Examines Romanesque and Gothic churches as evidence of the values of the societies that created them. Shows the affect of monasticism and pilgrimage on Romanesque church architecture. Uses Gislebertus's sculpture at St. Lazare in Autun to show the medieval focus on heaven and the afterlife.

The Gothic architecture, sculpture, and stained glass at St. Denis and Chartres are discussed as evidence of a new theology and profound social changes during the twelfth and early thirteenth centuries. Features experts Paul Crossley, William Clark, and Anne Prache.

Episode 1: The Classical Ideal
http://www.videosift.com/video/Art-of-the-Western-World-1-The-Classical-Ideal
Episode 3: Early Renaissance
http://www.videosift.com/video/Art-of-the-Western-World-3-Early-Renaissance
Episode 4: High Renaissance
http://www.videosift.com/video/Art-of-the-Western-World-4-High-Renaissance
Episode 5: Realms of light: The Baroque
http://www.videosift.com/video/Art-of-the-Western-World-5-Realms-of-light-The-Baroque
Episode 6: An Age of Reason and Passion
http://www.videosift.com/video/Art-of-the-Western-World-6-An-Age-of-Reason-and-Passion
Episode 7: A Fresh View: Impressionism
http://www.videosift.com/video/Art-of-the-Western-World-7-A-Fresh-View-Impressionism
Episode 8: Into the 20th Century
http://www.videosift.com/video/Art-of-the-Western-World-8-Into-the-20th-Century
Episode 9: Our Own Time
http://www.videosift.com/video/Art-of-the-Western-World-9-Our-Own-Time