art history courses |
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ARH 210. ART AND HISTORY I: GODS & EMPERORS (4 sh) This course is a global survey of the art and architecture of the ancient world. We will consider the cultural roots of the western world: Ancient Near East, Egypt, Greece and Rome, alongside the artistic traditions of the Silk Road, including the arts of South Asia, China and Japan. Course material will be presented through lectures, assigned readings and in-class discussions. From this material, you will learn to think and speak critically about visual and textual material, as well as see art as a necessary part of human interaction. No prerequisite. *Also counts towards the Classical Studies minor. |
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| ARH 211. ART AND HISTORY II: CATHEDRALS TO CONQUEST (4 sh) This course is a global survey of art and architecture from 500-1600 CE. We will consider the art of the cathedral alongside mosque, temple and pagoda. The Renaissance will be discussed within the global context of mission and embassy, and we will end the course with a discussion of “conquests” and colonialism, including the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople and Columbus’ expedition to the Americas. Course material will be presented through lectures, assigned readings and in-class discussions and from this material, you will learn to think and speak critically about visual and textual material, as well as see art as a necessary part of human interaction. No prerequisite. Also Counts towards the Classical Studies minor. *Also counts towards the Classical Studies minor. |
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| ARH 212. ART AND HISTORY II: REFORM, REVOLT, CRITIQUE (4 sh) This course introduces you to the history of world art and architecture from the 17th century to the present. We will explore the contexts in which these works were created, considering a variety of factors that influenced their production, style, meaning, authorship, patronage, and continued importance. We will pay particular attention to historical moments of revolution and reform as well as the increasing emphasis placed on art’s critical function in society both culturally and politically. You will learn to think and speak analytically about visual and textual material from Italian Baroque architecture to contemporary Japanese performance art. No prerequisite. *Also counts towards the International Studies Major. |
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| ARH 301. ART HISTORY METHODOLOGIES This course introduces students to the various methodologies used to analyze a work of art as well as the role that the study of art has played in defining contemporary visual culture. The course material will be presented through assigned readings and class discussion, highlighting the work of contemporary and historically significant art historians, philosophers, art critics and artists. Prerequisite: A 200 level art history course. |
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| ARH 320. ISSUES IN CONTEMPORARY ART This course considers the arts since 1945, covering the period both broadly and in selective detail. To better understand how and why art in our time takes the forms it does, we will consider new approaches to creating and exhibiting art, relevant social and political issues to which artists respond, and the impact of critical theory upon both the visual arts and art history and criticism. No prerequisite. Offered fall and spring. *Also counts towards the Women's and Gender Studies minor. |
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| ARH 340. HISTORY OF PHOTOGRAPHY (2 or 4 sh) This course surveys the history of the photographic arts from the development of the camera obscura to the present use of digital technologies. Issues discussed may include the role of technology in the arts; scopophilia and voyeurism; the uses of photography in science, government, propaganda, and advertising; perceptions of objective reality and manipulation in the photographic image; reproducibility, time, and movement; and personal/amateur photography. No prerequisite. |
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| ARH 341A. AFRICAN ART (4 sh) This course presents a selective survey of the arts of sub-Saharan Africa. It examines artistic production through a variety of media - sculpture, painting, architecture, performance and personal decoration - and a myriad of social contexts - initiation, religious ceremony, political and royal institutions, domestic arenas, cross-cultural exchanges and colonialism. No prerequisite. *Also counts towards the African and African-American Studies minor. |
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| ARH 491. INDEPENDENT STUDY IN ART HISTORY Open to juniors and seniors with permission of instructor. |
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| ARH 495. SENIOR SEMINAR IN ART HISTORY A capstone experience for majors, this course offers students practical experience in researching, writing and presenting an independent senior thesis project. Prerequisite: ARH 301 Art History Methodologies. |
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| ARH 499. RESEARCH IN ART (1-8 sh) Students engage in an undergraduate research project under the guidance of an Art Department mentor. A special research proposal form must be prepared and submitted in consultation with the mentor. Maximum of 8 semester hours of credit. |
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| SPECIAL TOPICS (varies by semester)
American Art Realism Installation Art Film and Architecture Gender and Art History Japan and Impressionism Cultures in Contact and Conflict: The Art and Architecture of Judaism, Christianity and Islam |
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