Why does art matter? Because images, sculptures and buildings shape our ways of understanding our world and ourselves. Learning how to look closely and analyze what you see, therefore, is fundamental to a liberal arts education. Within a global frame, this course provides an introduction to art and its histories through a series of case studies, from Egypt's Queen Nefertiti to Jean-Michel Basquiat's raw street art. Meeting three times weekly, each section will draw on the case studies to explore concepts of gender and race, nature and landscape, culture and power, repatriation, and other issues. Assignments focus on developing analytical and expressive writing skills and will engage with the rich resources of Wellesley College and of Boston's art museums. The course fulfills both the Writing requirement and the ARTH 100 requirement for art history, architecture, and studio majors.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 15

Prerequisites: None. Open to First-Years only.

Instructor: Lynn-Davis

Distribution Requirements: ARS - Visual Arts, Music, Theater, Film and Video

Degree Requirements: WFY - First Year Writing

Typical Periods Offered: Spring; Fall

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Spring; Fall

Notes: This course satisfies the First-Year Writing requirement and counts as a unit toward the major in Art History, Architecture, or Studio Art. Includes a third session each week.