WEA East Midlands Region
Session: 2012-2013
If this is your first WEA course this year, please read the Learning Agreement on the tear-off
sheet of your enrolment form. This applies to all the courses you take this year. You should retain
the tear-off copy of the agreement, which also give you your unique learner reference number.
Tutor: Dr Ulla Rajala
Start date: April 17, 2013
Number of meetings: 6
Venue: Vaughan College
Title: The earliest paintings
Course reference no: C2330671
Time: 1.30–3pm
Number of guided learning hours: 9
COURSE OUTLINE
The aims of the course
This course will introduce the earliest figurative cave and wall paintings created by the
humans. We will cover 20,000 years of monumental art from the Palaeolithic Altamira cave in
Spain to the Neolithic houses and ‘temples’ at Çatalhöyük in Turkey and the rock surfaces of
prehistoric Scandinavia. You will learn the themes and settings of the earliest art works and
discuss their meaning.
Topics to be covered
 Palaeolithic cave art in Europe
 Rock art outside Europe
 Mesolithic, Neolithic and Bronze Age rock art in Fennoscandia
 The first wall paintings at sites such as Çatalhöyük in Turkey
 Outline of themes and colour schemes of early paintings in their chronological and
cultural setting
 Techniques and paint materials of earliest art
Learning outcomes
As a result of attending this course it may be possible for you to:
 Identify the areas in Europe with Palaeolithic cave art
 Name other regions outside Europe with early rock art
 Outline the common themes in early paintings and their chronological development
 Explain the techniques used in early paintings and their chronological development
 Identify when buildings were first decorated with wall paintings
 Recognize how the development of art was related to the social and cultural
developments
Teaching methods, learning activities
Lecturing, PowerPoint presentations with extensive illustrations of cave art and frescoes,
handouts, different word association, text critic, art work and building identification and
mapping exercises, discussions and team work assignments.
Assessment methods
Through team work, different group activities and exercises, quizzes and discussions, the
tutor will ensure that learners are making progress
Previous learning required
Everyone is welcome and no previous knowledge is assumed.
Booklist, essential materials or equipment
If you are interested in learning in depth of some of the themes of this course, you may
consider referring to:
Bahn, P. G. 2012. Cave Art: A Guide to the Decorated Ice Age Caves of Europe. Revised
and updated edition. London: Frances Lincoln.
Sankars, N. K. 1992. Prehistoric Art in Europe (Pelican History of Art). New Haven and
London: Yale University Press.
Suggestions on further reading on other regions, different cultural topics arising and different
archaeological sites will be given throughout the course. Suitable websites [in English] will be
listed in the course handouts.
Where the course may lead
The tutor can provide you with information about what you can do next with the WEA and
other local providers. A Giving Information and Advice county leaflet is available with useful
local information. What Next? leaflets are available from your tutor or programme organiser
to help you with your choices. If you would like to discuss what options are available or how
to obtain guidance, please contact your programme organiser.
Financial help
If you need help with paying for fees or childcare, you may be entitled to financial support.
Ask your tutor or programme organiser for more information. We will treat all requests
confidentially and with respect in accordance with our Learner Support Policy (see Services
for Learners leaflet).
Help with learning
If you have a disability or learning difficulty, let us know as early as possible so that we can
make arrangements to provide you with support. We will treat requests for help confidentially
and with respect. Ask your tutor for more information. If you prefer, contact your Regional
Office and ask to speak to someone about learning support (see Services for Learners
leaflet).
Help with English, Maths or Study Skills
You are also entitled to extra help and support with English, Maths or Study Skills. Ask your
tutor for more information. If you prefer, contact your Regional Office and ask to speak to
someone about help with English, Maths or Study Skills.
The Workers' Educational Association (WEA) is a charity registered in England & Wales (№ 1112775) and in
Scotland (№ SC039239) and a company limited by guarantee registered in England & Wales (№ 2806910)
Registered address: 4 Luke Street, London, EC2A 4XW
East Midlands Regional Office:  39 Mapperley Road, Nottingham, NG3 5AQ
Fax (0115) 962-8402
 eastmidlands@wea.org.uk
(0115) 962-8400
 www.wea.org.uk