A survey of the history of western art and architecture from late nineteenth century to contemporary times. Explore the work of the Impressionists like Monet and the Cubism of Picasso to the modem artwork of Jackson Pollock.
Quarters Offered
Fall
Course Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to demonstrate the following knowledge or skills:
- Recognize famous works of art and architecture from the western tradition, like the Impressionists and Cubism put in context of history, culture, and style;
- Connect artistic traditions and expression to the fields of history, literature, religion, and science;
- Apply skills of visual literacy to the world, becoming an informed and aware viewer.
Course Content Outline
- Introduction: Art terms, various art history approaches, roles of artists, and basic styles of representation (realism, abstract, and non-representational).
- Early Modernism: The beginnings of Early Modernism through Impressionism and Post-Impressionism.
- Expressionist Movements of the early twentieth century: The further development of Modernism through the expressionistic styles of Fauvism, Cubism, Futurism, Dada, and Surrealism.
- Art in North America: The effects of Modernism in North America and how it is manifested in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
- Architecture: The development of architecture under the influence of modern materials like steel, and its transformation into the International style that has become world-wide.
- Art since 1945: The shift of the art world from Europe to the United States through Abstract Expressionism and its effects into later twentieth century art such as Pop Art, Minimalism, Feminist Art, Earthworks, and the use of new technologies.
Department Guidelines
- Weekly assignments that will address course content in the form of quizzes, worksheets, puzzles, or art studio assignments
- Research presented through written or oral presentations
- Outings to museums and galleries as available
PO4 should be assessed: Students will be able to recognize or articulate personal/interpersonal aspects of, or connections between, diverse cultural, social, or political contexts.
PO5 should be assessed: Students will be able to solve problems by gathering, interpreting, combining and/or applying information from multiple sources.