Art History and Historical Image Studies Minor Subject (Academic), 30 CPs

Why do we find images appealing and how do they convey meaning? How can works of art be situated in their genuine historical context and which stages have they gone through since their creation? Which thought-provoking impulses can we still learn from objects and artefacts of earlier periods nowadays? Art History and Historical Image Studies address an ample visual and artistic heritage, reaching from the Early Middle Ages to present time. In addition to classic objects of art history (paintings, graphics, sculptures, handicrafts, architecture), the variety and diversity of artefacts that are not necessarily considered as works of art are also taken into account. The programme aims at conveying basic competences in the scientific handling of images. This includes, in addition to a historical classification and analysis, also a reflection on the question of what distinguishes images and works of art from other cultural expressions and how do they shape our approach to the world. The Bielefeld programme „Art History and Historical Image Studies“ therefore attaches special importance to the theoretical basics of art history/historical image studies. It has been developed as a completely new concept and takes the latest research developments, e.g. from media and cultural studies, into account. Professional areas in which competences in the field of art history and historical image studies are of special importance are institutions (museums, art associations etc.), art markets (galleries, auctioneers etc.), universities, adult education, publishers, journalism, art insurances, heritage protection and culture tourism. Students in a Minor Subject (30 CPs) become familiar with the professional basis of Art History and Historical Image Studies and can then choose between specialising in pre-modern history (up to 1800) or modern history (as from 1800).