Art History (AH)

An introductory study of specific art historical themes, geographical regions, media, movements or artists. Topics will be announced each semester the course is offered.

Throughout the history of art and culture, artists and storytellers have repeatedly revisited certain themes, depicting and re-creating symbols based on myths, legends and folklore familiar to their audiences. In this course, students will be presented with archetypes covering a broad range of art history and pop culture, arranged thematically rather than chronologically. Visual imagery may include representations of heroes, villains, monsters, saviors, heroines, virgins, and/or fallen women, as well as broader themes such as images of creation or tragedies. Students will analyze characters, storylines, and imagery for meanings, searching for ways the subjects might have been adjusted to suit the agenda of the time. Students will also focus on the concept of the hero's path and will be encouraged to think of themselves in the role of a hero, setting off on their own path or quest.

Exploration of the careers and professions available to students of Art History and Museum Studies, through professional development exercises and career-related activities and excursions.

An introduction to the different styles and functions of art during the historical periods from the Stone Age through the Gothic period; provides the tools for understanding the visual culture of each period against the cultural background of their times. Focuses primarily on the Western artistic tradition.

An introduction to the different styles and functions of art during the historical periods from the late Gothic period through the present day; provides the tools for understanding the visual culture of each period against the cultural background of their times. Focuses primarily on the Western artistic tradition.

Individual study open to junior and senior art or art history students wishing to do further research in art history. Prior approval of instructor required.

Advanced study of art historical themes, geographical regions, media, movement or artists. Topics will be announced each semester the course is offered.

Survey of the history of comics, including precursors to the tradition, broadsheets and "comic papers", major movements and artists, including superheroes, underground "comix" of the 1960s and 1970s, feminism and comics culture, international movements in the comics tradition, and significant contemporary artists within the field. Course material will include a sampling of graphic novels, and the ways these reflect the development of movements, ideas, and artists in the medium. Students will be expected to critically analyze these works against the cultural background of their times. The syllabus for this course may fluctuate depending on student interest in certain themes, artists or topics.

Writing intensive survey of the art, architecture, culture and history of the Byzantine Empire, the Early Middle Ages through the Romanesque and Gothic periods. Studies the art and architecture of the period within the cultural, social, intellectual and political context of their creation.

Writing intensive survey of the art, architecture, culture and history of Northern and Southern Europe between the 14th and 16th centuries. Studies the art and architecture of the period within the cultural, social, intellectual and political context of their creation.

Writing intensive survey of the art, architecture, culture and history of Western Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries. Studies the art and architecture of the period within the cultural, social, intellectual and political context of their creation.

Writing intensive survey of the major movements, ideas and artists of Western and Eastern Europe during the nineteenth century. Studies the art and architecture of the period within the cultural, social, intellectual and political context of their creation.

Writing intensive survey of the major movements and developments in the history of American art, from the pre-Colonial period through the present day. Studies the art and architecture of the period within the cultural, social, intellectual and political context of their creation.

Writing intensive survey of the major movements, styles and functions of art in the 20th century. Studies the art and architecture of the period within the cultural, social, intellectual and political context of their creation. Includes the Western world and Russia.

Writing intensive survey of Russian art history from the 10th century to the modern period, beginning with icon painting and ending in Socialist Realist imagery of the 20th century. Studies the art, architecture, and cultural development of Russia within the cultural, social, intellectual and political context of the nation's history.

Supervised professional work experience in support of Art History student career goals.