Studying the history of art at the BA level provides a series of intellectual tools to deal with images, objects, and spaces – both those of the past and those that surround us on a daily basis. This three-year curriculum is thus a unique way to understand the power and role of visuality in our world. Art History can be studied at BA level either as a single programme or in combination with other programmes.

The programme comprises a mixture of compulsory and elective modules which are taught in lectures and seminars. The courses are designed to give students a wide-ranging overview of the history of art, allowing them to develop and hone their interests in specific topics. From the death masks of the Pharaohs to the mysterious Irish Gospel books, from the villas of Andrea Palladio to the political use of architecture in the Czech lands, and to the recent and contemporary creations of artists such as Kateřina Šedá, Louise Bourgeois and Banksy, the programme invites endless curiosity and explorations of visual, material, and spatial cultures throughout the ages.

Our programme also includes a focus on developing the language skills of our students, with special emphasis on English, German, French and Italian. We also teach our students communication and writing skills, in order to equip our graduates for a wide range of jobs and professions, not only in teaching and the artworld, but far beyond. Brno is home to a range of institutions such as the Moravian Gallery, the Villa Tugendhat, and the House of Arts, which give our students the opportunity to study at first hand first-class examples of art and architecture.

On successful completion of the programme, students will:

• Have a broad knowledge of the history of art, as well as knowledge of the most important specific works of art from World, European, and Central European art
• Have a good knowledge of the key methods by which works of art are interpreted and understood, including, for example, analysis of material and technical aspects, stylistic criticism, iconographical and iconological analysis, and function, and the ability to localise it in time and space;
• Have an understanding of the social, political, and cultural contexts shaping the meaning of works of art;
• Be able to communicate both orally and written understanding and knowledge of the history of art to specialized audiences as well as the general public

Bachelor of Arts in Art History – Programme Overview

To complete a Bachelor of Arts in Art History, students will study for six semesters and write a Bachelor thesis. The main language of teaching is Czech, but there are mandatory courses in English.

Semesters 1 and 2 offer an overview across the history of art, which introduces students to major artworks, artists, and movements from the earliest times up to the present in a series of lectures devoted to the major periods of art history. In courses such as The ABC of Art History I & II, and Christian Iconography and Profane Iconography, students learn essential methods and theories of studying art history, helping them to develop their skills in research and the interpretation of works of art.

Semesters 3 and 4 involve a range of lecture and seminar combinations. These include study of specific art historical periods (medieval, early modern, and contemporary), as well as optional courses on more specialized topics. Examples of recent optional courses include Between East and West: Art of the Divided World after 1945; Experiencing Death and Resurrection in the Premodern World; Rubens and Flemish Painting in the 17th Century; Architecture in Czechoslovakia 1918 – 1948; Islam and the Image; Introduction to Heritage Conservation; The Art and Architecture of the Southern Caucasus. The range of options will vary from from year to year.

Semesters 5 and 6 involve more optional modules on a wide range of topics as well as museum excursions, external internships, and professional placements as accredited parts of the programme, as well as the option to study abroad. The programme will be completed with a Bachelor thesis followed by a state examination.