Images of Women in Western Art ((4 Credits))

Catalog description

This course is a critical survey of women’s artworks, and their creative processes, from the Middle Ages to the present time. Through examining women artists’ lives, creative achievements, and social justice work in historical and cultural contexts, students will also recognize various aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion, and social responsibility in the art world. Specifically, students will explore the historical and contemporary societal factors that shape women artists’ development of self and group identity—encompassing gender, race, class, sexuality, and other social categories—and its portrayals in the visual arts. Students will analyze the structures in the Western art system that create dynamics of patriarchy, power, privilege, oppression, and empowerment and their effect on women artists’ lives and artworks. Students will analyze principles of human rights, access, equity, and autonomous participation manifested in gender-based social justice arts.