An Introduction to Art History: A Classical Approach to Art

ArtGrades 4–12

About This Curriculum

A series of art history courses that combine historical context, art appreciation, and hands-on art projects using masterpiece cards and art lesson cards.

What makes it unique: Integrates Christian worldview with classical art history education through 30-minute age-integrated sessions

An Introduction to Art History: Comprehensive Art History with Hands-On Projects

An Introduction to Art History: A Classical Approach to Art is a multi-volume curriculum that combines chronological art history instruction with hands-on art projects using masterpiece cards and guided lesson cards. The curriculum covers major historical periods from ancient civilizations through the 19th century, integrating historical context with art appreciation and practical studio work.

Best for

Homeschool families with grades 4-12 seeking comprehensive art history curriculum review combined with hands-on projects, particularly those wanting chronological historical progression and masterpiece study

Evaluation Criteria

1 strength · 2 concerns · 2 neutral · 1 insufficient evidence

Art History KnowledgeStrength

Strong emphasis on art history with chronological coverage of major periods and movements. Each course focuses on specific historical eras with contextual information about broader historical events.

Curriculum covers 'Ancient Art, Egypt, Greece, and Rome,' 'Early Christian Art,' 'The Renaissance and Reformation,' and other chronological periods, with 'history of art and architecture serves as the backbone'

Teacher TrainingConcern

Limited teacher support mentioned, though lesson cards provide some guidance. Review suggests parents may need to assist younger students or adapt projects, indicating potential need for more teacher support.

Review notes 'Parents might need to assist younger students or come up with adaptations for some projects' and mentions lesson cards provide models, but no specific teacher training is described

Technique InstructionConcern

The curriculum teaches art skills but lacks systematic progression from basic to advanced techniques. Projects range unpredictably from simple line drawing to challenging mosaic copying without clear skill-building sequence.

Review notes that 'courses do not teach art skills in a sequence that moves from easy to difficult' and gives example of first lesson being simple pen drawing while second requires challenging mosaic copying

Direct InstructionNeutral

Provides some direct instruction through lesson cards and structured projects, but may require additional teacher modeling. Older students can work independently, suggesting clear instructional guidance.

Review states 'Students in seventh through twelfth grade might be able to work through the courses independently' and mentions 'Lesson Cards provide models' for art projects

Structured Vs OpenNeutral

Provides structured approach through guided lesson cards with partially drawn formats while allowing creative application. Balance leans toward structure with predetermined projects based on masterpieces.

Uses 'Lesson Cards provide models, partially drawn formats that make it easier for students to complete the drawings' and projects are 'often the inspiration for student art projects' based on masterpiece artworks

Vocabulary BuildingInsufficient Evidence

Art vocabulary instruction is not explicitly mentioned in the curriculum description. Focus appears to be on historical knowledge and project completion rather than systematic vocabulary development.

Review discusses historical content and art projects but does not mention specific art vocabulary instruction or terminology development

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com