This introduction to art history is a global investigation of artistic styles, methods of artistic production, media, and techniques. A variety of artwork (including a selection from the permanent collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston) is analyzed and defined in relation to formal elements (line, space, light and color, form, texture, and pattern), principles of design (balance, scale, proportion, rhythm, unity, and variety), and arts media (drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, sculpture, craft media, and architecture). Universal themes are studied within historical, political, economic, sociological, conceptual, and aesthetic contexts. Students develop observational skills and critical thinking through visual and verbal analysis and synthesis. Slide presentations and case studies of individual museum objects are incorporated in the course.