Semester-Long Elective

Whether practicing principles of design or discussing elaborate art heists, students of Art History engage with the concept of “art” and its role in society. By considering art from different cultures and time periods—from Egyptian pyramids and Gothic cathedrals to French Impressionism and Street Art—students craft their own definition of art and consider its social context and legacy. Alongside hands-on experiences, guest speakers, and field trips, we also consider the ethics and politics of conservation, collection, exhibition, and repatriation. Key questions of the course include: Is this art? What makes it so?  Who decides that it’s art? Should this artwork be repaired? Why should that one be worth hundreds of millions of dollars? Should museums return objects taken in the past? Is graffiti art? By the end of the course, students will be able to identify different “signatures” in art and architecture, and ultimately better enjoy their visits to museums around the globe! This is a semester long, opt-in honors course.