This course introduces students to the study of western art history from the ancient world to the medieval period. We will cover developments in geographical areas from the Americas to Persia, focusing primarily on regions around the Mediterranean and Europe. We will examine prominent artifacts, works of art, and architecture within the framework of historical and cultural developments. Students will become familiar with the timeline of early art history and develop a vocabulary of images that will help them to identify and contextualize the materials, style, and meaning of precious objects and visual culture from this period. Through lectures, readings, writing assignments, and exams, students will train their eyes and develop their vocabularies in order to think critically about art and art history, as well as to accurately and effectively discuss works of art and their contexts.