100-level

ARTH112
Art and Things: introduction to Art History and Material Culture
Description
This is an integrated introduction to Art History and Material Culture, providing you with an up-to-date, varied and critical 'toolkit' for thinking about art, architecture and objects. The discipline of Art History has a history of its own, and as you will see, this distorts what we understand about art and about 'things'.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Points
15 points
ARTH113
Art in Aotearoa New Zealand
Description
This course provides an introduction to histories of art in Aotearoa New Zealand. The rich traditions of Maori, Pacific and Pakeha artists will be examined within entangled debates around art, culture, and society as they have emerged in Aotearoa and internationally. Informed by the principles of Te Tiriti, the course will explore the sovereignty and continuity of toi Maori and will consider how colonial processes have shaped our art histories. Students will be introduced to a range of artists, artworks, and critical thinkers, and will have the opportunity to work directly with collection items from UC Collections, Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetu, and Canterbury Museum. One of the key aims of this 100-level course is to give students an understanding of the complex interaction of materials, forms, symbols and ideas that go into the making of works of art, and to offer insights into the ways in which art conveys meanings.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Points
15 points
Restrictions
ARTH217

Not Offered Courses in 2026

100-level

ARTH103
'Picasso who?' Introducing Modern Art
Description
What makes modern art modern? This course covers all you've always wanted to know about modern art and never dared asking. This course offers a general introduction to modern art from 1850 to 1945. It examines key art movements from Impressionism to Surrealism in their cultural and social contexts while introducing you to art historical methodologies and key art theories.
Occurrences
Not offered 2026, offered in 2019 , 2020 , 2021 , 2022 , 2023
For further information see ARTH103 course details
Points
15 points
ARTH104
Maori Art: Taonga Tuku Iho
Description
Taonga Tuku Iho (Treasures handed down from the ancestors) is an introductory survey of traditional Maori art forms within their social, historical and cultural contexts.
Occurrences
Not offered 2026
For further information see ARTH104 course details
Points
15 points
ARTH111
Contextualising Art: An Introduction to Art Theory
Description
A study of theories of art through central texts, from the 18th century to the present day.
Occurrences
Not offered 2026, offered in 2020 , 2021 , 2023 , 2024 , 2025
For further information see ARTH111 course details
Points
15 points