ICONOGRAPHY AS A PART OF PRACTICAL CLASSES IN THE HUMANITIES
/IKONOGRAFIA AKO SÚČASŤ PRAKTICKÝCH HODÍN V HUMANITNÝCH VEDÁCH/

Stefan SAK

docent, Faculty of Orthodox Theology, University of Presov, Masarykova 15, 080 01 Presov, Slovakia, stefan.sak@unipo.sk, 00421517724729

Abstract

As a rule, iconography is understood from the point of view of scientific and artistic characteristics as a part of ecclesiastical art. It is considered to be a more or less internal matter of the Church, and from the outside it is viewed as much as art in a historical context. For theology, it is an integral part of expressing the teachings of the Church in her deepest thoughts. In recent years, perhaps decades, however, the icon has taken on a broader concept and is also being promoted in other areas, especially humanities-oriented disciplines. The integration of the icon into teaching in the academic environment is required to understand its history and content. Only knowledge of the meaning of the icon can correctly interpret it and apply it in new areas of not only scientific research. This article provides a brief overview of the implementation of iconography in higher education in the Central European region and its expected development.

Keywords

Iconography, science, humanities, practice, theology, iconotheraphy

SUMMARY

The icon has its important meaning not only in theology, but also as an important telling value of human history. Despite the first impression of its strict rules, the icon offers a wide range of uses of its potential in individual areas of the humanities. It is noticeable especially in the present, when it occupies a place in art, history, social work, psychology, or art therapy. In the region of Central Europe, iconography was not represented in practical teaching in the academic environment. Based on the project, which was implemented in 2018-2020, there was an important improvement, as iconography became part of the study as a practical subject that can be used by students of various humanities, but also the general public in the form of open courses. This integration is the beginning of further planned extensions in the form of an iconographic studio, which will be covered by the academic environment. For a better accessibility of the understanding of the content of the icon, an important shift can also be seen today towards a better approach in the form of so-called touch icons, which have been developed in the Russian Orthodox Church for two decades. In the Western world, the icon is part of art therapy, which accompanies psychological disciplines.

(Language: slovak)

full text

Back on content