You'll explore the evolution of American art from the Civil War to the late 1960s. The course covers major movements like Realism, Impressionism, Modernism, and Pop Art. You'll analyze paintings, sculptures, and photographs by artists like Winslow Homer, Georgia O'Keeffe, and Andy Warhol. It's all about understanding how American art reflected and shaped society during this transformative century.
It's not the easiest class, but it's definitely manageable. The toughest part is remembering all the artists, artworks, and movements. You'll need to develop your visual analysis skills and get comfortable discussing historical context. Some students find the writing assignments challenging, but if you stay on top of the readings and participate in discussions, you'll be fine.
Introduction to Art History: This course provides a broad overview of art from prehistoric times to the present. You'll learn basic art terminology and develop skills in visual analysis.
American History Survey: This class covers the major events and themes in American history. It provides essential context for understanding the social and political influences on American art.
European Art in the 19th Century: Explores the development of art in Europe during the same period. You'll compare and contrast European movements like Impressionism and Post-Impressionism with their American counterparts.
History of Photography: Examines the evolution of photography as an art form. You'll study many American photographers and see how the medium influenced painting and other traditional arts.
Modern Art: Focuses on art from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century. This course dives deeper into movements like Abstract Expressionism and Minimalism that emerged in America.
Contemporary Art: Looks at art from the 1960s to the present day. You'll see how American artists continued to push boundaries and respond to social issues in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
Art History: Focuses on the study of visual arts throughout history. Students learn to analyze, interpret, and contextualize artworks from various cultures and time periods.
American Studies: Examines American culture, history, and society from an interdisciplinary perspective. Art is studied alongside literature, politics, and popular culture to gain a comprehensive understanding of American identity.
Museum Studies: Prepares students for careers in museums and cultural institutions. The program covers art history, conservation, exhibition design, and museum management.
Visual Arts: Combines art history with hands-on studio practice. Students develop their own artistic skills while studying the work of past masters.
Museum Curator: Organizes exhibitions, researches artworks, and manages collections. Curators often specialize in specific periods or styles of art, like American Modernism.
Art Appraiser: Evaluates the authenticity and value of artworks for auction houses, insurance companies, or private collectors. Knowledge of American art history is crucial for accurately assessing pieces from this period.
Art Conservator: Preserves and restores artworks to maintain their condition. Conservators need a deep understanding of materials and techniques used by American artists in different eras.
Art Education Specialist: Develops educational programs for museums, schools, or community centers. They create engaging ways to teach others about American art history and its cultural significance.
How much reading is involved in this course? Expect to do quite a bit of reading, including textbook chapters and scholarly articles. The readings provide essential context for understanding the artworks and movements discussed in class.
Are there any field trips in this course? Many professors organize visits to local museums or galleries to see American artworks firsthand. These trips are usually optional but highly recommended for a more immersive learning experience.
Do I need to be able to draw or paint to take this class? Not at all! This is an art history course, so you'll be analyzing and writing about art, not creating it. Your artistic skills (or lack thereof) won't affect your performance in the class.