Description
Art History Course Description
Course Length: 15 Weeks
Format: Self-Paced Online
Level: High School (Grades 9–12) with Dual Degree Option
Course Type: Humanities / Fine Arts Elective
Primary Text: Marvelous to Behold by Jennifer Courtney and Courtney Sanford
This project-based art history course invites students to explore the story of art through the lens of a Christian worldview. Covering major artistic periods from ancient civilizations to modern movements, students will study how artists throughout history have wrestled with questions of truth, beauty, worship, identity, culture, and human purpose.
Rather than emphasizing memorization alone, the course develops visual literacy, thoughtful observation, theological reflection, and cultural analysis. Students will learn how to closely examine works of art, understand historical context, recognize symbolism and artistic techniques, and discuss how worldview shapes artistic expression. Through readings, artwork studies, reflection journals, research assignments, and creative projects, students will deepen both their appreciation for art and their understanding of humanity as image-bearers created by God.
Throughout the course, students will engage with influential works such as the Mona Lisa, Pietà, The Arnolfini Portrait, The Return of the Prodigal Son, Impression, Sunrise, and many others. Topics include medieval manuscripts, Renaissance realism, sacred art, symbolism, perspective, Baroque storytelling, Impressionism, modern art movements, and the ongoing debate over beauty and meaning in art.
Major projects include creating an illuminated manuscript page, building a multimedia art history timeline with artist investigations, and completing a final presentation and reflective portfolio. Students will also practice artistic analysis through written responses, slide presentations, creative exercises, and visual journals.
Because the course is self-paced and project-centered, students have flexibility in how they demonstrate learning while still developing strong critical thinking, communication, and research skills.
Students pursuing the Dual Degree option will complete this course as preparation for the Dual Degree Art History examination.
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