|
Crosslistings: ARHA 261 |
This class will explore the social relationships between art, artists and society. In every society art provides much more than an expression of beauty; it also creates and maintains social values in surprisingly profound ways. The way we look at art is conditioned by social practices and contexts that we are largely unaware of; we look through sets of cultural filters that prepare us for an "aesthetic" experience. The course is divided into four units: (1) an introduction to anthropological thought on art; (2) an examination of verbal art, storytelling and oral performance; (3) an exploration of the idea of an art world; (4) and finally a close look at the current practices of museum exhibition. Each unit suggests critical approaches to art and its creative presentation in contemporary societies.
Unless preregistered students attend the first class meeting or communicate directly with the instructor prior to the first class, they will be dropped from the class list. NOTE: Students must still submit a completed Drop/Add form to the Registrar's Office.
COURSE FORMAT: Lecture/Discussion
Level: UGRD Credit: 1 Gen Ed Area Dept: SBS ANTH Grading Mode: Student Option
Prerequisites: NONE Links to Web Resources For This Course.
Last Updated on MAR-19-2002
Copyright Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, 06459