UNISA Department of Art History

Art History

The excitement of the discipline of Art History lies in its ability to embrace the related fields of aesthetics, art theory and art criticism, but it also requires the practitioner to have some knowledge of history, sociology, anthropology, theology, psychology, geography, science, literature, politics and economics. It is a discipline for those who possess or want to acquire a general knowledge about the world, its peoples, their societies, values, cultures, creativity and expertise.

Art History aims to make you:

• understand creative expressions of the past as well as contemporary creative expression
• gain knowledge about visual products of different cultures
• appreciate cultural interchange in a global visual context
• interpret images, symbols and actions
• engage in production of creative culture in your own environment
• enhance your appreciation of other art forms such as literature, music or drama
• expand your enjoyment of sources relating to artistic practice in different cultural contexts
• enrich your thinking and writing skills
• cultivate your ability to address an audience

Contact us

Art Help Desk
Now you can speak to our friendly consultants regarding issues with myUnisa; get information about modules, tuituion fees, cancellations and registration dates.
Tel: 012 481 2799
E-mail: [email protected]
Administrator: Lebo Mabitsela
Tel: 012 481 2870
E-mail: [email protected]
Coordinator: Prof Frikkie Potgieter
Tel: 012 429 6061
E-mail: [email protected]
Location and physical address
The Department of Art History, Visual Arts and Musicology is situated at the Sunnyside Campus of the University of South Africa (Unisa)
Building 12C
Corner of Justice Mahomed and Steve Biko Streets
Pretoria
South Africa

Postal address 
The Department of Art History, Visual Arts and Musicology
University of South Africa (Unisa)
Sunnyside Campus, Building 12C
PO Box 392
Unisa 0003
Pretoria
South Africa