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SAVC 141 Art History I: Pyramids to Cathedrals
10 a.m. – 10:50 a.m., MWF
TBA

This foundational 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.

African American Art
2 p.m. – 2:50 pm., MWF
TBA

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
Dr. Yasmine Espert

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. ​

Writing and Criticism in Art History
9:25 a.m. – 10:40 a.m., TR
Dr. Bernida Webb-Binder

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.

Global Foundations of Modern Art
11 a.m. – 12:50 p.m., MWF
Dr. Abayomi Ola

This course begins with the premise that the history of European and American modern art, which arose out of seventeenth century Enlightenment ideals, is incomplete without an examination of the African, Oceanic, Indigenous and other global influences that prompted the Impressionists to emulate Japanese woodblock prints and catalyzed Picasso and Braque’s exploration of Cubism in the early twentieth century.

Contemporary African Diaspora Art
9 a.m.- 9:50a.m., MWF
Dr. Abayomi Ola

This seminar considers the work of artists who trace a visual genealogy of the African Diaspora through archival practices and memory work. It examines traditional art forms including painting, sculpture and printmaking as well as the contemporary art practices of photography, installation, film, video and performance.

Unmasked: African Art Past and Present
1p.m.-1:50p.m., MWF
Dr. Abayomi Ola

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.

The Art Market
3 p.m. – 5:50 p.m., W
Dr. Cheryl Finley

This course examines the history of the art market from the 16th century to the present. Students examine the production, sale and exchange of works of art as well as the patrons, artists and collectors who participate in this economic, social and political form of taste-making and aesthetic valuation.

Art History Thesis
3 p.m. – 5:50 p.m., R
Dr. Bernida Webb-Binder

The Art History Thesis is required for all Spelman College 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
Dr. Cheryl Finley

TBA

Introduction to the Object​
9:25 a.m. – 10:40 a.m., TR​
Dr. Yasmine Espert

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.

Seminar in Curatorial Practice
10 a.m. – 12:40 p.m., F​
Dr. Bernida Webb-Binder

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.

Theory and Criticism in Exhibition Practice
3 p.m. – 5:50 p.m., T
Dr. Yasmine Espert

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.