ART 151-02, History of Western Art, Fall 2012

Abstract

The objectives of the course are as follows: (1) to provide students with a comprehensive overview of major images, artists, and movements in Western art from Prehistory through the 20th century; (2) to integrate the art with the broader cultural history of the period; and (3) to develop visual and analytical skills appropriate to further study in Art History. This course is a one-semester survey of Western Art and students are not expected to have completed any previous courses in Art History. Students with previous study in art history should consult the department Chairperson about taking intermediate-level courses. It is hoped that students follow this course by taking the survey of Contemporary Art, which begins where this concludes. Students will learn to: 1. recognize representative monuments of architecture, sculpture, and painting from Prehistory through the 20th century; 2. both identify and explain the principal features of these monuments, using the appropriate art historical vocabulary; 3. discuss relevant aspects of the historic, social, and religious context for most of these monuments; 4. discuss the significance many of these monuments (or the historic styles they represent) had for later eras.