A-to-Z Index

GARTH 205


GARTH 205: Survey of World Art I: Prehistoric to Renaissance

Although we live in a profoundly visual culture, we seldom stop to try to understand the barrage of images that surround us.  This selective global survey of varied visual media before 1300 will not only expose you to the world's most creative and engaging examples of painting, sculpture, architecture, and material culture, but will also provide you with the necessary tools to begin to decode and comprehend the vast universe of images.  In this class we examine artworks in relation to their larger historical, cultural, institutional, political, economic, and religious contexts.  While the course emphasizes Western art history, students will also gain a global perspective on the visual arts and culture.  Developing skills in critical visual analysis, like critical reading and writing skills, is essential to becoming an informed citizen and member of the global community.