Art Before the Modern: Monuments of World Art

Level: Undergraduate

Division: The New School for Public Engagement

School: School of Undergraduate Studies

Department: Humanities

Course Number: NARH 2002

Course Format: Lecture

Location: Online

Permission Required: No

Topics:

• Art History, Theory & Criticism

Description:
This course examines the history of world art and architecture from antiquity though the 14th century, providing an introduction to visual expression in this period and a solid foundation for more specialized study. Beginning with the arts of the ancient Near East, we concentrate on major monuments of many different cultures, including ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome, Buddhist India, Tang and Song Dynasty China, Byzantium and medieval Europe. Along with the standard survey text, primary sources and scholarly essays provide a variety of approaches to the study of art. The class will include slide illustrated lectures and discussion forums for selected images and texts. Students gain essential skills for analyzing fine art and architecture, as well as insights into the ideological, cultural and social forces that shape and are shaped by works of architecture, sculpture and painting. Written projects analyze works of art at various Museum websites.