This course is an introduction to the major methodologies that have been and are used by art historians.
Although not a history of art history per se, it is organized in a roughly chronological order that traces major methodological developments within the discipline from the birth of art history in the nineteenth century through the late twentieth century. By focusing on several outstanding historical and critical readings, as well as secondary discussions of different types of art historical analysis, the student will be introduced to some of the major methodologies that have shaped the field: formalism, biographical analysis, connoisseurship, technical analysis, iconographical analysis, psychoanalysis, Marxism and the social history of art, feminism, post-colonialism, and semiotics. The course will also examine how artworks are displayed in modern art museums.
After completing this course, you will be able to explain the strengths and weaknesses of different art historical methodologies and explain how they can be used to analyze works of art.
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Explain what art historians study and what kinds of questions they ask about works of art.
- Identify major art historical methodologies and their associated theories and theorists.
- Write a critical summary of a piece of art historical scholarship.
- Explain the major aspects of the methodological approaches outlined in this course and how they relate to the philosophical, historical, and social context in which they first appeared.
- Explain how different methodologies can be used to analyze works of art.
- Compare and contrast major art historical methodologies.
- Use different art historical approaches to interpret, analyze, and write about works of art.
Course Requirements: Have completed Art Appreciation and Techniques, Introduction to Western Art History—Pre-Historic to High Gothic, and Introduction to Western Art History—Proto-Renaissance to Contemporary Art.
