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ARTH 431

ARTH 431: Special Topics in Modern/Contemporary Art History (WI)

Prerequisites: ART 215 or ART 216 or permission of instructor

Credit Hours: (3)

Some of these requirements may be waived for BFA majors; check with adviser or instructor. A more in-depth exposure to contemporary art will be particularly useful for those students who intend to pursue an advanced degree and/or a career in museum studies. Topics will vary, focusing at times on an especially important movement in the 20th century, a significant artist, or more frequently, the impact of changes in new media on contemporary art.

Note(s): Cultural or Behavioral Analysis designated course.

 

Detailed Description of Course

Since the nature of a special topics course is the changing focus, the detailed description will be different every time the course is offered. An example of a special topics course with a contemporary focus is attached.

 

Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

The course will be conducted as a seminar with readings, group or individual presentations, examination of art materials in museums and archives (when available), and independent research projects. Projects completed in this class may generate the research to be undertaken for the capstone.

 

Student Goals and Objectives of the Course

Although all the art history learning objectives will be reinforced in this class, students in this class will demonstrate advanced mastery of the ability to:

  • Analyze the impact of gender, culture and social developments in art history
  • Compare and apply different art historical methodologies to the analysis of artworks and style
  • Identify and generate a researchable art historical thesis
  • Implement and complete a research-based paper on the generated thesis

 

Assessment Measures

Assessment will be based on course participation and the level of achievement in the research paper. Each step in the research process will be critiqued and contribute to the final grade.

 

Other Course Information

Bibliographies and other materials will vary with each topic.

 

Review and Approval

2012

05/11/2011

March 01, 2021