ARTH 400: Historiography and Methods of Research in Art History (Topic Varies)

ARTH 400-001: Historiography and Methods of Research in Art History
(Fall 2023)

04:30 PM to 07:10 PM T

Aquia Building 213

Section Information for Fall 2023

What do art historians do? What kinds of questions do they ask about works of art and how do they attempt to address those questions? This course considers how art historical approaches to understanding and interpreting art have evolved over time. We will look at a variety of research methods, including iconography, formalism, and social historical inquiry. We will also explore how, in recent decades, art historians have drawn on Marxism, feminism and postcolonial theories to study the connections between visual images and issues of class, gender, and race. This course will examine the historical context in which each methodological approach emerged, and how cultural conditions might have shaped the scholars’ perspectives and assumptions. Taking the course at the graduate level (ARTH 600) will involve extra written assignments but all students will be expected to complete weekly readings and fully participate in both asynchronous and synchronous discussions.

Course Information from the University Catalog

Credits: 3

Historical investigation of theories, methods, and critiques involved in the discipline of art history. Approach or focus may vary with instructor. Limited to three attempts.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies, Writing Intensive in Major
Recommended Prerequisite: ENGH 302 and 6 credits in art history at the 300 level or permission of instructor.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

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