2006-07 Undergraduate Catalog
Indiana, Pennsylvania 15705
Art History (ARHI)
Department of Art
College of Fine Arts
Credit designation below each title is expressed in (c) class hours per week, (l) lab or (d) discussion section hours per week, and (cr) credits per semester.
ARHI 100 Arts of the Twentieth Century
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisite: Art majors and minors only
A study of art in the U.S. during 1900-1960 in light of historical events and in the broader context of political, philosophical, religious, and social developments, including women and underrepresented groups as subjects, creators, and patrons of the arts. An introductory course for incoming art majors. Primary focus on painting, photography, and film. (Offered as ART 100 prior to 2003-04)
3c-0l-3cr
Introduces the student to the significance of art as related to contemporary living and our historical heritage.
ARHI 205 Ancient to Medieval Art
3c-0l-3cr
A study of art from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages. Humankind’s artistic development is seen in relation to political, social, economic, and religious events.
ARHI 207 Renaissance through Modern Art
3c-0l-3cr
Studies art from the Renaissance through the Modern periods in western Europe in light of historical events and in the broader context of political, philosophical, religious, and social developments, including women and underrepresented groups as subjects, creators, and patrons of the arts. Issues of exoticism, Orientalism, and colonialism are discussed.
3c-0l-3cr
Surveys American art and its relation to the development of American ideas and ideals.
ARHI 224 Introduction to Asian Art
3c-0l-3cr
Surveys a selection of art and architectural forms from China, Japan, India, Korea, and Southeast Asia. Students are introduced to religious and secular sculpture, painting, and ceramics, as well as the philosophical, political, and social forces that prompted their creation.
var-1-3cr
Prerequisite: As appropriate to course content
Offered on an experimental or temporary basis to explore topics not included in the established curriculum. A given topic may be offered under any special topic identity no more than three times. Special topics numbered 281 are offered primarily for lower-level undergraduate students.
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisites: ARHI 101, junior standing, or permission
A survey of the broad forms of visual arts and crafts that reflects the lifeways of Native Americans from paleo-indian origins to A.D. 1900.
3c-0l-3cr
Art and architecture of Europe during the Middle Ages, beginning with early Christian and Byzantine and concluding with the Gothic period. Dual listed for graduate credit as ARHI 507.
ARHI 408 Italian Renaissance Art
3c-0l-3cr
Italian art from 1400s through 1650 and Mannerist movement. Special attention paid to great masters of the period. Dual listed for graduate credit as ARHI 508.
ARHI 409 Baroque and Rococo Art
3c-0l-3cr
A general survey of art from 1575 to 1775, includes architecture, sculpture, painting, and other arts. Dual listed for graduate credit as ARHI 509.
ARHI 410 Nineteenth-Century European Painting
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisite: Junior standing or instructor permission
Surveys the history of Western painting from the late eighteenth century to the turn of the twentieth. The styles and movements covered range from neo-classicism to romanticism, realism, the Pre-Raphaelite painters, impressionism, symbolism, and post-impressionism. French painting is most heavily represented. Activities include lecture mixed with discussion of readings, debates about issues, practice in “reading” images, and others.
ARHI 411 Twentieth-Century European Art
3c-0l-3cr
Studies twentieth-century painting, sculpture, photography, and film in France, Germany, and Italy in light of historical events and in the broader context of political, philosophical, religious, and social developments, including women and underrepresented groups as subjects, creators, and patrons of the arts.
3c-0l-3cr
A historical survey of the architecture, painting, sculpture, and minor arts of the classical period of Greece and Rome, including the Minoan, Mycenaean, and Etruscan cultures.
3c-0l-3cr
Intended to help students develop adequate vocabularies and methods to be used in discussion and criticism of works of art.
ARHI 416 Northern Renaissance Art
3c-0l-3cr
Explores phenomena of art north of the Alps from 1400 to 1600, especially as it appears in the Lowlands, as well as side explorations into art of France, Germany, Austria, and the court at Prague.
3c-0l-3cr
Prerequisite: ARHI 205 or instructor permission
Investigates the art and architecture produced in the Byzantine Empire, with a concentration on the years between 324, the year Constantine founded Constantinople, and 1453, the date the Turks conquered the city. Consisting of lectures, discussions, videos, and field trips, the course emphasizes cross-cultural contacts between Byzantium, Islam, and the West.
3c-0l-3cr
Explores the aesthetics and meanings of African Art through a historically and culturally based survey of art from selected African cultures. Examples of sculptures, masks, and other ritual objects, tools and utilitarian objects, clothing, jewelry and adornment, painting, and architecture from across the continent are studied. Philosophical and religious beliefs, socioeconomic, historical, and political forces are examined as to how they have impacted the creation of art in traditional and contemporary Africa. Connections between the visual arts and the other fine arts are an integral part of the study as well.
3c-0l-3cr
Introduces the history and aesthetics of Japanese art, from antiquity to the present. Lectures focus on major works of painting, sculpture, architecture, prints, ceramics, and other works from antiquity to the present. Close attention is paid to their historical contexts and underlying themes. These include religious influences, the imperial court, the tea ceremony, and modern life. The interaction of Japan with its neighbors is also considered.
3c-0l-3cr
Surveys art selected from the five millennia of Chinese art and culture. Examines sculpture, architecture, and painting from the Neolithic period through the twentieth century. Issues of religion, patronage, and popular culture are included.
var-1-3cr
Prerequisite: As appropriate to course content
Offered on an experimental or temporary basis to explore topics not included in the established curriculum. A given topic may be offered under any special topic identity no more than three times. Special topics numbered 481 are primarily for upper-level undergraduate students.
var-1-3cr
Prerequisite: Prior approval through advisor, faculty member, department chairperson, dean, and Provost’s Office
Students with interest in independent study of a topic not offered in the curriculum may propose a plan of study in conjunction with a faculty member. Approval is based on academic appropriateness and availability of resources.