ARTH 334: Western Medieval Art

ARTH 334-001: Western Medieval Art
(Fall 2023)

10:30 AM to 11:45 AM TR

Art & Design Building L008

Section Information for Fall 2023

This course offers an introduction to the architecture, sculpture, manuscripts, and luxury arts of medieval Europe. We will begin with the decline of the Roman Empire and proceed through time, charting changes in culture and the visual arts. We will look at reconfigurations of Roman art for Christian purposes, precious objects of gold and precious stones made by the “Barbarian” tribes of northern Europe, glittering books made for emperors and Kings, and engineering wonders of the great Gothic cathedrals. We will study how, through the production of art, visual cultures evolved in response to vast changes in historical circumstances, and we will examine the varying functions that art could serve, from establishing religious sanctity and political power to enabling the private practice of devotion. Finally, but most importantly, we will consider how art-making was one way in which Europe was tied to, and dependent upon, a large global network. Whether it was ivory imported from Africa, or the techniques of paper-making imported from Asia via the Middle East, European art of the Middle Ages attests to the rich diversity and vibrancy of the medieval world. Assessments will be based on a midterm exam, final research paper, and short quizzes. 

Tags:

Course Information from the University Catalog

Credits: 3

Aspects of art and architecture in medieval Europe, from the fall of the Roman Empire through the Gothic period. Limited to three attempts.
Mason Core: Arts
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

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