Survey: Ancient-Medieval Art

This course examines chronologically and thematically the unfolding of painting, architecture, sculpture and other artistic media from antiquity to the early 16th century in a global framework. Students will learn to analyze works of art visually and understand them within their cultural, religious, social, ideological, and economic contexts. Among the themes and ideas to be considered in lectures and honors discussions: art, politics, religion, and patronage; relationships between gender, sexuality, and art; cultural interactions and transformations in multicultural artistic productions; artistic identity and originality; art and cultural patrimony. Honors readings, methodological case studies, discussions, assignments, and museum visits will give students the opportunity to engage closely with and critically evaluate different modes of art historical interpretation and identify the viewpoints and interests that motivate varying accounts of art and artistic practices. (Gen. Ed. AT, DG)