Department of Art and Music

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

Arthelpdesk
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 2977
E-mail: arthelpdesk@unisa.ac.za  

Administrator: Lebo Mabitsela
Tel: 012 429 6459
E-mail: mabitl@unisa.ac.za 

Coordinator: Ms Leana van der Merwe
Tel: 012 484 1011
E-mail: vdmerm1@unisa.ac.za

Coordinator of  Higher Degrees: Dr Gwen Miller
Tel: 012 481 2883
E-mail: milleg@unisa.ac.za

Location and physical address
The Department of Art and Music 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 and Music
University of South Africa (Unisa)
Sunnyside Campus, Building 12C
PO Box 392
Unisa 0003
Pretoria
South Africa

Last modified: Mon Aug 07 18:03:37 SAST 2023