This module is a survey course on the history of art and architecture. It will focus on four key areas: early Christian and medieval art in Ireland; the art and architecture of Renaissance and Baroque Italy; Modernist Transformations; and Irish painting and sculpture in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Participants will learn about the key ideas and concepts across these four areas and will have the opportunity to engage with recent and ongoing scholarship and research. Participants will also be encouraged to explore their own local museum and gallery collections in connection with module themes.

The programme is open to all learners who wish to engage with the module. No prior learning in the area is required, and given that it includes both foundational information and insight into new and emerging scholarship, it is suitable for complete beginners in the field as well as those with a background in the area. The module will involve self-directed reading by participants, and where possible, readings will be provided in an audio as well as a text format. Similarly, assessments can be submitted in written or recorded form, in order to increase the accessibility of the module to all learners.

Successful completion of this module can used to take the place of one 9 ECTS elective on one of the UL Department of History MA programmes, subject to course director approval.