Why "Austrian Art & Architecture" is the Best Class I’ve Ever Taken

Undisputedly, one of the best parts of studying abroad is that it brings a new diversity of classes to which you have access. I initially enrolled in AH 221 Austrian Art and Architecture on a whim. As a double major in Economics and Philosophy, I have never found that art (either in practice or in theory) comes easy to me. AH 221, however, seemed like an easy way out to get the art credit that my home institution requires for graduation. But much to my surprise, it’s turned out to be the best class I’ve ever had the pleasure of taking!

Here's why: 

The Best of Experiential Learning

AH 221 meets for roughly three hours or once a week. And here’s the best part: you meet at a different museum each time! Just by being enrolled in this class, I’ve gotten to explore so much more of Vienna than I imagined—including visiting many hidden gem locations that the average tourist misses. Some notable visits include trips to the Kunsthistorisches (Art History) Museum, the Römermuseum (Roman Museum), and the Upper Belvedere (this is where Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss is located)! Lectures aside, there’s also an interactive element to this course. For instance, group work that entails talking to your peers and analyzing various works of art and architecture. Through another assignment, Docent for a Day, you’ll get to sharpen your public speaking skills and have the opportunity to teach the class about a self-selected painting. As my class walks through the ornamented hallways of museums, the professor calls our attention to significant pieces and notable artists. That leads me to my next point…  

The Professor—duh!

Never have I had a professor as passionate about what they do as Dr. Gretl Satorius. Having lived in Vienna for about 12 years, Dr. Satorius is well-versed in the history of Austria. She’ll find ways to incorporate important history lessons into art ones, providing valuable contextual evidence. (Fun fact: did you know that the croissant was invented in Vienna? In Austria, we call it a kipferl. (Thank you, Dr. Satorius, for this tidbit of information that I will for sure find a way to sneak into cocktail conversation)).

Not only is Dr. Satorius extremely competent as a professor, but she is also very approachable to students and always welcomes any questions. Particularly useful for those who, like me, have no prior knowledge from art classes. 

Content that Matters 

AH 221 is one of those classes you take and, just like that, the world makes a little bit more sense. You learn to understand why buildings or cities are laid out the way that they are, to what extent current politics are deeply impacted by history, and how figures like Picasso or Michelangelo became household names. From the Paleolithic Era to the present day, AH 221 covers it all. You’ll leave this course with a better understanding of Austrian and European culture as a whole as well as a more nuanced understanding of how we, as a society, tend to define “art”. 

Needless to say, if there’s one class I recommend you take while studying abroad in Vienna, it’s this one.