Visual Art Inquiry

Catalog description

Art 130 Visual Art Inquiry: This course presents an approachable yet broad, sweeping overview of the visual arts while also providing an introduction to modes of inquiry shared by all the creative and aesthetic disciplines. Students will explore and analyze influential works of art through the lens of materials, styles, and processes as a way to gain an understanding of the arts as a method of communication and expression. From ancient to contemporary art history we examine artwork in the context of social, religious, historical, cultural influences in which they existed, and will draw connections between artistic movements and how they are common to all fine and performing arts. Through building a context for understanding, art is made meaningful to the student’s experience. Studying and experiencing the arts, including dance, music, theatre, and the visual arts, develops creative and aesthetic abilities. The arts introduce students not only to artists and their creations, but also to history, cultures, values, technique, imagination, creativity, and issues relevant to society. Students will gain an understanding of the creative process and how to analyze and interpret message and meaning in works of art. While the arts can bring us pleasure, they can also serve to enlighten and illuminate critical issues, lead to personal discoveries, and foster innovation in all fields. Students will learn to think critically about the arts, develop an appreciation for artistic creations, and by viewing live performances and exhibitions, become engaged audience members. Arts inquiry courses use and develop the analytic and interpretive modes of inquiry needed to understand and explore both tangible and abstract artistic works and the cultures in which they exist. In arts inquiry courses, students confront a variety of cultural and artistic expressions in order to gain an…