The rationale for this module is to provide a four-part survey module on the history of art and architecture that reflects the current Leaving Certificate art history component. This module is primarily aimed at second level teachers involved in delivering the art history curriculum, but will also be of interest to, and available to, and much broader audience interested in art and architectural history. The purpose of this module is to connect life-long learners with new research in the history of art and architecture, particularly as it is connected with museum and gallery collections across Ireland, and with Irish art in international collections.

The syllabus of the module has been designed in response to the components of the art history Leaving Certificate exam, reflecting the core target audience for this micro-cred. However, the broad nature of this syllabus means that it will also be of interest to much broader audiences of life-long learners, including but not limited to those working in the fields of cultural heritage and cultural tourism. The syllabus therefore will focus on covering four main elements - pre-Christian and early Christian art and sculpture in Ireland; Renaissance art and architecture; Modernist art and architecture in Ireland and internationally; and appreciating art in the context of its display and presentation. As this is a survey module, students will be introduced to core overview lectures, followed by tutorials that will allow them to delve more deeply into recent research on these four components. Tutorials and reflective work will give students the opportunity to build their learning into their ongoing teaching practice, if applicable. Students will also be encouraged to find and engage examples relevant to the four module elements in their own localities, engaging resources such as archaeological surveys, as well as local authority and museum and gallery collections.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: Demonstrate enhanced knowledge of key themes in art and architectural history; Demonstrate an ability to apply their knowledge of art and architectural history to examples in their own locality; Demonstrate an understanding of recent research on art and architectural history, and understand how this research enhances and expands engagement with the field; Demonstrate the capacity to evaluate the presentation of art and architectural heritage in museum and gallery contexts; Demonstrate the ability to evaluate and effectively use online resources and digitised collections of art and architectural heritage in their own research and engagement.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: Demonstrate the ability to explore how complex ideas, values, and attitudes are presented and engaged in museum and gallery contexts in order to connect with different learning and audience types

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

This module is designed as a micro-credential, carrying 9 ECTS. It will be delivered as a fully online, asynchronous module. The learning experience designed for students reflects the best practices advised by the UL micro-cred development unit, including short video-driven content, and a fully supported VLE. The content will guide students through the module syllabus, ensuring that they become knowledgeable about their area of study. Students will have the opportunity to engage collaboratively through peer engagement tasks, in order to build a sense of community across the group. As such, students will build their capacity to be collaborative, as per the UL graduate attributes. Students will also be encouraged to engage in self-directed tasks beyond the VLE in their own locality, ensuing that they are creative and proactive in their learning. This will involve students visiting their local museum and gallery collections, as well as using national and international digitised collections and resources.