Offers a chronological and thematic survey of major developments in global art (art of Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas) from the mid-18th century through the beginning of the 21st century. The course is designed to introduce visual culture from a contextual perspective with a view toward understanding issues of the arts as they relate to their historical settings. Beginning with an introduction to Enlightenment philosophies of art that originated modern ideas about the periodization of art, the notion of the “universal museum,” and new interactions among artists and their patrons/publics, the course moves on to explore the relationships of the arts to political and industrial revolutions and to nationalism, colonialism, and imperialism. Works by female and non-Western artists are discussed throughout, and the course devotes special attention to the consideration of the role of art as a site for the articulation of value systems (including race, class, and gender). Class readings, lectures, and discussions are regularly supplemented by visits to local art museums and galleries and with presentations by local artists.
