The activities of the department are based on the belief that the specific language of art and visual culture can express other aspects of our being than mere verbal and scientific language. Through mapping, exploration and interpretation of phenomena and tendencies of fine art culture, the programme tries to create a background for the application of art in the contemporary world. The department’s concept is based on the idea that the creation of a real artistic work is enabled by a diverse and broad cultural community that is capable of self-reflection and of conducting a dialogue of diverse approaches—namely the creative, theoretical or historical ones.

The department teaches theoretical and historical subjects of a more general nature for students of bachelor’s degree courses. It provides lectures on art history from ancient cultures, Christian art in Europe and the development of modern and visual art. Furthermore, study plans are enriched by courses focusing on the specificities of study of individual disciplines, especially on the history of photography and electronic media and the history of design and handicrafts. The bachelor’s degree course plan includes seminars dealing with basic orientation in aesthetic and theoretical spaces and in contemporary cultural life.

The teaching plans of master’s degree courses focus primarily on the issues of modern and post-modern fine-art and visual culture. In addition to the lectures, the teaching plans also include many seminars focused on specific theoretical issues of contemporary cultural life. The department also ensures guidance for master’s theses and provides consultations on the textual parts of diploma works. And last but not least, members of the department are involved in guiding and teaching of doctoral candidates.

Research in the field of fine arts is another pillar of the department’s activities. More systematic attention has been so far paid to contemporary Northern Bohemian cultural life as well as its rich past. Research also focuses on the issue of photography and new media, local architecture, design, gender aspects or social function of fine arts.

Head of Department of History and Theory of Arts
MgA. Adéla Machová, Ph.D.

Guarantor of Curatorial Studies
Prof. Mgr. Michal Koleček, Ph.D.

Department of History and Theory of Arts
Ing. Zuzana Voborníková