unit will focus on artistic movements such as Futurism, Constructivism and Surrealism along with the other changes associated with this dynamic period.

Is History of Art suitable for me?
Students pursuing Art, History or Classical Civilisation will find this course a good match for their studies but the range of themes covered will be of relevance to many students working outside these areas. The mix of subject units for the course should prove both interesting and at the same time challenging.

How will I learn?
A variety of approaches will be adopted in the classroom. You will have to work through a range of materials. You will also produce presentations on chosen themes to put before the class as well as tackling set exercises. You will build up a file of notes and resources which will be the basis of your revision for the exams. There will be regular homework; a student can expect to do 4 to 5 hours private study a week for each AS level. The examination is based on a mixture of essays, set tasks and short answer questions, and homework will largely focus upon these.

How will I be assessed?
Coursework: Year 1 - 0% Year 2 - 0%

There will be two examinations for the AS level at the end of the first year and a further two for the A level in the second year.The year one examinations will consist of illustrations for comment combined with essay work.

The second year examinations will follow a similar line with commentary questions and essays and they will build upon the skills and knowledge developed over both years of the course.

Progression
The qualification is useful in demonstrating to Universities and employers the breadth of a student's abilities and is well respected in this respect. Besides professions directly related to the arts, the critical skills developed by the course mean that it is widely respected as a route into a wide range of potential careers.

Course costs
All students will be expected to provide their own textbooks, stationery, computer disks and calculators (where appropriate).

Essential: Several books are required for this course. We will be able to supply somematerials but you should budget around £50. Any further costs are outlined below:

Desirable: You should allow around £50 to cover possible trips and visits.

If the costs of equipment, materials and trips may cause financial hardship, there is the opportunity to apply for help from the College Access Fund.

Course: AQA 1251/2251

Entry Requirements Whilst you must have at least five C grades at GCSE to do three A levels, past experience suggests a mixture of As, Bs and Cs makes it more likely that you will get good results. It would be helpful if a student can demonstrate interest in areas related to this course. For example progress in subjects such as Art, English Language, English Literature and History would indicate the ability to cope with this subject. Beyond this a genuine enjoyment of reading is very important.