ARTH 1100 - World Art

Goals: To gain a broader understanding and appreciation of intellectual and cultural activity; to develop knowledge and understanding of diverse perspectives, global awareness, and other cultures; to develop essential skills for success in art history and other fields, including reading texts and images carefully and critically, and crafting sophisticated and penetrating questions.

Content: Through a series of case studies (units), students will examine the importance of art as cultural expression across time and from a global perspective. In each unit, students will analyze the style, subject, and patronage of works of art, and will explore art’s relationship to religion, ideology, society and economy, political change, gender roles, and the interaction of cultures. Each unit will focus on a different style of art through the lens of many cultures, varied continents, and various times in history. We will utilize readings and discussions to place the art in its historical context to truly understand its meaning in the present day. Students will be asked to engage in conversation and bring with them a curiosity for art and a thirst for questioning - why is art created, who is it for, and what can it accomplish?

Credits: 4