This collection of art courses and resources was compiled for those wanting to study art history and the visual arts. Course material ranges from broad survey classes in Western art to the politics and cultures affecting how art is created, distributed, considered and included in society. Traditional art history programs include much of the same material presented in these open courseware collections including the Renaissance; the Medici family in Florence; Greek and Roman civilizations; the Egyptians and Etruscans; the Ancient Near East and more. Students interested in modern art will also find that certain courses tackle issues in electronic art distribution and copyright, the psychology of color and twentieth century art. Universities in this list include Rice University, MIT and the Fashion Institute of Technology – SUNY.

This collection benefits students wanting a general introduction to the beginnings of art history, its development in Greek, Roman, and European societies, and the modern art movement in the contemporary age. Classes are offered from distinguished universities and can satisfy students wanting academic preparation as well as individuals wanting to brush up on or broaden their understanding of art history.

• History of Western Art and Civilization [Fashion Institute of Technology, SUNY] – This collection gives a broad overview of art history in the West as it relates to the developing political, religious, economic and social sectors of civilizations in Italy, Germany and others.
• Art History and Its Publications in the Electronic Age [Rice University] – Students will come to understand how texts, designs and prints are viewed, reproduced and organized in the electronic age. Special attention will be given to copyright, electronic publication and the new trends involved in electronic reproduction.
• Introduction to the History of Western Art: Prehistoric through the Late Middle Ages [Rice University] – This course’s syllabus includes lectures in Egyptian Art, the Ancient Near East, Greek vase painting, Roman architecture, Roman sculpture and more.
• Twentieth Century Art [MIT] – Students are exposed to trends and developments in the art world during the last sixty years. The official course description lists studies in modern politics, mass culture, new technologies, utopianism, and other “changing conceptions of mind and human nature.”
• Art of Color [MIT] – Students discover the basics of understanding and utilizing color in art. Additional topics include the psychology of color and interactions between colors.