Art History Specialization

Introduction to basic two-dimensional design concepts, theory and techniques through the study of the principles and elements of art. Color theory and linear perspective will be introduced. (Special fee)

An introduction to the study of art using examples from prehistory to the contemporary world. The course will emphasize how to analyze art critically by introducing the student to the foundations of visual form, such as color theory, perspective, the various media, etc. It will also serve as an introduction to the methods and practice of art history as a discipline, in order to understand historical art and architecture. The course is designed to create a foundation for intermediate and advanced art history courses.

An introduction to ancient and medieval art history through the chronological study of key works of visual culture throughout the world, from cave paintings to European cathedrals and Middle Eastern mosques, from the Venus de Milo to the Seated Buddha, and from Egyptian and Maya pyramids to Buddhist stupas. Emphasis will be placed on the shift from prehistoric societies to urban cultures, the rapid development of technical and aesthetic expertise expressed in local traditions, and the emergence of the world’s religions and their impact upon art.

An introduction to early-modern and modern art history through the chronological study of key works of visual culture from throughout the world since 1400. The course will range from Mona Lisa to Japanese anime, from the Taj Mahal to Gauguin in Tahiti, and from contemporary films and videos to the art being made in the U.S. by African-Americans and by Iranian, Cuban and Puerto Rican immigrants. Emphasis will be placed on the historical rise and dominance of the West beginning in the Renaissance, concurrent with the flowering of the Aztec and Inca cultures, the Ottoman empire and the Ming Dynasty, the artistic influences exchanged back and forth in the West’s interactions with Africa and Asia, and the emergence of new visual media in the modern world and the growth of artistic multiculturalism. (ART 329 is not a prerequisite)

Opportunity for independent research in art history on a topic of special interest to the student. Open to junior or senior majors only, with a 2.5 GPA or higher, and all paperwork to be completed before the end of the semester preceding the Independent Study. Prerequisite: Dean and Department Chair approval required.

Romanesque and Gothic art and architecture, at the height of the Middle Ages. The cathedral as the dominant artistic and cultural expression of the era will be stressed, plus the art and architecture of chivalry, the castle, the monastery, and the innovations of the Late Gothic period.

Capstone course for graduating majors, focusing on the leading theories, methods, and professional practices of art history. A senior paper will be written analyzing a work from at least three critical perspectives. Upon completion, a shortened version will be presented at a departmental colloquium. Prerequisite: graduation status.

Art and architecture of the Renaissance in relation to the political and social structures of the 15th and 16th centuries. Emphasis upon the Italian Renaissance, with Northern Renaissance art also covered.

European art and architecture from 1600-1700, during the Baroque era. Emphasis upon the achievements of Rembrandt, Vermeer, Caravaggio, Bernini, Rubens and Velazquez, in relation to social and intellectual developments, plus the innovations in architecture and the dominance of Versailles.

Neoclassicism, Romanticism, Realism, Impressionism, and Post-Impressionism in European art studied in relation to social and intellectual developments.

Art and architecture in Europe and America from Fauvism and Cubism at the beginning of the century to Postmodernism at the end. The multiculturalism of recent art will be emphasized.

The chronological study of Western art from the Renaissance period through the nineteenth century to modern and postmodern art. Emphasis upon stylistic and technical developments within the historical and cultural setting. (ART 319 is not a prerequisite)

An investigation of historical and contemporary visual communications concepts, media and images and their role in graphic design with a primary emphasis on the twentieth century. The course chronicles the events, influences, movements in history that have impacted the graphic design community. This course will begin with the invention of writing and the early cave paintings, moving through the history of printing in Europe to contemporary design theory and ideals.

Examination of mixed media painting, sculpture, craft, installation and performance art, and architecture, from 1960 to the present.

Opportunity for independent research in art history on a topic of special interest to the student. Open to junior or senior majors only, with a 2.5 GPA or higher, and all paperwork to be completed before the end of the semester preceding the Independent Study. Prerequisite: Dean and Department Chair approval required.

Practical experience in art history within a professional setting, in most cases a museum, collection, or commercial gallery. Course offering is contingent upon the availability of an appropriate site. In some instances, the student may be responsible for developing the internship site. Prerequisite: Senior status (90+ credit hours); 2.50 cum GPA; and all paperwork to be completed before the end of the semester preceding the internship. Dean and Department Chair approval required. Art History Specialization only.

PHO 203 - Basic Photography
An introduction to photography with emphasis placed upon technical, aesthetic, and historical perspectives of this fine art medium. Camera and black and white darkroom procedures are explored. Adjustable camera required; limited number of rental cameras available. (Special fee)

PHO 206 - Digital Photography
An introduction to digital camera operation, to include manipulation of shutterspeeds and apertures as well as basic computer techniques. Emphasis is placed upon technical, aesthetic and historical perspectives of the medium of photography and digital photography as a fine art. Digital camera required (minimum of 4 Mega Pixels with shutterspeed and aperture priority options). For non-majors only. Prerequisite: CS 180 or equivalent. (Special fee)

An introduction to digital camera operation, to include manipulation of shutterspeeds and apertures as well as basic computer techniques. Emphasis is placed upon technical, aesthetic and historical perspectives of the medium of photography and digital photography as a fine art. Digital camera required (minimum of 4 Mega Pixels with shutterspeed and aperture priority options).
For non-majors only. Prerequisite: CS 180 or equivalent. (Special fee)

Integration of the stylistic and technical developments in the history of photography, cinema and painting from 1839 to the present. Emphasis upon the interrelationship of aesthetic movements and cross-fertilizing influence of the different media. Analysis of classic movies as representative examples from film history.

This course examines the development of the media that utilize the moving visual image. The first focus of the course will be the history of cinema from the 1890s to the present. The second emphasis will be the history of television, from the early 20th century to the present. Through examination of the history of these two highly influential media, the student will gain an understanding of why and how the film and TV industries have arrived at their current status. In addition to class meetings, students will be required to attend one weekly screening of a classic example of the medium from the period under discussion. Prerequisite: COM 200. (Alternate years, Fall).

Introduction of terminology and methodology for critical viewing of films. Discussion of the role of theory in film analysis. Practice in reading films as reflection social, cultural, religious, economic, and aesthetic values of the periods and countries which produce the films. Prerequisite: COM 366 or PHO 421.

Overview of selected major Asian nations with emphasis on twentieth century developments. Prerequisite: HIS 102 or 150.

A survey of Spanish and Portuguese America from the pre-Columbian era through the end of the colonial period. Prerequisite: HIS 102 or 150.

Overview of selected major Latin American nations with emphasis on twentieth century developments (i.e., revolutions, nationalism). Prerequisite: HIS 102

Philosophical study of the nature of art; relation between the various arts, concepts of beauty, the creative process, principles of art criticism, religious art, and symbolism.

The study of the major philosophies of India, China, and Japan, and ancient, medieval, and contemporary readings. Confucianism, Taoism, and other major Chinese philosophies. Hinduism and Vedantic philosophies of India. The origins of Buddhism in India, Chinese Buddhism, and Japanese Buddhism (Zen). Contemporary Asian philosophers such as Gandhi, Mao Tse-Tung, and members of the Kyoto school.

A survey of the history, beliefs, practices and contemporary influence of the major religions of the world: Primal Spiritualities, Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Shintoism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam; a discussion of the basic methods for understanding religions. NOTE: For Freshmen and Sophomores ONLY.

An examination of select religious traditions in cross-cultural and interfaith dialogue through comparison of scriptures, rituals, beliefs and practices.
NOTE: For Juniors and Seniors ONLY.