Contemporary Art History

Catalog description

This course surveys major stylistic developments that have characterized the visual arts from 1945 up to the present time. The class will examine works of individual artists within their social, political, and cultural contexts, and the different theoretical models through which art works have been interpreted. While considering primarily art works produced in American and European culture, this course will also analyze a selection of contemporary art and artistic practices in other regions of the world. Each week we will deal with a set of specific art historical issues and questions while investigating varying strategies and perspectives contemporary artists proposed in their work. Among the critical issues that will be discussed are the concepts of “modernism” and “postmodernism,” the changing roles of the artists, the new materials of art, the roles of art institutions, identity politics, and globalization. By the end of this course, the student should be able to understand and critically analyze major artistic trends and innovations that have marked contemporary art. Course meetings will consist of lectures, discussions based on assigned readings, and student presentations. This course is reading intensive and students are expected to complete assigned readings before each class and to participate actively in discussion.