The History and Methods of Art Historical Interpretation

Catalog description

This seminar provides an overview of the methods and theories used by art historians and introduction to the history of the discipline. Through readings and discussions, we will examine how art history emerged as an intellectual pursuit and humanistic discipline in the modern era, and review its foundations in the Western philosophical tradition. The transformations wrought by the advent of critical theory and the incorporation of approaches from outside the discipline of art history will receive particular attention in the second half of the course. Open to juniors and seniors concentrating in History of Art and Architecture or Architectural Studies.