Understanding Western Art (The Great Courses Series)

Western art, from the ancient world to the present, offers far more than beautiful images-it provides powerful stories, cultural insight, and rich opportunities for teaching across the curriculum. In this 25-lecture course, K-12 educators gain both a strong foundation in Western art history and practical strategies for bringing these ideas into their classrooms through engaging lessons, interdisciplinary connections, and creative student activities.
Designed with teachers in mind, this course explores the major themes, principles, and expressive movements of Western art while continually connecting them to instructional practice. Participants will examine masterworks by artists such as Phidias, Michelangelo, Leonardo, Rembrandt, Vermeer, Monet, Van Gogh, and many others-and learn how to use these works to support learning in art, history, literature, and beyond.
By the end of the course, teachers will not only deepen their appreciation of Western art but will also leave with practical tools, adaptable lesson ideas, and renewed confidence in using art to enrich student learning across subjects. This course empowers educators to make art a living, meaningful part of the K-12 classroom-one that strengthens critical thinking, creativity, and cultural understanding.