Course Goals
Art 201 exposes students to the full richness of art history, from analyses of the expressive qualities of the art itself, to the contexts related to artistic production and reception, to the interpretative work performed by the art historian.
Through the critical study and analysis of a selection of art historical methodologies, students learn the techniques and subject matters of the discipline. Specifically, students will become familiar with contemporary and current theoretical debates informing the field of art history and the presumptions such approaches bring to bear on the visual material at hand. The study of methodology and historiography will allow students to make connections and advance conversations between all the art history courses taught at Reed as well as the studio classes.
In addition, students will enhance their reading, writing, and analytical skills over the course of the semester, while further developing their abilities as critical thinkers and researchers.
Learning Outcomes:
- Analyze works of art to enhance visual acuity.
- Read critically a broad array of interdisciplinary approaches to the visual arts.
- Engage with ideas that expand one's cultural perspective.
- Work collaboratively and constructively with other students and instructor.
- Prepare and deliver formal oral presentations.
- Write a research paper with an original thesis statement, persuasive argument, supporting evidence, and cogent prose.