Course Description
An introduction to visual culture in the west (1650-present) organized around issues of gender and representation. In addition, this course will familiarize students with a specific methodological approach within art history: feminist and gender- based art history, as it has evolved since its inception in the 1970's.
Athena Title
Gender and Art History
Prerequisite
ARHI 2000 or ARHI 2000E or ARHI 2000H or ARHI 2300 or ARHI 2300E or ARHI 2311H or ARHI 2400 or ARHI 2400E or ARHI 2411H
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
This is course is designed to introduce undergraduates to the role played by gender in the production, reception and interpretation of Western art from 1500 to the present. In addition, this course is also designed to familiarize students with a specific methodological approach within art history: feminist and gender-based art history, as it has evolved since its inception in the 1970's. Finally, this course is also concerned with the improvement of critical and rhetorical skills and will place a great deal of emphasis on thinking critically about art, art history and art criticism.
Topical Outline
Part I The Origins of Feminist Art History The Problem of the Canon/The Problem of Essentialism Part II Two Responses to the Problem of Essentialism: 1. Psychoanalysis and the Intervention of Film Theory 2. Social Art Hisotry and the Notion of Art in Context Part III Performing Sex/Performing Gender: The Critique of Essentialism Continues Part IV Contemporary Feminisms: Essentialism vs. Post-feminism vs. Anti-Feminism
Syllabus