Time Schedule:
Kathryn Bunn-Marcuse
ART H 206
Seattle Campus
Survey of the indigenous arts of North America north of Mexico from ancient through contemporary times. Focuses on the historical and cultural contexts of the arts and the stylistic differences between tribal and individual artists' styles.
Class description
Introduction to Native American art of the United States and Canada, exploring regional styles, with emphasis on aesthetics, cultural function, and factors of change as well as ceremonial and commercial art. Topics will include gender, colonialism, and issues of current concern to contemporary indigenous groups.
Student learning goals
This course has multiple goals. The first is to expose students to the art and culture of the indigenous people of North America. In addition to gaining an understanding of this particular kind of artwork, we will explore the methodologies of art history: learning to look at and describe a work of art both verbally and in writing. We will practice critical reading skills and comparative techniques and apply them to the objects under examination.
General method of instruction
Each week we will look at a different culture area and focus on particular themes within each area.
Recommended preparation
Class assignments and grading
There will be assigned readings discussed each time we meet. Selected images from the textbook and class reader will be required for the tests. Tests will include slide identification and material from the assigned readings and lectures. Copies of all required images will be available online for study.
Grades will be determined by evaluation of these required writings and exams: a short event-report, a paper, a mid-term, and final.
