Undergraduate Course Directory

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Courses by Subject Area

Click on the links below for a list of courses in that subject area. You may then click “View Classes” to see scheduled classes for individual courses.

1128. Global Perspectives on Western Art: Renaissance to the Present

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Survey of Western art (15th Century through the present) within a global perspective. Explores transformations in Western art in relation to the West's fundamental interconnection with non-Western societies. CA 1. CA 4-INT.

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1137. Introduction to Art History: Prehistoric - 14th Century

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Survey of art and architecture from prehistoric times through the fourteenth century. CA 1.

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1138. Introduction to Art History: 15th Century - Present

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Survey of art and architecture from the fifteenth century to the present day. CA 1.

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1140. Introduction to Asian Art

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Asian art and architecture from prehistory to the present. Asian artistic practices as well as transcultural artistic connections in Asia and beyond. CA 1.

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1141. From Sun Gods to Lowriders: Introduction to Latin American Art

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Survey of Latin American art from 200 B.C. to the present. CA 1. CA 4-INT.

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1162. Introduction to Architecture

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

An introduction to the history of architecture considered in its social, technological and urban context. CA 1.

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1193. Foreign Study

1.00 - 6.00 credits | May be repeated for credit.

Prerequisites: Consent of department head required, normally before the student's departure to study abroad.

Grading Basis: Graded

Special topics taken in a foreign study program. May be repeated for credit with a change in course content.

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2020. Global Jerusalem

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

An introduction to the art and architecture of Jerusalem and the diverse religious, social, and political contexts of related re-creations across the world, from prehistory to the contemporary period. CA 1. CA 4-INT.

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2030. Art, Politics, and Propaganda

Also offered as: AAAS 2030

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Asian art and propaganda in the Cold War era (1949-1991) and its relation to Europe, the Soviet Union, and the United States. May include analysis of visual arts, film, photography, and multimedia.

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2198. Variable Topics

3.00 credits | May be repeated for a total of 9 credits.

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

May be repeated for credit for a maximum of nine credits, with a change in topic.

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2210. Art and Activism

Also offered as: HRTS 2210

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

A history of the relationship between art and political activism around the world from the 1960s to the present.

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2222. Race, Gender, Sexuality, and the Power of Looking

Also offered as: AAAS 2222, AFRA 2222

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Not open for credit to students who have passed ARTH 2198 when offered as "Race, Gender, and the Power of Looking."

Grading Basis: Graded

A beginning investigation into the issues of what constitutes visual culture and how race, gender, and sexuality are seen and not seen. The goals of the course include engaging with the history and scholarly dialogues around visual studies, becoming more active and critical visual consumers and critics, and understanding personal stakes and diverse positions in dialogues about visualizing gender and race. CA 1. CA 4.

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2993. Foreign Study

1.00 - 12.00 credits | May be repeated for credit.

Prerequisites: Consent of department head required, normally before the student's departure to study abroad.

Grading Basis: Graded

Special topics taken in a foreign study program. May be repeated for credit with a change in course content.

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3005. Museums and the Interpretation of Culture

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to sophomores or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

The history and philosophy of museums.

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3005W. Museums and the Interpretation of Culture

3.00 credits | May be repeated for credit.

Prerequisites: ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011; open to Art History and Art majors, others with consent of instructor; open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

The history and philosophy of museums.

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3010. Art History's Feminisms

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to sophomores or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

Feminist approaches to the theory and practice of art history.

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3010W. Art History's Feminisms

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011; open to Art History and Art majors, others with consent of instructor; open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

Feminist approaches to the theory and practice of art history.

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3015. Women and Body Art

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to sophomores or higher. Not open for credit to students who have passed WGSS 3251.

Grading Basis: Graded

Women's use of body art to express aspects of gender identity and interpretation of body art from a variety of cultures. "Body art" encompasses cosmetics, painting, hair styling, tattoo, scarification, clothing, ornaments, plastic surgery and exercise.

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3020. Asian American Art and Visual Culture

Also offered as: AAAS 3220

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to sophomores or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

Topics in contemporary Asian American art and visual culture, 1960's to present.

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3020W. Asian American Art and Visual Culture

3.00 credits | May be repeated for credit.

Prerequisites: ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011; open to Art History and Art majors, others with consent of instructor; open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

Topics in contemporary Asian American art and visual culture, 1960's to present.

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3030. The Artist and Society

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to sophomores or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

An investigation of the artist's professional function throughout history in different Western societies.

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3035. History of the Print

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to sophomores or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

Survey of printmaking in Europe and America from the Renaissance to the present.

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3050. African-American Art

Also offered as: AFRA 3050

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to sophomores or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

The artistic and social legacy of African American art from the eighteenth century to the present day. CA 4.

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3050W. African-American Art

Also offered as: AFRA 3050W

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011; open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

The artistic and social legacy of African American art from the eighteenth century to the present day. CA 4.

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3140. Greek Art

Also offered as: CAMS 3251

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to sophomores or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

Greek art and architecture from the ninth century B.C. to the first-century A.D.

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3140W. Greek Art

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011; open to Art History and Art majors, others with consent of instructor; open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

Greek art and architecture from the ninth century B.C. to the first-century A.D.

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3150. Roman Art

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to sophomores or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

History of Roman art and architecture.

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3150W. Roman Art

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011; open to Art History and Art majors, others with consent of instructor; open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

History of Roman art and architecture.

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3210. Late Antique and Byzantine Art

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to sophomores or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

Art and architecture of the late Roman empire and the Byzantine East.

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3210W. Late Antique and Byzantine Art

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011; open to Art History and Art majors, others with consent of instructor; open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

Art and architecture of the late Roman empire and the Byzantine East.

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3220. Early Medieval Art

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to sophomores or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

Early medieval art from the fifth through the tenth centuries. Germanic metalwork, Hiberno-Saxon manuscripts, and the art of the era of Charlemagne and his successors.

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3220W. Early Medieval Art

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011; open to Art History and Art majors, others with consent of instructor; open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

Early medieval art from the fifth through the tenth centuries. Germanic metalwork, Hiberno-Saxon manuscripts, and the art of the era of Charlemagne and his successors.

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3230. Romanesque Art

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to sophomores or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

Topics in medieval painting, architecture and sculpture through the twelfth century.

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3230W. Romanesque Art

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011; open to Art History and Art majors, others with consent of instructor; open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

Topics in medieval painting, architecture and sculpture through the twelfth century.

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3240. Gothic Art

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to sophomores or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

Gothic art and architecture, with emphasis on the court styles of England and France.

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3240W. Gothic Art

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011; open to Art History and Art majors, others with consent of instructor; open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

Gothic art and architecture, with emphasis on the court styles of England and France.

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3260. The Early Illustrated Book

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to sophomores or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

The early history of the illustrated book, from antiquity through the introduction of printing.

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3260W. The Early Illustrated Book

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011; open to Art History and Art majors, others with consent of instructor; open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

The early history of the illustrated book, from antiquity through the introduction of printing.

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3320. Art of the Italian Renaissance

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to sophomores or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

Italian art and architecture 1400-1600.

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3320W. Art of the Italian Renaissance

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011; open to Art History and Art majors, others with consent of instructor; open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

Italian art and architecture 1400-1600.

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3330. Art of the Northern Renaissance

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to sophomores or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

Painting, sculpture, graphic arts of the Lowlands and Germany, 1400-1600.

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3330W. Art of the Northern Renaissance

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011; open to Art History and Art majors, others with consent of instructor; open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

Painting, sculpture, graphic arts of the Lowlands and Germany, 1400-1600.

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3340. Baroque Art

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to sophomores or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

Art and architecture of the seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries with emphasis on Italy, Netherlands, France and Spain.

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3340W. Baroque Art

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011; open to Art History and Art majors, others with consent of instructor; open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

Art and architecture of the seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries with emphasis on Italy, Netherlands, France and Spain.

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3360. Eighteenth Century European Art

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to sophomores or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

Art and architecture of the eighteenth century with emphasis on England and France.

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3430. Nineteenth Century European Art

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to sophomores or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

European art from Neo-Classicism to Realism.

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3430W. Nineteenth Century European Art

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011; open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

European art from Neo-Classicism to Realism.

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3440. Visual Culture of the United States, 19th Century

Also offered as: AMST 3440

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to sophomores or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

An exploration of how visual culture in the long 19th century contributed to the formation of the United States.

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3440W. Visual Culture of the United States, 19th Century

Also offered as: AMST 3440W

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011; open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

An exploration of how visual culture in the long 19th century contributed to the formation of the United States.

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3445. Impressionism and Post-Impressionism

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to sophomores or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

Topics in French Painting, 1860-1900.

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3445W. Impressionism and Post-Impressionism

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011; open to Art History and Art majors, others with consent of instructor; open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

Topics in French Painting, 1860-1900.

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3450. American Architecture

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to sophomores or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

American architecture from the colonial era to the present. Field trips may be required.

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3460. History of Photography: 1839 to World War I

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to sophomores or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

Topics in the history of photography from 1839 to World War I.

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3460W. History of Photography: 1839 to World War I

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011; open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

Topics in the history of photography from 1839 to World War I.

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3500. Urban Architecture: International Perspectives

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to sophomores or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

The historical development of the urban, built environment in Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

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3500W. Urban Architecture: International Perspectives

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011; open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

The historical development of the urban, built environment in Europe, Asia and the Americas.

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3510. Modern Art

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to sophomores or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

Topics in the art of the first half of the twentieth century.

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3510W. Modern Art

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011; open to Art History and Art majors, others with consent of instructor; open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

Topics in the art of the first half of the twentieth century.

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3530. Contemporary Art

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to sophomores or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

Topics in the art of the second half of the twentieth century.

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3530W. Contemporary Art

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011; open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

Topics in the art of the second half of the twentieth century.

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3560. History of Photography: World War I to Present

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to sophomores or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

Topics in the history of photography from World War I to the present.

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3560W. History of Photography: World War I - Present

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011; open to Art History and Art majors, others with consent of instructor; open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

Topics in the history of photography from World War I to the present.

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3570. History and Theory of Digital Art

Also offered as: AMST 3570, DMD 3570

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011; open to sophomores or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

Investigates forms of digital and Internet art and the mostly forgotten histories of the technologies behind them. Forms and themes to be explored include games/gaming, surveillance art, cyberfeminism, data visualization, and crowdsourced art. CA 1. CA 4.

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3575. Human Rights, Digital Media, Visual Culture

Also offered as: HRTS 3575

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

The problematics of digital media and visual representation in conceptualizing, documenting, and visualizing human rights and humanitarian issues. CA 1.

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3575W. Human Rights and Visual Culture

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011; open to sophomores or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

The problematics of visual representation and media in defining, documenting and visualizing human rights and humanitarianism from the 19th century birth of photography to 21st century social media.

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3580. Image as Witness: Testimony, Witness, Confession

Also offered as: HRTS 3580

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Not open for credit to students who have passed HRTS 3298 or ARTH 3995 when offered as "Image as Witness."

Grading Basis: Graded

Explores the role of visual culture in bearing witness to human rights abuses.

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3580W. Image as Witness: Testimony, Witness, Confession

Also offered as: HRTS 3580W

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011. Not open for credit to students who have passed HRTS 3298 or ARTH 3995 when offered as "Image as Witness."

Grading Basis: Graded

Explores the role of visual culture in bearing witness to human rights abuses.

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3630. Alternative Modernities: Visual Culture of Latin America

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to sophomores or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

A thematic survey of Latin American art from the nineteenth century to present. CA 4-INT.

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3630W. Alternative Modernities: Visual Culture of Latin America

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011; open to Art History and Art majors, others with consent of instructor; open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

A thematic survey of Latin American art from the nineteenth century to present. CA 4-INT.

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3640. Mexican and Chicano Art from Muralism to La Raza

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to sophomores or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

Topics in Mexican and Chicano art from Mexican Independence to the present. CA 4.

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3640W. Mexican and Chicano Art from Muralism to La Raza

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011; open to Art History and Art majors, others with consent of instructor; open to sophomores or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

Topics in Mexican and Chicano art from Mexican Independence to the present. CA 4.

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3645. From Revolution to Reggae: Modern and Contemporary Caribbean Art

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to sophomores or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

A survey of art and visual production in the Caribbean from the 1804 Haitian Revolution to the present. CA 4.

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3645W. From Revolution to Reggae: Modern and Contemporary Caribbean Art

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011; open to Art History and Art majors, others with consent of instructor; open to sophomores or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

A survey of art and visual production in the Caribbean from the 1804 Haitian Revolution to the present. CA 4.

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3710. Islamic Art History

Also offered as: ARIS 3710, HIST 3710

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

A survey of the arts associated with Islam from the life of Muhammad in the seventh century through the early modern period, with an emphasis upon the Middle East, North Africa, and the Iberian Peninsula. CA 1. CA 4-INT.

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3710W. Islamic Art History

Also offered as: ARIS 3710W, HIST 3710W

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011; open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

A survey of the arts associated with Islam from the life of Muhammad in the seventh century through the early modern period, with an emphasis upon the Middle East, North Africa, and the Iberian Peninsula. CA 1. CA 4-INT.

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3720. The Art of China

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to sophomores or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

Survey of major art forms in China c. 2500 B.C. to the twentieth century.

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3720W. The Art of China

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011; open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

Survey of major art forms in China c. 2500 B.C to the twentieth century.

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3740. Far Eastern Painting

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to sophomores or higher. Recommended preparation: ARTH 3720 or 3730.

Grading Basis: Graded

Major trends in painting in China from the Han Dynasty to the present; in Japan from the Nara Period to the present.

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3740W. Far Eastern Painting

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011; open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

Major trends in painting in China from the Han Dynasty to the present, and in Japan from the Nara period to the present.

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3760. African Art

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to sophomores or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

A survey of African art from antiquity to present.

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3760W. African Art

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: ENGL 1007 or 1010 or 1011 or 2011; open to juniors or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

A survey of African art from antiquity to present.

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3991. Field Studies Internship in Art History

1.00 - 12.00 credits | May be repeated for a total of 12 credits.

Prerequisites: Two 1000 level ARTH courses; two 3000-4000 level ARTH courses; open to sophomores or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

Supervised practical experience in museum and museum related work. Section one: Wadsworth Atheneum Internship. Participation in Museum Studies Seminars, staff meetings and completion of individual project at the Atheneum. Application must be approved by Wadsworth Atheneum Education Department; deadlines are in April for first semester and in November for second semester. May be repeated for credit.

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3992. Cooperative Education in Art

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open to sophomores or higher.

Grading Basis: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Practicum for students participating in the off-campus Cooperative Education Program. Students taking this course will be assigned a final grade of S (satisfactory) or U (unsatisfactory).

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3993. Foreign Study

1.00 - 6.00 credits | May be repeated for credit.

Prerequisites: Open to sophomores or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

Special topics taken in a foreign study program. Consent of Department Head required, normally before the student's departure to study abroad. May be repeated with a change in course content.

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3995. Investigation of Special Topics

1.00 - 6.00 credits | May be repeated for credit.

Prerequisites: Open to sophomores or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

Special topics. May be repeated for credit with a change in course content.

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4020. Art History Capstone: Professional Development in Visual Culture and the Humanities

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open only to Art History Majors; juniors and higher with 15 credits of art history at the 2000-level or above.

Grading Basis: Graded

Introduction to educational and professional paths for students of art history and visual culture. Prepares students for professional paths that make use of critical thinking, communication, media and visual-literacy knowledge and skills gained through the study of art history. Course content brings together academic study with practical knowledge essential to careers in the cultural sector and beyond.

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4099. Independent Study

1.00 - 6.00 credits | May be repeated for a total of 6 credits.

Prerequisites: Open to students who are juniors or higher and have a 3.0 departmental GPA or higher.

Grading Basis: Graded

Designed for advanced students who wish to pursue the study of a special topic, culminating in a project in art history. May be repeated for a total of six credits.

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