ARTH 1600 - American Art, 1800-1945

Goals: Art and other visual images have reflected and helped shape the way Americans think about their country and each other. This in-depth survey course examines a critical period (roughly 1800-1945) in American art and history during which the frontier closed, fortunes were made, the national identity shifted, and the Puritan suspicion of art gave way.

Content: With a focus on the development of American art forms and the American modern artist, we will consider the relationship between visual images and power in a time of growing power and diversity for both the nation and art. Primary source readings will augment the text and visuals, and case studies will highlight important issues in American art and society at the time, and in recent scholarship.

Taught: Alternate years.

Credits: 4 credits