ARTH 471: Advanced Studies in Art of the United States

ARTH 471-001: Advanced Studies in Art of the U.S.: Art and Environment
(Fall 2023)

04:30 PM to 07:10 PM M

Horizon Hall 1007

Section Information for Fall 2023

This course examines histories of art through the lenses of ecology, climate, landscape, environment, and natural resources, beginning around the time of the Industrial Revolution (c. 1750). It introduces a form of art history known as ecocriticism, which encompasses interdisciplinary perspectives from the humanities, sciences, and social sciences to re-examine art history in light of the growing climate crisis. Ecocriticism often studies images that directly represent the environment and humankind's interaction with it, such as landscape painting, or re-evaluates canonical artworks through an environmental lens. Additionally, this class will examine themes and concerns such as: histories of artistic materials (including cotton, mahogany, cochineal pigment, and plastic); representations of non-human animals and ecosystems; movements such as Land Art and Earthworks that intervene in natural environments; and artworks that respond to concerns about pollution, conservation, and Indigenous land/water stewardship. Ecocritical approaches also by necessity address histories of colonialism and racism. While the primary focus of the class will be the United States, other traditions may be brought in as well.

Tags:

Course Information from the University Catalog

Credits: 3

Studies a particular area of American art, focusing on a form, such as landscape or genre painting; theme, such as nationalism, regionalism, or iconography of the family; or movement, such as American modernism. Limited to three attempts.
Specialized Designation: Writing Intensive in Major
Recommended Prerequisite: ENGH 302 and 6 credits in art history at the 3XX level or permission of instructor.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes.