Art and anthropology museums tell stories about the past and its relevance to the present, but what stories they tell, who gets to tell them, and which objects should—or should not—be considered are not always self-evident. In this writing-intensive seminar, you will learn how texts—wall labels, press releases, exhibition reviews—engage audiences within and beyond the museum’s walls. The course consists of writing assignments related to artworks made in the Americas before Independence, from the ancient Maya to colonial Peru, many on exhibit at the Davis Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. Through these case studies, we will learn how to convert visual images and academic arguments into appealing, jargon-free prose. In keeping with the structure of the Calderwood seminar, weekly deadlines in this class are firm so as to allow classmates time to reflect on such arguments and comment on each other’s ideas. Take on the role of museum curator and learn how texts help us navigate controversies over the acquisition, provenance, and display of artworks from distant cultures and places.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 12

Crosslisted Courses:

Prerequisites: At least two 100- or 200-level courses in Art History or Anthropology.

Instructor: Oles

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

Other Categories: CSPW - Calderwood Seminar in Public Writing

Typical Periods Offered: Fall; Every three years

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall

Notes: