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ART 5000: Great Works in Art History

Course and Program Objectives

This graduate seminar explores aesthetic, historical, cultural, and theoretical approaches to art history from various critical perspectives. As our title indicates, this is "Great Works in Art History," not a full art survey; so we will not be studying ALL of art history, just a few of the "Greatest Hits" contextualized with our critical analysis of the discipline of Art History. But we will indeed examine great works of art from antiquity to our contemporary era, with an emphasis on modern and contemporary Western art.

Through weekly discussions, readings, field trips, and a range of writing assignments, students will develop a proficiency in the critical analysis of works of art. This is a required foundation seminar within the College of Arts & Sciences' Master of Liberal Studies program; as such, it is geared toward the general Master's-level candidate.

Course Format

Our class will meet once a week for a three-hour block, including a fifteen-minute break. Generally, this will include some variety of lecture, student presentations, extensive reading and writing, and much discussion. Readings throughout the semester will include historical texts and theoretical criticism. We will also take field trips to Atlanta museums. You will be responsible for weekly journal responses to most of our readings and field trips. Excellent writing skills are expected in all of your writing. In addition, there will be a research paper and two individual presentations based on that research paper.

Always arrive five minutes early to class meetings and to field trips, not only because we will start promptly but also because late arrivals are extremely disruptive. If you must arrive late, please enter as quietly as possible. Do not eat loud foods, answer cell phones, text, talk with classmates, or leave the room during class except for emergencies; these are a time for serious study of our course material so you should be taking copious notes during each class to prepare for your response papers, discussions, papers, and exams. You may wish to bring a penlight to classes to help you take notes in the dark. Anyone behaving disruptively during a screening or class will be asked to leave.

Field Trips

Please note that our field trips to Atlanta museums are mandatory, and this material will be the subject matter of weekly writing assignments. If you do not plan to attend the field trips, you should drop the course.

Required Texts (Available at the campus bookstore or Amazon.com)

1.    Nelson, Robert S. and Richard Shiff, eds. Critical Terms for Art History. University of Chicago Press: 2003 (CTAH)
       ISBN:  0-226-57168-8

2.    Preziosi, Donald, ed. The Art of Art History, New Edition. Oxford University Press: 2009.  (AAH)
       ISBN:  978-0-19-922984-0

Recommended Texts

1.    Barnett, Sylvan. A Short Guide to Writing About Art History, 10th edition (SGWAH)

Course textbooks & most films should be available in the collection of the library soon.

In-class Use of Student Notebook Computers

Student notebook computers will not be used in the classroom in this course, except for one or two dates that will be posted on our syllabus in advance. Computers will be required to access course materials and to communicate with your instructor outside of class.

Computer Requirement

Each CSU student is required to have ready access throughout the semester to a notebook computer that meets faculty-approved hardware and software requirements for the student's academic program. Students will sign a statement attesting to such access. For further information on CSU's Official Notebook Computer Policy, please go to http://www.clayton.edu/hub/itpchoice/notebookcomputerpolicy.

Computer Skill Prerequisites

• Able to use the Windows™ operating system
• Able to use Microsoft Word™ word processing
• Able to send and receive e-mail using Outlook™ or Outlook Express™
• Able to attach and retrieve attached files via email
• Able to use a Web browse
• Able to use GeorgiaView/Blackboard

Note: If you have added this course during the schedule change period and/or were not present for the syllabus review the first day of class, you are required to meet with me the following week or before in order to review course requirements and policies.