Time Schedule:
Susan P Casteras
ART H 400
Seattle Campus
Courses on special topics, frequently by visiting faculty, which cannot be offered on a continuing basis. Consult art history office for subjects offered.
Class description
COURSE DESCRIPTION, WINTER 2009
"Representations of the Other" will survey a wide range of representations and geographical areas from ca. 1830-1920, examining basic issues concerning how cultural identities and viewer/viewed relationships were formed and reinforced primarily in 19th-century European, British, and American art. Physical and racial stereotyping will be the initial focus in terms of the Pre-Raphaelite expression of otherness. Moving beyond these tenets, historical notions of the "primitive", and fantasies of race, gender, imperialism, nationalism, and ethnicity will also be explored, along with selected key parallels in history, literature, and popular culture. Subjects will include images of the immigrant; the Irish; the racial grotesque; constructions of the Native American; and portrayals of African-Americans and women of color. Other classes will consider Australian iconological approaches to aborigine peoples, as well as selected imagery of "Oriental" peoples (e.g., in harem pictures), and Victorian visions of India and other "exotic" inhabitants and sites. In addition to these topics, the supernatural Other--e.g., fairies, monster, ghosts, and various manifestations of the occult--will be examined. In all cases, there will be discussions of how/whether these notions of Otherness have survived in current modern times.
Student learning goals
identify and analyze stereotyping in visual culture
examine salient strands of imagery in the fine arts and in popular culture
identify and discuss historical, cultural, psychological, and other reasons why certain stereotypes developed in certain areas and under certain conditions
draw parallels and also note differences of stereotyping in 20th- and 21st- century culture (including film and television)
General method of instruction
Lecture and slides, with active class discussion and participation by students
Recommended preparation
Background in 19th- or early-to mid-20th century art strongly recommended
Class assignments and grading
Weekly reading assignments will relate to periods, artists, or themes explored in class. There will be at least two short written assignments as well as a long paper (8-10 pages for undergrads) in lieu of a final exam. Each student will be expected to participate weekly and to be prespared to give in-class presentations.
Final grades will be based on written work (with the final paper heavily weighted) as well as class participation
