ART 150-01, Introduction to the Visual Arts, Fall 2001

Abstract

The objectives of the course are as follows: (1) to provide students with a comprehensive, theoretical introduction to the visual arts; (2) to develop skills of visual analysis; (3) to examine various media used by artists; (4) to introduce students to methods of interpretation; and (5) to develop skills in writing about art. Throughout the course we will keep in mind the following two statements: Pierre Auguste Renoir’s reminder that, "to practice an art, you must begin with the ABCs of that art;" and E.H. Gombrich’s insight that, "the form of representation cannot be divorced from its purpose and the requirements of the society in which the given language gains currency." Among the themes and issues we will examine are the following: balance, shape and form, space, color, conventions, signs and symbols, representation, reception, and interpretation. To do this we will look at many different types of art produced in several historical epochs and conceived in a variety of media. Whenever possible we will examine original art objects. Art 150 is a foundation course that serves as an introduction for further work in studio art and art history. A three-hour course, Art 150 satisfies the fine arts requirement. Enrollment is limited to first- and second-year students who are not expected to have had any previous experience with either studio or art history. Art 150 is a lecture course with a considerable amount of classroom discussion.