The Art History Department welcomes students of all disciplines. Our courses provide students with the skills needed to analyze the visual arts on their own, and to build an understanding of the relationships between artistic traditions and the cultures that produce them.
ARTH 11100-01-05 EPISODES IN WESTERN ART 3b G H HU LA
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTORS:
Sections 01, 02, 03: Mailan Doquang, Gannett 103, Ext. 41257, mdoquang@ithaca.edu
Sections 04, 05: Mayu Fujikawa, Gannett 118, Ext. 43281, mfujikawa@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 28 per section
OBJECTIVES: The course will introduce students to the study of art, by focusing on particular times and places that have played key roles in shaping our view of western art history. We will investigate art that was produced around these crucial points in western history, as well as what preceded and what followed these turning points. The course will also pursue recurrent themes in western art history, such as conceptions of the body, forms of visual narrative, the art of spirituality, images of death and mortality, and images of power and propaganda. In addition, we will explore the ways in which western cultural production has been defined through contact with cultures deemed to be "outside" of the western tradition. Basic methods and vocabulary of art historical investigation will be stressed.
STUDENTS: Mainly first and second year students who want an introduction to art history. THIS COURSE IS NOT OPEN TO SENIORS.
FORMAT AND STYLE: Discussion and lecture.
REQUIREMENTS: Exams and written assignments.
GRADING: Based on required work, with consideration given to attendance and class participation.
ARTH-11400-01-03 ARCHITECTURE ACROSS CULTURES 3b FA G H LA
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTORS:
Section 01: Lauren O’Connell and Staff, Gannett 100, Ext. 41377, oconnell@ithaca.edu
Sections 02 and 03: TBA
ENROLLMENT: 28 per section
PREREQUISITES: None.
OBJECTIVES: A cross-cultural investigation of the history of world architecture in its natural and cultural contexts. In comparing the monumental marble temples of ancient Greece, for example, with the wooden statue chambers of Buddhist Japan, we will reflect on the architectural impacts of differing climates, materials, histories and belief systems, and the ways in which cultural identities can be read in the built environment. At the same time, we will consider seemingly trans-cultural human needs, capacities and aspirations that result in common architectural features across cultures.
STUDENTS: Students of all disciplines with an interest in architecture. THIS COURSE IS NOT OPEN TO SENIORS.
FORMAT AND STYLE: Digital presentation with discussion.
REQUIREMENTS: Course reader. Exams, reading responses, project.
GRADING: Based on written work and class participation.
ARTH 13500-01,02 INTRODUCTION TO VISUAL CULTURE 3b G H HU LA
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Jennifer Germann, Gannett 104, Ext. 4-1527, jgerman@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 28 per section
PREREQUISITES: None
OBJECTIVES: “Visual Culture” is a course about the study of visual images in a cultural and art historical context. Rather than a traditional study of the chronological, stylistic, or thematic development of visual works of art, this course will involve students in examining the broader interactions between art objects, visual images, and the cultures that create them. Through historical and cultural case studies, students will develop and explore questions about the ways in which images form a foundation of knowledge in the modern and post-modern world.
STUDENTS: Those with little or no background in art history. THIS COURSE IS NOT OPEN TO SENIORS.
FORMAT AND STYLE: Slide lecture and discussion.
REQUIREMENTS: Regular class attendance and participation. Several project assignments and a final exam.
GRADING: The grades for this course will be determined by participation, projects, and a final exam.
ARTH 16000–01-03 ART ACROSS CULTURES 3b G H HU LA
3 CREDITS
INTRUCTORS:
Sections 01 & 02: Jennifer Jolly, Gannett 125, Ext. 41254, jjolly@ithaca.edu
Section 03: TBA
ENROLLMENT: 28 per section
PREREQUISITES: None
OBJECTIVES: This course offers a cross-cultural comparison of artistic and visual production and introduces fundamental concepts, terms, and visual analysis skills used in art history. By juxtaposing a variety of artistic cultures across time and space, this course will address how and why various peoples create art and communicate visually. Organization by theme will highlight different visual conventions and approaches to a range of subjects as well as the cultural and historical reasons for those differences. Cultural and geographic focuses to vary; may be repeated for credit when offered with a different topical focus. Focus: The Americas.
STUDENTS: Mainly first and second year students who want an introduction to art history. THIS COURSE IS NOT OPEN TO SENIORS.
FORMAT AND STYLE: Lecture with discussion.
REQUIREMENTS: Exams, paper, class participation.
GRADING: Based on all written work, plus attendance.
ARTH 20900-01 INTRODUCTION TO THE ROMAN WORLD 3b G H HU LA
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Mailan Doquang, Gannett 103, Ext. 41257, mdoquang@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 24
PREREQUISITE: One course in the humanities or fine arts.
OBJECTIVES: This course explores Etruscan and Roman art, focusing on major developments in the architecture, urbanism, sculpture, painting and decorative arts. The material is analyzed by artistic medium and architectural category; social context (imperial family, elite, middle class); and display context (public, private, funerary). Questions of patronage and viewer reception are considered, as are issues of stylistic development and originality in Roman art. This course takes both a practical and theoretical approach. Students learn to read the monuments in terms of iconographic and technical details, as well as to reconstruct the different levels of meaning that the monuments would have carried in antiquity. Also examined is the relationship between changes in political and social systems and changes in art. The course concentrates on important artifacts and buildings produced in the city of Rome, but Italy and the Greek East also receive attention.
STUDENTS: Students from all disciplines.
FORMAT AND STYLE: Lectures and class discussion.
REQUIREMENTS: Outside readings, class participation, and good attendance.
GRADING: Based on 2 exams, 1 paper, 1 presentation, attendance and participation
ARTH 24300-01 GENDER & VISUAL CULTURE 3b H FA LA
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Jennifer Germann, Gannett 104, Ext. 4-1527, jgerman@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 24
PREREQUISITE: One course in art history, or sophomore standing and one course in the humanities or fine arts.
OBJECTIVES: This course examines a wide variety of images, including paintings, sculpture, and photographs, as well as advertisements and film, in relation to the issues of gender, sexuality, race, and class. We will discuss these representations in terms of both the history of art and feminist theory. A central goal of the course will be to contextualize representations of femininity and masculinity within particular historical and cultural formations, to analyze the beliefs and attitudes held by their creators and shared or resisted by those who viewed them. We will then examine contemporary visual culture from this larger, historical and critical position.
STUDENTS: Student with little or no experience in art history, but with a significant interest in questions about gender.
FORMAT AND STYLE: Lecture/discussion.
REQUIREMENTS: Regular class attendance and participation. Written assignments and exams.
GRADING: The grades for this course will be determined by class participation, assignments, and exams.
ARTH 25200-01,02 TWENTIETH-CENTURY EUROPEAN ART 3b G H HU LA
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Gary Wells, Gannett 103, Ext. 41247, wells@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 24 per section
PREREQUISITE: One course in the humanities or fine arts.
OBJECTIVES: This course studies the development of painting and sculpture in Europe from the 1890's until the post-WWII period. Emphasis will be given to the social and historical context of European Art, as well as the contributions of individual artists, like Matisse, Picasso, Kandinsky, and Duchamp. Movements from Post-Impressionism through Surrealism will be examined.
STUDENTS: Students of all disciplines with an interest in the art, history and culture of 20th century Europe.
FORMAT AND STYLE: Discussion and in-class activities, based on readings and digital resources.
REQUIREMENTS: Readings from required textbooks. Two research projects, mid-term and final exam. Regular class attendance and participation.
GRADING: Based on the above requirements.
ARTH 27511-01,02 INTRO TO JAPANESE ART 3b FA G H LA
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Mayu Fujikawa, Gannett 118, Ext. 43281, mfujikawa@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 24 per section
PREREQUISITE: One course in the humanities or fine arts.
OBJECTIVES: This course offers an overview of Japanese art and culture from prehistoric times through the contemporary era. Topics will include prehistoric archaeological materials, fifth-century monumental tombs, serene Nara temples, the art and culture of flamboyant Heian aristocrats, contemplative yet witty Zen Buddhist art, the bold and energetic paintings created for Momoyama samurai, the highly spirited Edo prints, Japonisme, contemporary controversial artists, and the world of anime. Incorporated into the course will be videos and sound recordings, which introduce Japanese performing arts and music, along with various resources located within Ithaca.
STUDENTS: Anyone interested in the art and culture of Japan.
FORMAT AND STYLE: Lectures and class discussion.
REQUIREMENTS: Assigned readings, presentations, class discussion, attendance, and exams.
GRADING: Based on the above requirements.
ARTH 28300-01,02 AMERICAN VISUAL CULTURE 3b H HU LA
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Nancy Brcak, Gannett 109, Ext. 43482, brcak@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 24 per section.
PREREQUISITES: Either one course in art history; or sophomore standing and one course in the humanities or fine arts.
OBJECTIVES: American Visual Culture will be organized in a thematic fashion around topics such as democracy, colonialism, progress, and materialism. Traditional (“art historical”) media will be joined by vernacular building, costume, advertising, film, photography, and television in order to create a fuller “picture” of American life and culture over three centuries. Recently, an astute observer of American life and culture asked, “What can we say about Americans from the things and images they have made?” This is an excellent question to keep in mind as you proceed through American Visual Culture.
STUDENTS: Anyone interested in the United States and its culture.
FORMAT AND STYLE: Lectures, class discussion.
GRADING: Will be based on an assessment of the student’s written work and on class participation.
ARTH 28500-01 ART SINCE 1960 3b G HU LA
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Cheryl Kramer, Gannett 105, Ext. 43548, ckramer@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 28
PREREQUSITES: One course in the humanities or fine arts.
OBJECTIVES: This discussion-oriented course will explore post-World War II art (1945–present) in America and Europe with student presentations on contemporary artists. Selected artists and movements will be studied and particular attention will be paid to the intersections between art and politics, as well as consumerism and issues of consumption. The concepts of Modernism and Post-modernism will also be examined.
STUDENTS: Students of all disciplines with an interest in contemporary art and culture.
FORMAT AND STYLE: Slide lecture and class discussion.
REQUIREMENTS: Presentations, class discussion, critical analysis of readings and field trips.
GRADING: Based upon attendance, readings, reading journals and responses, presentations and other assignments, class discussions and field trips.
ARTH 35000-01 STUDIES IN ART FROM BAROQUE TO MODERN ART IN PARIS HU LA
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Gary Wells, Gannett 103, Ext. 4-1247, wells@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 18
PREREQUISITES: Three courses in the fine arts or humanities, including at least one art history course; sophomore standing or above.
OBJECTIVES: This course examines the role of the city of Paris in the development of Modern art in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Three themes will be investigated: the social, historical and political context of Paris as a center for art; images in and of the city of Paris during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries; and the interdisciplinary artistic environment of the city of Paris. The goal is to understand the development of Modernism in the context from which it emerged, and to illuminate the relationships between artists and their environment as a catalyst for artistic innovation. Lectures and discussions will cover literature, music, and popular culture as well as the visual arts.
STUDENTS: Students of all disciplines with an interest in the city of Paris, modern art and modern culture.
FORMAT AND STYLE: Lectures, class discussion, individual research projects.
REQUIREMENTS: Regular attendance and participation; assigned readings; short quizzes; individual research projects.
GRADING: Based on above requirements.
ARTH 36600-01 ART & REVOLUTION IN LATIN AMERICA HU LA
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Jennifer Jolly, Gannett 125, Ext. 41254, jjolly@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 18
PREREQUISITES: Three courses in the humanities and/or fine arts, including at least one art history course; sophomore standing or above.
OBJECTIVES: The course investigates painting, photography, graphic art, sculpture, architecture, and film aligned with 20th century revolutions in Latin America. The Mexican, Cuban, and Nicaraguan Revolutions all led to the social and political restructuring of their respective countries, and their repercussions were felt internationally. Art and cultural institutions in all three countries were of necessity part of the revolution. This course will consider definitions of revolutionary art, relationships between political policy and artistic creation, ways in which artists contribute to the construction of revolutionary society, and the viability of 20th century Latin American revolutionary art.
STUDENTS: Students with an interest in 20th century art, Latin American Studies, and/or revolutionary politics are encouraged.
FORMAT AND STYLE: Slide presentations and class discussion of artworks, readings, and films.
REQUIREMENTS: Participation, essays, short presentation, and research paper
GRADING: Assessment of student's written work, presentation, and class participation
ARTH 39200-01 MUSEUM PRACTICES AND METHODS FA NLA
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Cheryl Kramer, Gannett 105. Ext 4-3548, ckramer@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 12
PREREQUISITES: Three courses in the fine arts or humanities, including at least one art history course; sophomore standing or above.
OBJECTIVES: Collections form the core of a museum’s research and public education programs and activities. Registrars are responsible for documenting works of art and managing the collection. The acquisition and possession of collections impose legal and ethical obligations to provide proper management, preservation, and use of the collections and their associated information. Museums must address critical issues in the management and care of their collections to preserve them for future generations and to fulfill their mission. This Museum Practices course will concentrate on Registrarial Practices and, using the Handwerker Gallery’s newly acquired Easby collection, will introduce various elements in the management of collections, focusing on the practical application of policies and procedures necessary to establish and maintain intellectual and physical control of these collections. This course combines lecture, discussion, demonstrations, and field trips with "hands on" projects in the Handwerker Gallery. Topics covered will include the administration, handling, physical care, recording and study of museum collections.
STUDENTS: Students interested in museum management or archival work are encouraged as are students who like to investigate objects about which little is known.
FORMAT AND STYLE: Practicum with lectures, discussions, demonstrations, field trips, and practical work in the Handwerker Gallery.
REQUIREMENTS: Quizzes, assignments, field trips, presentations, final portfolio and interview.
GRADING: Based on above requirements, and student attendance and participation.
ARTH 49006-01 SEMINAR IN ART HISTORY PRESERVING WRIGHT HU LA
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Nancy Brcak, Gannett 109, Ext. 43482, brcak@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 12
PREREQUISITES: Junior or senior standing; three courses in art history at the 200-level or above or permission of the instructor.
OBJECTIVES: Frank Lloyd Wright has been characterized as the greatest architect of the modern era, and, remarkably, more than 500 of his buildings have survived to this day. This is not by accident, but rather through the concerted effort of historic preservationists and Wright "followers." Wright's influence on other architects has been significant and clearly established; and his imprint on the minds of many others has been documented through almost endless prose. Textual sources provide a challenging, and sometimes contradictory, picture of a fascinating man. Who was the real Wright? Can we still find him? Thus, "Preserving Wright" is about both the preservation of FLW buildings and the continuation and growth of myth surrounding "Mr. Wright.”
STUDENTS: All students with interest in the topic and the appropriate prerequisites.
FORMAT AND STYLE: discussions, student presentations, and a field trip, if time permits.
REQUIREMENTS: Regular attendance and participation in discussions that are built, in part, on assigned readings. One or two formal presentations, and a term paper (12-20 pages).
GRADING: Based on the above requirements.
ARTH 49200-01 IMPRESSIONISM AND THE LATER NINETEENTH-CENTURY FA HU LA
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Gary Wells, Gannett 103, Ext. 4-1247, wells@ithaca.edu
ENROLLMENT: 4
PREREQUISITES: Art History major with senior standing or permission of department Chair; permission of instructor.
OBJECTIVES: This tutorial will address the topic of Impressionism and later nineteenth-century art. The tutorial group will collectively engage in readings and discussions on Impressionism and its artistic environment during the period 1870 to 1900. Students will develop and explore individual research topics within this general framework, resulting in a significant research paper. The tutorial is designed as a small group experience, so students should be self-motivated and willing to fully participate in the group's activities. The Tutorial in Art History fulfills the Art History Senior Experience requirement for senior Art History majors.
STUDENTS: Primarily intended for senior Art History majors. Open to non-majors by permission.
FORMAT AND STYLE: Discussion and research based study on a focused topic in small group setting under faculty guidance.
Grading: Based on participation and a significant research paper.
ARTH-49400-01 INTERNSHIP NLA
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Staff
ENROLLMENT: 10
PREREQUISITES: Three courses in art history, sophomore standing or above, permission of the instructor.
OBJECTIVES: The internship provides opportunity to gain practical experience working in a gallery or museum, under the joint supervision of a member of the museum staff and an Ithaca College faculty member. Internships are arranged individually at the student’s request, subject to the availability of an appropriate museum or gallery slot.
ARTH-49700-01 INDEPENDENT STUDY FA HU LA
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Staff
ENROLLMENT: 5
PREREQUISITES: Offered only on demand and by special permission.
OBJECTIVES: Program of special reading and research under the supervision of a specialist in art history.
ARTH-49800-01 SENIOR INTERNSHIP NLA
3 CREDITS
INSTRUCTOR: Staff
ENROLLMENT: 5
PREREQUISITES: Art history major with senior standing or permission of the department chair and permission of the instructor.
OBJECTIVES: An opportunity for senior majors to gain practical experience in the fields of art and architectural history, under the joint supervision of a site supervisor and an Ithaca College faculty member. Internships are arranged individually by the student and are subject to the availability of an appropriate internship position.
