AHT1101 Introduction to the history and theory of art
Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture
AHT1101 Introduction to the history and theory of art is a level 1, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture, offered in 2026 in Semester 1 and Semester 2 at Caulfield. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 1 unit, leading on to 7 units in all.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 1, Semester 2
- Caulfield
- Assessment
- No exam
- 4 tasks
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before AHT1101
Corequisites
Pass these before, or take them in the same semester.
After AHT1101
1 unit list AHT1101 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Enrolment rules
Prohibitions: TAD1101, ARC1401, TAD1203, TDN1001, VSA1000.
Overview
This unit explores key developments in histories of recent art. In it, you will analyse important artworks and reflect on their importance for the way we live today. Through written assessments and tutorial discussions, you will develop communication skills as you learn to express your point of view and develop the language of your creative discipline. You will also develop your ability to engage critically with major concerns in contemporary art, and to relate these to historical precedents.
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Caulfield | Flexible |
| Second semester | Caulfield | Flexible |
Assessment
- Short assessments 1 & 2Quiz / Test20%
- Historical analysisWritten20%
- Short assessments 3 & 4Written20%
- Research essayWritten40%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Identify works of art and place them in their social and cultural contexts of production;
- 2
Recognise major styles and movements in the history of art and be aware of the theories by which they were informed;
- 3
Conduct academic research into the history of art;
- 4
Critically analyse historical and contemporary works of art;
- 5
Critically articulate the relevance of historical styles and movements in art to current concerns in culture and society.
Workload and teaching
- Seminars12 hours
- Tutorials24 hours
- Teaching approachCase-based teaching
- Teaching approachPeer assisted learning
- Teaching approachActive learning
- Teaching approachProblem-based learning
- Teaching approachEnquiry-based learning
- Teaching approachResearch activities
- Teaching approachOnline learning
12 hours per week including 3 contact hours plus 9 hours of independent study, or equivalent.
Where it fits
AHT1101 is part of 1 area of study in the 2026 handbook.
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Luke Smythe
- Professor Melissa Miles
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Luke Smythe
- Professor Melissa Miles
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for AHT1101?
None, but you must take OHS1000 before or alongside it.
What can I take after AHT1101?
AHT1101 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 1 unit, including ARC2401. Those lead on to 7 units in all.
When is AHT1101 offered?
In 2026, AHT1101 runs in Semester 1 and Semester 2 at Caulfield.
Does AHT1101 have an exam?
No. AHT1101 has 4 assessment tasks and no exam.
Which majors and minors include AHT1101?
AHT1101 is part of Art history and theory.