Introduction to Iconology

Prerequisites

None

Academic Staff

Kirollos Kilada; Bachelor of Design (Ontario College of Art and Design University); Master of Theological Studies in Orthodox Christian Studies (Trinity College, University of Toronto)

Curriculum Objectives

This graduate course unit deepens the study of iconology, with a focus on its liturgical and exegetical components.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

1. Identify and describe periods and works of Christian art and architecture
2. Read and analyse works of Christian iconography in their context
3. Situate images within the oral and textual landscape of their time
4. Critically explore how iconography can respond to the liturgical and pastoral context of the Church community and engage with the outside world
5. Analyse the relationship between images and text as rhetorical tools

Content

Topics will include:

1. A general survey of Christian art history from Early Christian art, to the modern period
2. Iconoclasm and the Christian Theology of the Image
3. Hermeneutics: Symbolism, Metaphor, Allegory, Image and Text, Culture and Context
4. The Art of Creating an Iconographic Program
5. Sacred Space
6. Tradition: Culture and Style
7. Modern Iconography

Assessment Profile

1. Visual Description Assignments
2. Design a Church Program
3. Final Paper