Time Schedule:
Jennifer G. Germann
ART H 309
Seattle Campus
Topics vary.
Class description
Spring 2007 Women Who Ruled: Women, Art, and Power in Early Modern Europe
The early modern period witnessed large numbers of women ruling in Europe, as queens, queen regents, and as empresses. In fact, there was widespread concern that some of the greatest kingdoms would fall to the 'distaff side. ' In addition, large numbers of women played key roles at court, as queen consorts, mistresses, and members of the royal family though they did not rule.
The focus of this course will be on the ways royal women used art as a tool for their self-definition and as a way to negotiate issues of gender, power, and authority. Our analysis of these issues will be situated in early modern Europe, beginning in the fifteenth century through the eighteenth century, with a greater emphasis on the latter period.
Student learning goals
Define the concepts of gender, representation, power, kingship, and queenship.
Identify, describe, and discuss early modern works of art and place them in their historical context.
Discuss these works in relation to the concepts of gender, representation, and power.
Analyze the relationship between art and identity in the social and political context of early modern Europe.
General method of instruction
This class will consist of lecture mixed with discussion.
Recommended preparation
Some familiarity with European art, history, and culture is strongly recommended. It is also strongly recommended that students have completed an art history survey course.
Enthusiasm, willingness to engage with ideas and issues, and asking questions are important ingredients for student success. The necessary steps for such engagement include reading assigned material prior to class meetings and careful looking at images.
Class assignments and grading
There will be weekly readings and informal writing assignments, as well as other written assignments, a midterm, and a final.
There will be a reader and a recommended textbook. The textbook, Early Modern Europe, 1450-1789, by Merry Wiesner-Hanks (2006), will be available at the UW Bookstore. In addition, readings will be found online and in a course pack.
Students will take a midterm, a final, and write two short papers.
