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Academic Year 2001/2002

Introduction to the Arts of Africa
ARHA 295 FA
Crosslistings:
AFAM 287
Clusters:

African Studies

This course offers an introduction to the visual arts and the diverse cultures of West and Central Africa. The focus will be upon the objects within the context of the cultures that created them. We will look at works of art not just as aesthetic creations, but also as historical documents that tell us much about the religion and the thought of the peoples who produced them. With the help of anthropological texts, we will also look at symbolism in art, with particular attention to the ritual for which the works were created.

MAJOR READINGS

Willett, AFRICAN ART Robert Thompson, AFRICAN ART IN MOTION Vansing, AFRICAN ART IN HISTORY Achebe, THINGS FALL APART Mark, THE WILD BULL AND THE SACRED FOREST xerox excerpts: Victor Turner, THE FOREST OF SYMBOLS plus articles, and chapters from diverse sources.

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Final exam; Mid-term exam, 3 page paper, 8-10 page term paper; FIELD TRIP REQUIRED.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

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

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: HA ART    Grading Mode: Graded   

Prerequisites: NONE Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-19-2002

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