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Art History – SAVC 141 Art History I: Pyramids to Cathedrals
9 a.m. – 9:50 a.m., MWF
Dr. Abayomi Ola

This course examines the art and architecture of the ancient world, focusing on Egypt, the Near East, and the Classical Greek and Roman world and Europe from about 2000 BCE to CE 1400. It also studies African and Asian art traditions that emerged during that period.

SAVC 255 Writing and Criticism in Art History
3:00 p.m. – 4:15 p.m., TR
Bernida Webb-Binder, Ph.D.

This course focuses on writing for declared or potential art history majors. Students develop strong writing skills through close analysis of key art historical texts. They are taught to strengthen essential skills required in the discipline of art history, including archival research techniques and critical analysis based on visual and written evidence.

African American Art
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 pm., TR
Bernida Webb-Binder, Ph.D.

This survey examines multiple forms of visual art production by African Americans from 1619 to the present. It begins with an overview of the Middle Passage and slavery in relation to African American traditions in the decorative arts, architecture and archaeology through the end of the eighteenth century. Nineteenth, twentieth and twenty-first century topics demonstrate how printmaking, photography, drawing, painting, sculpture, installation and time-based media engage both art historical movements and historical trajectories of freedom, civil rights and social change.

The Black Female Body in Visual Arts
1p.m. – 2:15 p.m., TR
Bernida Webb-Binder, Ph.D.

This lecture focuses on the history and discourses of the black female body as a figure of representation, sexuality, resistance, agency and identity in American visual culture. Organized thematically, with examples drawn from painting, sculpture, photography, film, popular culture and mixed media installations from the antebellum era to present day. ​

SAVC 272 History of Photography
9:25 a.m. – 10:40 a.m., TR
Nydia Blas Boyd

This course surveys the history of photography from its invention in the early nineteenth century to its present day application. Photography’s multiple histories: as artistic medium, as social text, as scientific technology, and as a cultural practice will be explored. Through lectures, discussions and field trips, students will be introduced to various technical processes, the camera’s evolution, and the vocabulary and issues of photographic theory and criticism.

SAVC 312 Unmasked: African Art Past and Present
1 p.m. – 1:50 p.m., MWF
Abayomi Ola, Ph.D.

This introductory level course surveys the arts of Africa, from ancient times to today, highlighting the art of ancient African cities and kingdoms to the art of African liberation movement and urban centers. Students are introduced to the work of internationally acclaimed contemporary artists, who have emerged from colonial and postcolonial African contexts since the 1950s, to consider how colonialism, political independence, Pan-Africanism and other socio-political forces shape the artistic practices of artists of Africa and its Diaspora.

SAVC 480 Art History Thesis
3 p.m. – 5:50 p.m., M
Abayomi Ola, Ph.D.

The Art History Thesis is required for all graduating seniors and is intended to serve as a “capstone” experience. This course gives students an opportunity to conduct supervised research and adapt to the rigors of study in the field of art history. Students should complete all of their major core requirements before enrolling in this course. The student and professor devise a meeting and writing schedule culminating in a written presentation of an art history research thesis.

Directed Studies – Art History
Cheryl Finley, Ph.D.

This course is open to majors and minors who wish to engage in independent study in areas that course offerings do not cover in depth. Under faculty guidance, the student engages in comprehensive reading, writing and discussion. Faculty permission is required.

SAVC 235 Introduction to the Object
1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m., MW​
Chad Dawkins, Ph.D.

This foundational course for the curatorial studies minor introduces a common vocabulary and conceptualization for discussing works of art. It provides a shared frame of reference for all students who are interested in the field of curatorial studies. Using exhibitions and works from the permanent collections of AUC institutions as case studies, students examine the role of institutions, curators and other museum professionals.

SAVC 305 Seminar in Curatorial Practice
3:00 p.m. – 5:50 p.m., M
Chad Dawkins, Ph.D.

This course introduces curatorial methodologies and strategies for developing a broad range of exhibitions (monographic, thematic and permanent collection shows, media-based and interactive projects, etc.). It examines how museums produce knowledge, considering the ways in which art history and visual culture studies have been informed by museum collection and display policies. This course is designed for students who are curious about curatorial projects and curating practices.

SAVC 435 Theory and Criticism in Exhibition Practice
3 p.m. – 5:40 p.m. W
Chad Dawkins, Ph.D.

This advanced seminar explores the ways in which our contemporary understanding of art, history and culture is constructed and informed by public display in museums, galleries and the global landscape. Using a series of case studies, it considers issues of representation, display, reception and wider social contexts in which art and culture are experienced in museums and public spaces.