Becoming an Art Historian: Study Skills in Art History - adult education class

Course overview

This course is aimed at adult learners who are ready to take their interest in art to a higher level.

Whether you're completely new to art history or looking to deepen your understanding, you'll be guided step by step—from learning how to really look at artworks and interpret their meaning, to exploring how art historians analyse images and how curators shape exhibitions.

Each session introduces a new way of thinking and talking about art, brought to life through engaging tutor presentations, lively discussions, short writing exercises, and home assignments. You’ll build the confidence to describe, analyse, and contextualise works of art—and use those skills to enrich your own gallery and museum visits.

By the end of the course, you’ll be equipped with a toolkit of art historical methods, able to write clearly and thoughtfully about visual art, and prepared to pursue more advanced study if you wish to go further.

Reading material or special equipment needed (if any)

A key text will be Michael Hatts and Charlotte Klonk's book Art History: A Critical Introduction to Its Methods, 2006

Term dates

•  Autumn Term: week beginning 20 October 2025 until week ending 12 December 2025 (no class on 19 & 26 November)

•  Spring Term: week beginning 12 January 2026 until week ending 20 March 2026 (no class on 18 February)

Any questions?

If you have any questions about the content of this course please contact the tutor, Dr Michael Paraskos: m.paraskos@imperial.ac.uk

For general programme and enrolment questions please contact the Imperial after:hours Administrator, Christian Jacobi: c.jacobi@imperial.ac.uk

Class recordings

These classes are not recorded.

Imperial certificates

There are no examinations or assessments for this course. However, attendance can lead to the award of an Imperial attendance certificate (T&Cs apply).