Time Schedule:
Christine E. Goettler
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
WINTER 2004 400 B: CIRCA 1600: ART, SCIENCE AND SPIRITUALITY The course explores the multiple relationships between artistic imagination, scientific innovation and religious culture around 1600. How, for instance, did cosmological discoveries and new evidence in the field of natural history change the practice of the visual arts? In which ways did new optical devices such as the telescope and the microscope affect previous notions of art? To what degree were the pictorial genres of landscape and portraiture informed by neo-stoic discussions of the passions and the affects. What values were associated with exotic objects collected in the Wunderkammer? What do we know about decorative programs of devotional retreats favored in aristocratic circles? Apart from the study of exemplary art works there will be extensive discussions of the newer scholarly literature. A preliminary bibliography and a tentative schedule may be obtained from the instructor.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Lectures, discussions, presentations of students essays.
Recommended preparation
There are absolutely no requirements for the class apart from a willingness to study broadly and across the borders of disciplinary fields; some familiarity with the art, science and/or religious culture of early modern Europe will be helpful; some experience in writing short descriptive and analytical essays would provide a fine basis for a successful completion of the course.
Class assignments and grading
Weekly readings; summaries of class discussions, articles and book chapters; short essays and class presentations.
Short written assignments and class presentations.
