200

An analytical inquiry into the modes and media of visual culture, focused especially on the challenge of contemporary art. Drawing upon examples from ancient building to oil painting to advertisement to video, the focus will be on the nature and variety of expression and interpretation. Active looking, reading, and discussion will be paramount.

This course will be tied to the themes of Hood’s ongoing Humanities Colloquium.  Through selected readings and discussion as well as attendance at the Colloquium presentations themselves, students will be able to pursue some of the central topics of the Humanities and their many connections with art and archaeology.  This course can be retaken twice for credit, as its’ subject continually changes.

Introduction to the histories, types, functions and meanings of museums of art and history. Through reading, discussion, lectures, independent assignments and field trips to major museums in the area, we consider the many sorts of collections, contexts and displays, as well as political and social issues involved in running museums today.

Known as the Abrahamic faiths in recognition of their shared spiritual ancestry, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam have complex and interwoven histories that have dramatically shaped the world around the Mediterranean and beyond. This class will explore the foundations, beliefs, and relationships between these three faiths through their visual, architectural, textual and material records from the ancient world through the thirteenth century.

An introduction to painting, sculpture and architecture from ancient Egypt to the beginning of the Renaissance. Both the art of Western Europe and the art of Asia (India, China, and Japan) will be included. Emphasis on major artists and movements, the cultural context of art, changes in modes of artistic expression over time, and issues of gender in art.

An introduction to painting, sculpture, and architecture from the Renaissance to the modern era in Western Europe and the United States. Emphasis on major artists and movements, the cultural context of art, changes in modes of artistic expression over time, and issues of gender in art.

Archaeology of North America, from initial settlement to contact with European immigrants. Topics include identity of the first settlers, foraging societies of the Archaic, political development in the Midwest and Southwest, and urbanism in the Mississippian.

An introduction to the history of art and architecture of South and East Asia with an emphasis on India, China and Japan. Consideration of key artworks from each culture and their styles, themes and techniques; includes discussions of gender, ethnicity, class and ideology in the making and viewing of Asian art.

Prerequisite: ENGL 100 or 3 credits from ENGL 110-139. An intro to film aesthetics (cinematography, editing, sound) and formal structure (narrative, documentary, experimental) along with the historical, social, and theoretical contexts that shape our understanding of film art from its origins through to the present day.

This course will consider special topics of interest to students and faculty in the fields of art history and archaeology. Topics will vary.