In this module you will explore the visual modes and media by which people have expressed themselves individually and societally in different periods of human history. We will start by exploring ideas of visual culture and art, as well as the historical context of the module. You will be introduced to some of the core theoretical issues that underpin the production and consumption of visual culture including questions of what an image is and its relationship to ideology and theories of representation.
We will explore contexts across the ancient Mediterranean from the Palaeolithic to Imperial Rome. We wlll explore a range of themes and you will learn about a wide variety of visual culture from monuments and statues to painted pottery and the visual culture of everyday life. You will learn how to ‘read’ these different media to reconstruct ancient culture and to appreciate the tastes, desires and ideas from the ancient Mediterranean. As you learn about the ancient world you will develop a range of valuable skills that will be of use in academic studies and employment.