ARH 1000 Introduction to Visual Studies and Art History
Visual images are an integral part of our everyday lives, as they have been throughout human history. This class is an introduction to the key issues in visual culture and the art and architecture of the past. Building on the skills we employ intuitively in our consumption and appreciation of a wide range of contemporary visual culture in the media and in our lived environment, we will explore the kinds of questions we need to ask to interpret the visual culture of the past. Using the lens of the present to examine the past, we will ask the reasons why images and visual objects are created: What kinds of social, political, and religious meanings do they convey? How did they function as forms of visual communication and persuasion? Students will apply these concepts to objects in Manhattanville's Special Collections and campus environments, as well as local and NYC architecture and art collections. Field trips and campus excursions are required.
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