Courses
in Art History
A Arh
170 Survey of Art in the Western World I (3)
Survey
of art from prehistoric times through the 14th century focusing on architecture,
sculpture and painting of the ancient Near East and Europe. [AR EU]
A Arh
171 Survey of Art in the Western World II (3)
Survey
of art from the 14th century to the present focusing on painting, sculpture
and architecture of Europe and the Americas. [AR EU]
A Arh
207 (= A Cla 207Z) Egyptian Archaeology (3)
A Cla 207Z is the writing intensive version of 207; only one may be taken for credit. [AR HU WI]
A Arh
207 (= A Cla 207) Egyptian Archaeology (3)
A
survey of the remains of ancient Egypt from the earliest times to the Roman
Empire. The pyramids, temples, tombs, mummies and works of art will be examined
in an attempt to understand the unique character of ancient Egypt. Selections
from Egyptian religious and historical texts will be read in translation. A Cla
207 is the writing intensive version of 207; only one may be taken for credit.
[AR HU]
A Arh
208 (= A Cla 208) Greek Archaeology (3)
A Cla
208 is the writing intensive version of 208; only one may be taken for credit.
[AR HU WI]
A Arh
208 (= A Cla 208) Greek Archaeology (3)
Survey
of the prehistoric and historical cultures of ancient Greece, as revealed by
archaeology, from the Neolithic to the Hellenistic era, with emphasis on the
evolution of pottery style, painting, sculpture and architecture. [AR HU]
A Arh
209 (= A Cla 209) Roman Archaeology (3)
Survey
of the monuments of ancient Rome and her empire in a cultural and evolutionary
context, including major works of sculpture, wall painting and architecture.
Roman towns and principles of town planning also studied. Translated selections
from Roman literary and historical sources. [AR HU]
A Arh
230 The Art of Medieval Knighthood (3)
The
art and culture of medieval European knighthood from its beginnings in mounted
soldiers of the eleventh century to its role in elaborate tournaments and jousts
of the sixteenth. Attention will be given to the social expression of the knightly
class through visual and literary means. Objects of study will include architecture,
sculpture, manuscript painting and ivory carvings. Literature will include chivalric
epics, romances, and manuals of war. Among the topics to be addressed will be
arms and armor, castles and manor houses, the arts of courtly love and the visual
spectacle of chivalry. [AR]
A Arh
260 Introduction to Cinema (3)
Survey
of the silent and sound classics of the cinema with emphasis on the changing
conceptions of cinematographic form and content. Screenings of selected European
and American films. [AR]
A Arh
261 Independent Cinema (3)
Introduction
to the study of film as an artistic and social practice through an examination
of the various genres of independent filmmaking pursued in the United States
during the twentieth and twenty-first centuries.
A Arh
262 (= A Fre 238) Great Classics of French Cinema (3)
An
introduction with detailed analyses to a dozen of the most well known French
classic films as contributions to the art of cinema and as reflections of French
society at various historical moments. Taught in English. May not be used to
fulfill the requirements of the major in French. Only one of A Arh 262/A Fre
238 and 315 may be taken for credit.
A
Arh 263 American Film Genres (3)
American
Film Genres: This course will explore traditional American film genres, centering
on the manner in which they were developed, and their evolution across the decades.
Such elements as script structure, cameral placement and movement, acting and
directing styles, and color and widescreen processes will be examined. Genres
to be explored include musicals, comedies, horror, science fiction, westerns,
and melodrama. Subgenres such as the adult western, the screwball comedy, and
the social comment film also will be analyzed.
A
Arh 264 New American Cinema (3)
During
the late 1960s and early 1970s, great social changes were occurring in the United
States. These changes were sparked by the emerging youth culture, the progression
of the Civil Rights Movement, opposition to the war in Vietnam, and the advent
of the modern-era feminist movement. This course will explore the manner in
which these changes impacted on the American cinema. Editing styles, camera
placement, and camera movement veered from traditional film language; film content
reflected youth alienation, the drug culture, and alternative lifestyles and
politics.
A Arh
265 History of Photography (3)
A
survey of photography from its invention in 1839 to recent trends. Emphasizes
why it was developed, the major19th century documentary and artistic uses, and
the extraordinary range of 20th century explorations. An integrated approach
tied to parallel social and artistic events. [AR]
A Arh
266 Photography 1970 to the Present (3)
A
thorough survey of recent photography. Emphasizes fine art photography and the
use of photography by artists working in other media, including documentary
and photojournalistic work, photography books, mixed media and digital work.
The materials for study are drawn from slide lectures, local exhibitions, contemporary
criticism, library materials, and the media. No prior photography or art history
required. [AR]
A Arh
280 (= A Eac 280) Chinese Painting (3)
Introduces
students to the major works of traditional Chinese painting and analyzes those
works to arrive at an understanding of life in traditional China. The major
class activity will be viewing, discussing and analyzing slides of Chinese paintings.
Only one of A Arh 280 and A Eac 280 may be taken for credit. [AR]
A Arh
281 (= A Eac 180) Introduction to Chinese Art and Culture (3)
The
course combines a rapid survey of Chinese art with selected readings in Chinese
literature to present an introduction to the visual and written culture of traditional
China. Evidence from archaeology, sculpture, architecture, and painting will
be viewed and analyzed to illustrate such topics as the origins and multiethnic
character of Chinese civilization, the nature of the Chinese writing system,
the growth of religious systems, and the development of the bureaucratic state.
No prior knowledge of Chinese or Art History is required.
A Arh
298 Topics in Art History (3)
Introductory
study of a special topic in Art History not otherwise covered in the curriculum.
May be repeated for credit when the topic varies.
A Arh
301 (= A Cla 301) Aegean Prehistory (3)
Archaeology
of the Aegean area from Paleolithic times to the end of the Bronze Age, with
emphasis on Minoan Crete and Mycenaean Greece. Prerequisite(s): A Cla 208
or A Cla 208. May not be offered in 2005-2006.
A Arh
302 (= A Cla 302) Villanovans, Etruscans, and Early Romans (3)
Archaeology
of the Etruscans and of early Rome in the context of the Iron Age cultures of
the Italian peninsula. Prerequisite(s): A Cla 209 or A Clc 134, or
junior or senior class standing. May not be offered in 2005-2006.
A Arh
303 (= A Cla 303) Christian, Jewish, and Muslim Art in the Late Roman and
Early Medieval World (3)
This
course examines the art and architecture serving Christian, Jewish, and Muslim
communities in Europe and the Middle East from the second through the tenth
century of the Common Era. Particular attention will be paid to those objects
and monuments which articulate the common values and areas of tension among
the adherents of all three religions. Prerequisite(s): A Arh 170 or permission
of instructor.
A Arh
303Z (= A Cla 303Z) Christian, Jewish, and Muslim Art in the Late Roman
and Early Medieval World (3)
A Arh
303Z & A Cla 303Z are the writing intensive versions of A Arh
303 & A Cla 303; only one of the four courses may be taken for credit.
Prerequisite(s): A Arh 170 or permission of instructor. [WI]
A Arh
307 (= A Cla 307) The Pyramid Age (3)
Archaeology
of Egypt during the Old Kingdom and the 1st Intermediate Period, from later
predynastic times to the end of the 10th dynasty (ca. 3100-2040 B.C.). Detailed
study of pyramids and tombs, together with art and literature of the period.
Prerequisite(s): A Cla 207, 207 or permission of instructor.
A Arh
331 (formerly A Arh 361) Monks, Monarchs, and Medieval Art: Europe 500-1100
C.E. (3)
An
examination of European architecture, painting, sculpture and minor arts from
the 6th to the 12th century. Course covers early Germanic and Celtic art, Carolingian
and Ottonian periods. French. English, German, Italian Romanesque architecture
and sculpture of the Pilgrimage route of Santiago, Monastic manuscript illumination,
mural painting, objects in bronze and precious metals. Prerequisite(s): A Arh
170 or permission of instructor.
A Arh
332 (formerly A Arh 362) Gothic Art and Architecture (3)
Examines
Gothic Art of the 13th and 14th Centuries in France and its spread throughout
Europe. Includes a study of religious and lay architecture (cathedrals, castles,
town halls); cathedral sculpture; stained glass, murals and mosaics; manuscript
illumination, painted altarpieces and art of precious metals. Prerequisite(s):
A Art 170 or 331 or permission of instructor.
A Arh
332Z (formerly A Arh 362) Gothic Art and Architecture (3)
A Arh
332Z is the writing intensive version of A Arh 332; only one may be taken
for credit. Prerequisite(s): A Arh 170 or permission of instructor. [WI]
A Arh
341 (formerly A Arh 371) Renaissance Art of the 15th Century (3)
An
examination of art and architecture produced in Italy and Northern Europe during
the 1400's. Italian art will concentrate on major architects, sculptors and
painters, chiefly in Florence and including Umbria, Marches and North Italy.
Art in Northern Europe will concentrate on the Netherlands and Germany, and
will cover primarily panel painting and graphic art. Prerequisite(s): A Arh
170 or 171 or permission of instructor.
A Arh
342 Art in the Era of Renaissance and Reformation (3)
An
examination of art and architecture produced in Italy and Northern Europe during
the sixteenth century. Emphasis will be placed upon individual artists such
as Leonardo, Michelangelo, Dürer, and Bruegel, as well as on specific artistic
themes and their relation to social, religious, and theoretical concerns. Prerequisite(s):
A Arh 171 or permission of the instructor.
A Arh
342Z Art in the Era of Renaissance and Reformation (3)
A Arh
342Z is the Writing Intensive version of A Arh 342; only one may be taken
for credit. Prerequisite(s) A Arh 171 or permission of the instructor.
[WI]
A Arh
350 Art in the Courts of Seventeenth-Century Europe (3)
A
study of the painting, sculpture and architecture produced in Italy, France
and Spain during the 17th Century. Attention will focus on the religious, political
and ceremonial demands of the Catholic Church and the royal courts, as well
as on the careers of individual artists such as Bernini, Borromini, Caravaggio,
Poussin and Velasquez. Prerequisite(s): A Arh 171 or permission of instructor.
A Arh
350Z Art in the Courts of Seventeenth-Century Europe (3)
A Arh
350Z is the writing intensive version of A Arh 350; only one may be taken
for credit. Prerequisite(s): A Arh 171 or permission of instructor. [WI]
A Arh
351 Netherlandish Painting in the Age of Rembrandt and Rubens (3)
An
examination of the painting and graphic art produced in the Netherlands during
the seventeenth century. In addition to studying artistic trends and individual
artists such as Rembrandt and Rubens, students will explore the ways in which
the art addressed the social needs and concerns of Dutch and Flemish audiences.
Prerequisite(s): A Arh 171 or permission of instructor.
A Arh
351Z Netherlandish Painting in the Age of Rembrandt and Rubens (3)
A Arh
351Z is the writing intensive version of A Arh 351; only one may be taken
for credit. Prerequisite(s): A Arh 171 or permission of instructor. [WI]
A Arh
352 Art in the Era of Rococo and Enlightenment (3)
A
study of painting, sculpture, architecture, garden design, graphic and decorative
arts produced in Europe during the eighteenth century. Special emphasis will
be placed upon the original context, use and significance of the art, as well
as upon the association between artmaking and philosophical pursuits during
this era of profound European change. Prerequisite(s): A Arh 171 or permission
of instructor.
A Arh
352Z Art in the Era of Rococo and Enlightenment (3)
A Arh
352Z is the writing intensive version of A Arh 352; only one may be taken
for credit. Prerequisite(s): A Arh 171 or permission of instructor. [WI]
A Arh
361 European Screen Artists (3)
Study
of the European cinema from the silent film era to recent years. Consideration
is given both to the careers of prominent artists and to the social and economical
context in which they worked. Directors to be examined include, among others,
Sergei Eisenstein, Ingmar Bergman, Leni Riefenstahl, and Jean Renoir. Prerequisite(s):
A Arh 260.
A Arh
362 Significant Cinema Directors (3)
Examination
of the artistry and cultural significance of films by selected directors, such
as Charles Chaplin, Stanley Kubrick, Dorothy Arzner, Ingmar Bergman, or Ousmane
Sembene. American and/or international in scope. This course may be repeated
for credit as the content varies. Prerequisite(s): A Arh 260.
A Arh
363 Art of American Silent Films (3)
Examination
of the silent film in America, with an emphasis upon Hollywood. Topics to be
addressed include: the studio and star systems; significant personalities; the
writing of silent film; technological developments; and the various film genres,
such as epics, comedies, and melodramas. Prerequisite(s): A Arh 260.
A Arh
364 The Hollywood Crime Film (3)
The
Hollywood Crime Film will explore the crime film genre and its various sub-genres,
spotlighting the manner in which they serve as mirrors of American society and
focusing on both narrative conventions and filmic structure. Prerequisite(s):
A Arh 260.
A Arh
365 (formerly A Arh 491) Modern Art I (3)
Survey
of the first phase of Modernism, focusing on painting and sculpture in Europe
and the USA from circa 1780-1880. Movements covered include Neo-Classicism,
Romanticism, Realism, and Impressionism; artists include David, Goya, Manet,
Cassatt. A Arh 365Z is the writing intensive version of A Arh 365;
only one of the two courses may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): A Arh
171 or permission of instructor.
A Arh
365Z (formerly A Arh 491) Modern Art I (3)
A Arh
365Z is the writing intensive version of A Arh 365; only one of the two
courses may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): A Arh 171 or permission
of instructor. [WI]
A Arh
366 (formerly A Arh 492 ) Modern Art II (3)
Survey
of Modern art from circa 1880-1945, focusing on painting and sculpture of Europe
and the Americas. Movements covered include Post-impressionism, Cubism, German
Expressionism, Dada, Surrealism; artists include Van Gogh, Picasso, Kollwitz,
Duchamp, O’Keeffe, Douglas, Kahlo. A Arh 366Z is the writing intensive
version of A Arh 366; only one may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s):
A Arh 171 or permission of instructor.
A Arh
366Z (formerly A Arh 492Z) Modern Art II (3)
A Arh
366Z is the writing intensive version of A Arh 366; only one may be taken
for credit. Prerequisite(s): A Arh 171 or permission of instructor. [WI]
A Arh
367 The Hollywood Combat Film (3)
The
Hollywood Combat Film will explore the contrasting manners in which war and
war veterans have been portrayed on screen, with a focus on narrative conventions
and filmic structure. The course will spotlight the First and Second World Wars
and Vietnam. Prerequisite(s): A Arh 260.
A Arh
368 The Documentary Film (3)
Documentaries
are factual films that portray actual events and real people. This course examines
the history of the documentary film, spotlighting the different types of documentaries
and how filmmakers have utilized them to educate, persuade, and entertain audiences.
Prerequisite(s): A Arh 260.
A Arh
401 (= A Cla 401) Greek Sculpture (3)
Study
of selected sculptural monuments from the Archaic, Classical and Hellenistic
eras, considered in relation to their historical, intellectual and religious
context. Prerequisite(s): A Cla 208 or A Cla 208Z.
A Arh
402 (= A Cla 402) Roman Sculpture (3)
Selected
monuments representing the historical development of Roman sculpture in its
social and religious context from the early Republic to the time of the emperor
Constantine. Prerequisite(s): A Cla 208 or A Cla 208Z or A Cla
209 or A Arh 170.
A Arh
403 (= A Cla 403) Greek Painting (3)
A
survey of ancient Greek painting from the beginnings about 1000 B.C. through
the Hellenistic age; primarily painted vases, but also including the limited
evidence that exists for wall painting and other forms. Prerequisite(s): A Cla
208 or A Cla 208Z.
A Arh
405 (= A Cla 405) Greek Architecture (3)
The
development of Greek monumental architecture from the earliest temples through
the Hellenistic Age. Prerequisite(s): A Cla 208 or A Cla 208Z.
A Arh
406 (formerly A Cla 461) (= A Cla 406) Roman Architecture and Town
Planning (3)
The
development of Roman public and private architecture, with emphasis on its urban
setting and function, and the evolution of Roman towns in Italy and the Empire
from the early Republic to the time of the emperor Constantine. Prerequisite(s):
A Cla 208 or A Cla 208 or A Cla 209 or A Arh 170.
A Arh
407 (= A Cla 407) The Egyptian Empire (3)
Concentrates
on the Middle and New Kingdoms (circa 2133-1085), when Egypt ruled the east.
Includes the art, literature, architecture, political and military activity
that created the beginnings of western civilization in the Mediterranean. Prerequisite(s):
A Cla 207, 207 or permission of instructor.
A Arh
432 (formerly A Arh 462) Gothic Painting (3)
Study
of the style and technique of stained glass, manuscript illumination, wall and
panel painting in the 13th and 14th centuries, with emphasis on France and Italy.
Prerequisite(s): A Arh 170 and junior or senior class standing, or permission
of instructor.
A Arh
442 (formerly A Arh 472) Early Painting of the Netherlands (3)
Study
of northern Renaissance panel and manuscript painting from Jan van Eyck to Bruegel.
Prerequisite(s): A Arh 170 or A Arh 171 or permission of instructor.
A Arh
450 (=A Fre 460) Art and Society in Early Modern France (3)
Seminar
examining selected topics in art and architecture produced in France from the
sixteenth through eighteenth centuries. Special emphasis upon the cultural significance
of art in an era that saw the rise and fall of monarchical power as well as
dramatic changes in understandings of social hierarchy, gender, the natural
world, and philosophy. Prerequisite(s): Junior or Senior status and at least
nine credits of upper-level coursework in Art History or French Studies. [OD]
A Arh
450Z Art and Society in Early Modern France (3)
A Arh
450Z is the writing intensive version of A Arh 450; only one may be taken
for credit. Prerequisite(s): Junior or Senior status and at least nine credits
of upper-level coursework in Art History or French Studies. [WI]
A Arh
460 (formerly A Art 490) Special Topics in Cinema (3)
In-depth
study of selected topics in film not otherwise covered in the curriculum. Can
be repeated for credit when the topic varies. Prerequisite(s): A Arh 260.
A Arh
461 (=A Wss 461) Women in Cinema (3)
A
multi-dimensional examination of women in cinema-as they are seen in films,
as they make films, as they see films. Addresses the contributions of women
through the first one hundred years of cinema and analyzes various genres. Women
studied include: Dorothy Arzner, Marilyn Monroe, Bette Davis, Joan Crawford,
Anita Loos, Frances Marion, Ida Lupino, Verna Fields, Barbra Streisand, Lillian
Gish, Lenore Coffee, and others. Prerequisite(s): A Arh 260.
A Arh
466 Art Criticism of the Modern Period (3)
A
study of the major European and American critics of 20th century
art up to circa 1970. Student essays in criticism of actual artworks will emphasize
understanding of historically significant critical perspectives, as well as
the development of personal approaches to criticism. Prerequisite(s): A Arh
171; permission of instructor; junior or senior status.
A Arh
467 Art Criticism of the Post-Modern Period (3)
Investigation
of practice and theory of contemporary art criticism. Readings will concentrate
on critics and writers from the 1970's to the present. In writing about works
of art, students will practice basic critical skills of description, formal
analysis, interpretation, and articulation of personal responses. Prerequisite(s):
A Arh 171; permission of instructor; junior or senior status.
A Arh
467Z Art Criticism of the Post-Modern Period (3)
Investigation
of practice and theory of contemporary art criticism. Readings will concentrate
on critics and writers from the 1970's to the present. In writing about works
of art, students will practice basic critical skills of description, formal
analysis, interpretation, and articulation of personal responses. A Arh
467Z is the writing intensive version of A Arh 467; only one can be taken
for credit. Prerequisite(s): A Arh 171; permission of instructor; junior
or senior status. [WI]
A Arh
468 (formerly A Arh 490) Art Since 1945 (3)
Survey
and critical analysis of art from circa 1945 to the present. The course will
cover directions in late Modernism and Post-modernism, including Abstract Expressionism,
Pop Art, Minimalism, Feminist Art, Graffiti Art and Political Art. A Arh
468Z is the writing intensive version of A Arh 468; only one can be taken
for credit. Prerequisite(s): A Arh 171 or permission of instructor.
A Arh
468Z (formerly A Arh 490Z) Art Since 1945 (3)
A Arh
468Z is the writing intensive version of A Arh 468; only one may be taken
for credit. Prerequisite(s): A Arh 171 or permission of instructor. [WI]
A Arh
475 (formerly A Arh 455; = A Wss 475) Women in Art (3)
Survey
of women artists from 1550 to the present, including Artemesia Gentileschi,
Elizabeth Vigee-Lebrun, Mary Cassatt, Alice Neel. The course also includes a
feminist analysis of images of women since the Renaissance. A Arh 475Z
& A Wss 475Z are the writing intensive versions of A Arh 475 &
A Wss 475Z; only one of the four courses may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s):
A Arh 171 and junior or senior class standing, or permission of instructor.
A Arh
475Z (formerly A Arh 455; = A Wss 475Z) Women in Art (3)
A Arh
475Z & A Wss 475Z are the writing intensive versions of A Arh
475 & A Wss 475Z; only one of the four courses may be taken for credit.
Prerequisite(s): A Arh 171 and junior or senior class standing, or permission
of instructor. [WI]
A Arh
480 (= A Eac 471) Yüan and Sung Painting (3)
A
seminar on Chinese painting during the Sung and Yüan Dynasties (960-1368)
with research into selected paintings. The course will combine a detailed survey
of painting during this period with examination of selected topics such as the
rise of literati painting, Court painting as government art, and painting as
political expression during the Sung-Yüan transition. Prerequisite(s):
A Eac 180/A Arh 281 or A Eac/A Arh 280 and permission of
instructor.
A Arh
490 Internship in Art History (3)
Supervised
placement in an institution devoted to the collection, exhibition and/or conservation
of works of art, such as the Albany Institute of History and Art or the State
Conservation Laboratory. Provides practical experience in working with original
works of art and includes research and writing projects. Art History majors
may use 3 credits toward course requirements above the 300 level. May be repeated
for credit, with permission of supervising instructor. Internships are open
only to qualified juniors and seniors who have an overall grade point average
of 2.50 or higher. May be repeated with approval of department chair. Prerequisite(s):
A Arh 170 and A Arh 171. S/U graded.
A Arh
491 Internship in Film Studies (3)
Internship
in the study of film or in film production. Students are responsible for finding
and securing the internship with an organization or individual, subject to approval
by the director of the Film Studies minor. May be repeated for credit. Three
credits may be applied to upper level coursework in the Film Studies minor or
the Art History major. S/U graded. Prerequisite(s): Open only to Juniors or
Seniors with a Film Studies minor or with at least six credits of film studies
coursework, and an overall grade point average of 2.5 or higher.
A Arh
497 Independent Study (1-4)
Directed
studio project in a selected art area. May be repeated with approval of department
chair. Prerequisite(s): junior or senior class standing, and permission of instructor
and department chair.
A Arh
498 Topics in Art History (3)
In-depth
study of selected topics in art history not otherwise covered in the curriculum.
Can be repeated for credit when the topic varies. Prerequisite(s): A Arh
170 or A Arh 171 or permission of instructor.
A Arh
499 Research Seminar in Art History: Selected Topics (3)
Seminar
focusing upon selected topics in art historical research. Students will study
all aspects of research in art history, including the formulation of a topic;
establishing the state of research on the topic; preparing an annotated bibliography
and scholarly notes; and using library and web-based catalogues, databases,
museum archives, image banks, and other research tools. The main focus of the
coursework will be an individual research project. The course may be repeated
for credit as the topic varies. Prerequisite(s): Junior or senior status-Art
History major or minor, or permission of the instructor. [OD]
