Time Schedule:
Susan Noyes Platt
ART H 309
Seattle Campus
Topics vary.
Class description
Spring 2009 American Art and Politics 1900 - 1945 examines American art in relationship to concurrent political events, both within the art world, and in the world. We will begin with an historical perspective by visiting the Seattle Art Museum exhibition "Life Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness." We will then study the "Ash can" Alfred Stieglitz, Armory Show, Harlem Renaissance, connections to Mexico, Proletarian Artists, New Deal, and Modernism in the late 1930s.
Student learning goals
1. To learn about the early twentieth century history of American art 2. To understand the basic ways of analyzing art work 3. To be able to think for themselves and form opinions 4. To write an intelligent research paper on the topic of the class 5. To be comfortable with discussion in class 6. To be able to analyze the ways in which art connects to political ideologies
General method of instruction
lectures with slides, films, powerpoints, class discussion and participation is an important component of the class.
Recommended preparation
An interest in politics, history, and or culture is sufficient as background for this class.
Class assignments and grading
Research developed in stages throughout the semester Analysis of readings, take home essay questions given out in class following discussion Three Quizzes and final, based on material presented in lectures.
quality of written assignments, engagement in class discussion,
