ART 232-01, History of Western Art II, Spring 2012

Abstract

Art 232 is the second half of a survey designed to introduce students to the history of Western art from its beginnings in the prehistoric period to the twenty-first century; ART 232 specifically covers Western Art from the Renaissance to the present. This course provides fundamental training in art history, including formal analysis, contemporary methodologies, and comparative and contextual study, along with an introduction to the artistic tradition of Western European and American art. Amongst the themes we will examine are: the development of naturalism in Renaissance art and its eventual abandonment in the late nineteenth century, the use of art as a form of political propaganda, the continuing debt to classical ideals and styles, the development of new styles over the past century, and the changing status of the artist in Western society. The class aims to give students the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and engage with art wherever they find it. Primary emphasis during the course is on placing the art within a rich social, historical and cultural context. The textbook provides wide coverage and chronological sequence, while lectures focus on specific objects in given time periods. In addition, readings and discussions will highlight issues in interpretation. Students are expected to utilize visual, verbal, and written skills throughout the class. Required coursework includes examinations, papers and research projects in addition to readings, image study, and discussion. Students are not expected to have had any previous experience with art history.