ART HISTORY COURSES SPRING 2015
MICHELANGELO TO MAYA LIN
The second half of a two-semester survey of world art highlighting the major monuments of art made in Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe from
ART HISTORY COURSES SPRING 2015
MICHELANGELO TO MAYA LIN
The second half of a two-semester survey of world art highlighting the major monuments of art made in Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe from 1400 to the present. Special emphasis on visual analysis, historical and sociocultural contexts, and objects in the Cleveland Museum of Art. Reading: Marilyn Stokstad and Michael Cothren, Art History (Vol. 2, 4th Edition) ISBN 0205744214; additional readings will be posted on Blackboard. Requirements: 3 exams and two short papers; active participation in class discussions and group activities; frequent visits to the Cleveland Museum of Art, including Friday class meetings.
THE ARTS OF ASIA
A thematic survey of some major developments in the arts of Asia from the bronze age to the present in a wide range of media, including sculpture, painting, ceramics, architecture, prints, and installations. The course explores factors behind the making of works of art, including social, political and religious meanings, while examining the historical contexts for the arts of India, China, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia. Attention will be paid to the relationship between art and the ideas and practices of Buddhism, Hinduism, Shinto, and Daoism. Course topics include: secular and sacred narrative scroll painting, landscape painting, Buddhist monuments, Hindu temples, ancient bronzes, expressions of resistance and reclusion in the visual arts, cross-cultural exchanges within Asia and with Europe, and the role of Asian artists in the contemporary international art market. Requirements: two exams (midterm and final), weekly reading responses, two short papers, active participation in class discussions. Textbook: Neave, Blanchard and Sardar. Asian Art. Pearson, 2014. Other readings and videos through BlackBoard and online.
GREEK AND ROMAN SCULPTURE
This survey course explores the history of Greek and Roman sculpture from the Mycenaean period up through the reign of Constantine. Students learn how to analyze works of sculpture in terms of form, function, and iconography. Particular emphasis is placed on situating works of sculpture within the changing historical, cultural, political, and religious contexts of ancient Greece and Rome. Students will study a variety of kinds of sculptures—such as free-standing statues, reliefs, and engraved gems—from across the ancient Greek and Roman worlds. The course will introduce students to famous works such as the sculptures of the Parthenon in Athens and Arch of Constantine in Rome but also to lesser known but equally important works. As we study sculpture from ancient Greece and Rome, we will consider questions of design, patronage, artistic agency, viewer reception, and cultural identity. We will also consider the complex relationship between Greek and Roman culture, as these two major civilization interacted across centuries. Readings: Course readings will consist of articles, book chapters, exhibition catalogues, and ancient sources in translation; these will be placed on reserve in Ingalls Library at the Cleveland Museum of Art and/or posted online as PDFs. Requirements: Three-four quizzes, midterm and final exams, reading responses, one 5-7 page paper.
ARTH 271 (AMST 271)
AMERICAN ART AND CULTURE IN THE 20TH AND 21ST CENTURIES
The class will survey the development of American art from the late 19th century to the present—a period of tumultuous cultural change, which was one of tumultuous artistic change as well. These changes provided the framework for the world we live in today. Painting will be emphasized but the course will also consider architecture, the decorative arts, film, literature and music; and it will touch on cultural issues, such as the changing role of women. Requirements: The grade will be based primarily on writing assignments and class participation. Recommended reading: Henry Adams, What’s American About American Art?, Cleveland Museum of Art, 2009.
MARVELS OF ROME: Monuments and their Decoration in the Roman Empire
This course examines major buildings of the ancient Roman world, including Nero’s Golden House, the Colosseum, the Pantheon, Hadrian’s Villa at Tivoli, and the villa of Piazza Armerina in Sicily. We will explore one monument a week, delving into the architecture, painted and sculptural decoration, and social functions of each monuments. Students will gain a new appreciation and deeper understanding of some of the most iconic buildings of the classical tradition. Course readings: Course readings will consist of articles, book chapters, exhibition catalogues, and ancient sources in translation; these will be placed on course reserve and/or posted online as PDFs. Students enrolled in the 400-level may be required to do additional reading each week. Requirements (300-level): Reading responses, participation in class discussio