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Academic Year 2002/2003

Advanced Themes in African Art
ARHA 390 FA
Clusters:

African Studies

This seminar will consider the most recent research into the art and cultural history of West and Central Africa. Emphasis will be placed on the historical context in which cultural traditions have developed. From the historically specific study of art, it is possible to detail the evolution of style, as well as the changing and contextually contingent iconographical meaning of forms. We will focus on the impact of Islam on African art. We will then turn to a case study of the Mande peoples, before broadening our field to encompass the broader geographical area of West Africa.

Each student will select a subject for in-depth study. This will be the focal point for a research paper. There will be a field trip to New York museums.

MAJOR READINGS

Ralph Austen, ed. IN SEARCH OF SUNJATA; THE MANDE ORAL EPIC AS HISTORY, LITERATURE AND PERFORMANCE. Indiana. 1999.
Rene Bravmann. ISLAM AND TRIBAL ART IN WEST AFRICA. Cambridge. 1974.
N. Levtzion, ed. THE HISTORY OF ISLAM IN AFRICA. Ohio. 2000.
Strother, Zoe. AFFECTING PERFORMANCE. Check. Chicago. 1999.

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Research paper; course will be run as a seminar.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

Prerequisites: ARHA101, OR ARHA267, OR ARHA 368, OR ARHA295, OR ARHA266, OR ARHA299. 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: Seminar

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

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

Prerequisites: ARHA101 OR ARHA267 OR ARHA368 OR ARHA295 OR ARHA266 OR ARHA299 Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-18-2003

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