Czech Art & Architecture

Catalog description

This course presents a survey of art and architecture in Prague and its environs – from the Middle Ages to the modern era – with an emphasis on key periods in Czech history, and placed within the context of the main periods and movements of Western art history. The course is rooted in a discussion of the city of Prague, and students are encouraged, through excursions and assignments, to become acquainted with the city’s architecture, monuments and urban design. Students learn to analyse formal aspects of art and architectural styles, and are encouraged to investigate their sources and theoretical foundations.Emphasis is given to the historical and cultural context of art styles and movements. We also look at art patronage in some key periods of Czech history to see how this reflects political, cultural and ideological change.