The Importance of Material Literacy: Object-Driven Inquiry in a Digital Age
In an era defined by digital images and virtual experiences, this one-week program invites participants to rediscover the physical language of art. Through morning lectures with Yale Art History faculty and exclusive visits to the Yale University Art Gallery and Yale Center for British Art, participants will explore how materials, techniques, and touch shape artistic meaning. Afternoon sessions bring theory to life through guided making exercises and reflective practice, fostering a deeper, hands-on understanding of how objects speak across time.
Guided by Professor Edward S. Cooke, Jr., a leading voice in the study of material culture at Yale, participants will engage directly with objects in the university’s world-renowned collections and discover how close looking and hands-on exploration reveal new ways of understanding art.
Designed for art enthusiasts, educators, and creative thinkers, the workshop celebrates the power of direct encounter—seeing, handling, and creating—to reconnect us with the material world of art.
Program Dates: Monday, June 15 - Friday, June 19, 2026
Program Overview
A typical week in the The Yale Summer Session Seminar in Art History offers an immersive balance of art history, close looking, and creative practice. Participants learn from Yale Professor Edward S. Cooke, Jr. and engage directly with Yale’s world-class art collections.
Program Schedule
The workshop runs Monday through Friday. Each morning features an art history lecture, followed by lunch in a Yale dining hall. In the afternoons, participants take part in hands-on making exercises and object-based study in the Yale University Art Gallery and other collections. The week includes a Thursday evening celebratory dinner, bringing together participants and faculty to share conversation and inspiration.
Tuition and Fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition The Yale Summer Session Seminar in Art History* | $2,285 |
| Application Fee | $45 |
*Tuition includes program fees and includes lunch every day in a Yale dining hall.
On-Campus Housing
Participants may choose to stay on campus in one of Yale’s residential colleges for an additional fee. Housing includes breakfast, lunch, and access to evening on-campus activities. You may select on-campus housing when completing the program application.
Application
To apply, use the Yale Summer Session Application and select Session A. Be sure to choose the course “Art History Workshop” when completing your application.