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ARHA295

Introduction to the Arts of Africa
ARHA295 FA

Crosslistings: AFAM287, AFST287

Not Currently Offered

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 We will look at works of art not just as aesthetic creations, but also as historical documents that tell us much about the religion and the thought of the peoples who produced them.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: Discussion Lecture

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UG Credit: 1.00 Gen Ed Area & Dept: HA ART

Prerequisites: None

Last Updated on MAR-22-1999




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