Academic teaching and research in the 21st century. The case of art history

Abstract

Introduction: Modern digital advances have streamlined scientific research and teaching. At the same time, they present a challenge for teachers and researchers, whose methods must be adapted to this new reality.

Research Aim: The article primarily examines the teaching practice since 2007 and the author’s own pedagogical innovation: weekly visual terminology exercises, which students value for facilitating the acquisition of knowledge and for actively engaging them in the teaching process. The article aims to highlight the changes that have taken place in art history teaching from the beginning of the 21st century to the present day. It also illustrates how academic research has evolved. Furthermore, it demonstrates which of the old teaching techniques and principles remain relevant and continue to have a universal dimension.

Method: The article is based on an analysis of the author’s own experiences and the documentation gathered. It compares several hundred terminology tasks, the answers to them, conclusions drawn from lively discussions during Introduction to Art History classes, as well as other types of classes: tutorials, seminars and optional modules, as well as feedback from students. The author’s own experiences of writing academic papers are also presented.

Results: Modern advances in computing mean that we are constantly skimming through texts, reading excerpts, summaries, and highlights. Meanwhile, it is still worthwhile to read extensive academic works from cover to cover. Written and oral terminology exercises, as well as familiarising students with numerous diagrammatic representations, remain essential, functional elements of the art history teaching process.

Conclusions: Thoughtful dialogue with artificial intelligence can be helpful rather than harmful. However, research and teaching methods will continue to evolve. Strictly humanities-based disciplines, such as art history, must be open to new teaching aids and the use of modern equipment that facilitates teaching and research.