Arts 1A
Introduction to the Visual Arts
An exploration of visual imagery throughout the world, for the purpose of refining
visual literacy skills.As a general introduction to the study of visual arts, this
course includes examples of diverse art forms, including painting, sculpture, architecture,
printmaking, ceramics, and textiles from antiquity to the present. Emphasis will be
placed upon the cultural, social, religious, economic and political contexts of the
art, including topics addressing gender issues and contemporary social/political awareness.
We will work collaboratively, becoming actively involved in the learning experience.
We will apply an interdisciplinary approach to art history including methods of analysis
from intercultural studies, anthropology, history and cultural studies. Students will
also learn basic skills in stylistic analysis and how to describe a work of art.
You can find the complete class syllabus here:
Class Syllabus Spring 2011
Weekly Reading Assignments
Week 1: Reading 1
Week 2: Reading 2 - Moche Ceramics
Watch this video about the ceiling in the Sistine Chapel: here.
Week 3: Reading 3 - Chinese Painting
Week 4: Reading 4 and Reading 5 - Sculpture
Week 5: Reading 6 - Borobudur, Reading 7 - Ukiyo-e, Reading 8 - Japonisme
Week 6: Reading 9 - The Artist as "Genius", Reading 10 - Judy Chicago, Reading 11 - The Female Body and the Gaze
Week 7: Reading 12 - David Siqueiros in Los Angeles, Reading 13 - Chris Ofili in New York
Week 8: Reading 14 - Identity Politics
Week 9: Repatriation: Reading 15 - Potlatch History, Reading 16 - Bishop Museum Ku Exhibit
An interesting example of installation art is Big Bambu by Doug and Mike Starn, installed in 2010 on the roof of the Metropolitan Museum
of Art in New York. Click the link to explore this work - we will be discussing it
in class.
The study slide images for the midterm exam are here.
The study slides and terms for the final exam are here.