Art History
Associate Professors Wendy Cox, Eleanor D'Aponte and Timothy Parker; Lecturer Cara Armstrong.
Norwich students in all disciplines have the opportunity to broaden their college experience by earning a minor degree in art history. An Art History Minor helps students develop their awareness and knowledge of art as it has played a role in the formation and understanding of human culture.
Goals:
1. Cultivate and develop an understanding and appreciation of art as it has developed over time and across diverse cultures.
2. Assess the meaning and significance of artworks in relation to human culture in multiple ways, such as:
- Art traditions as expressive of human identity.
- Art production as embedded in economic and cultural systems.
- Art practice as having technical, social, educational, and aesthetic dimensions.
3. Build research and writing skills pertinent to addressing art, including description and analysis is visual, formal, spatial, and material aspects of artworks.
The fine arts offer a profound testimony to meaning and significance of the arts to their own and function in a variety of ways: they illuminate the ideas, values, beliefs, manners, and customs of an age; they inform us of how artists interpret and understand the visible world in which they live; they alert us to moral and ethical perspectives which condition the artist's choice and treatment of the subject matter.
Courses in the Fine Arts (FA) explore the history of art, including why and what the artist creates; assess the changing nature and functions of art; probe the relationship of the artist to society; and examine the varied systems of beliefs and values that affect the discipline. All FA courses may be used towards fulfilling the Arts & Humanities General Education
Art History Minor 2020-2021 Catalog
All courses must be completed with a grade of C or higher.
| Select one of the following two courses: | ||
| History/Theory of Architecture I | 3 | |
or FA 221 | History of Visual Arts I: Prehistoric to 1350 | |
| FA 222 | History of Visual Arts II: 1350 to the Modern Era | 3 |
| FA 250 | Topics in Art 1 | 3 |
| FA 250 1 | 3 | |
| FA Elective 3 | 3 | |
| SA 103 | Introduction to Drawing | 3 |
| or SA 104 | Introduction to Visual Design | |
| Total Cr. | 18 | |
| 1 | FA 250 may be taken more than once, however the title and subject matter of the seminars must be different. |
| 3 | FA 201 and FA 221 may not both be taken for credit as there is significant overlap in the material covered in the two courses). |
Art History Courses
FA 188 No Norwich Equivalent 6 Cr.
FA 1XX Fine Arts Transfer Elective 3 Cr.
This course is used for transfer when no equivalent Norwich course exists.
FA 201 History/Theory of Architecture I 3 Cr.
This course Explores the architecture of different cultures from around the world beginning with the earliest evidence of human habitation and ending with the arrival of the renaissance. It examines the development of domestic, civic, and religious sites, as well as towns and settlements. The course explores major cultural, social, technological, and ideological influences on built environments, as well as examines the history, the context, and the form of notable examples. Preference given to architecture majors. Note: Students who successfully complete this course may not take earn credit for FA 221. 3 lecture hours.
FA 202 History/Theory of Architecture II 3 Cr.
Explores the architecture of different cultures from around the world focusing on Western architecture from the Renaissance to the 19th century. It examines the development of domestic, civic, and religious sites, as well as towns and settlements. The course explores major cultural, social, and technological influences on built environments, as well as looks at the history, the context, and the form of notable examples, while examining the developing ideologies of prominent practitioners. 3 lecture hours. Goal 3. (Fall).
FA 221 History of Visual Arts I: Prehistoric to 1350 3 Cr.
Provide an understanding of well-made artifacts by addressing quality or artistic value in terms of form and content. Students are acquainted with the principal periods of Western art through a study of, sculpture, painting, and the minor arts, ranging from prehistoric times to the present. Students learn formal vocabulary of prehistoric art to the medieval international style. 3 lecture hours. (Occasionally). Goal 3.
FA 222 History of Visual Arts II: 1350 to the Modern Era 3 Cr.
Provide an understanding of well-made artifacts by addressing quality or artistic value in terms of form and content. Students are acquainted with the principal periods of Western art through a study of sculpture, painting, and the minor arts, ranging from prehistoric times to the present. Students learn formal vocabulary and renaissance to the present. 3 lecture hours. (Occasionally). Goal 3.
FA 240 History of American Art 3 Cr.
A survey of American architecture and art from colonial times to the present. Emphasis is on the rise and development of the arts in the United States and the changing nature and functions of art in American society. European influences and Native American contributions are noted. 3 lecture hours. (Occasionally). Goal 3.
FA 250 Topics in Art 3 Cr.
Topics vary, focusing on past and current issues in art related to historical style, art and the social context, aesthetic theory, tradition and innovation in media, and the role of art and the artist as an agent of communication in our time. This course may be repeated for credit. 3 lecture hours. (Occasionally). Goal 3.
FA 260 Art Appreciation 3 Cr.
An introductory course focusing on ways to appreciate art: the role of the viewer, the purposes and functions of art, the creative process, materials and technology available to the artist, the relationship of art to culture Western and non-Western, and issues of art style and meaning. 3 lecture hours. (Occasionally). Goal 3.
FA 288 No Norwich Equivalent 6 Cr.
FA 2XX Fine Arts Transfer Elective 3 Cr.
This course is used for transfer when no equivalent Norwich course exists.
FA 308 History/Theory of Artchitectural III 3 Cr.
A survey of architecture from the mid-eighteenth century through the early 1930s, focusing on the rise and early development of the modern movement. It integrates the historic aspects of the key examples of architecture and urban design from this era with the theoretical ideas that generated the built form. Included is a discussion of the new programs, new social/economic/political organizations and new construction materials and methodologies that drove the search for new forms to represent the new ideas of the modern industrialized era. 3 lecture hours. Prerequisite: FA 202 Goal 3. (Spring).
FA 309 History/Theory of Architectural IV 3 Cr.
A survey of architecture from the 1930s to the present day focusing on the various evolutionary paths of architectural development, including the codification of the international style and the subsequent challenges to the modern dogma into eras of mid and late modernism, expressionism, nationalism, organicism, brutalism, regionalism, postmodernism, deconstructivist architecture, and into the integration of the digital in design and manufacture of built works. Each evolutionary stance is discussed through analysis of the key works integrating the historic aspects with the theoretical ideas that generated the architectural works. 3 lecture hours. Prerequisite: FA 308 (Spring) Goal 3.
FA 388 No Norwich Equivalent 6 Cr.
FA 401 Introduction to Research Methods for Architecture 3 Cr.
Introduces research methods for interpreting the built environment. Provides a capstone to the architectural history and theory survey sequence by studying recent and contemporary theory and incorporating architectural criticism. Includes case studies, substantial research and writing, and discussion of seminal texts in seminar format. 3 lecture hours. Prerequisite: FA 308 (Spring).
FA 488 No Norwich Equivalent 6 Cr.
Studio Arts Courses
SA 103 Introduction to Drawing 3 Cr.
An introduction to drawing, emphasizing articulation of space and pictorial syntax while developing abilities of perception and ways of seeing. Class work is primarily based on observational study. Assigned projects address fundamental and conceptual problems through historical and contemporary artistic practice. 3 hour studio and 1 lecture hour.
SA 104 Introduction to Visual Design 3 Cr.
An introduction to the language of visual expression, using studio projects to explore the basic principles of visual art and design as a fundamental component of visual communication. Students acquire a working knowledge of visual syntax applicable to the study of art history, popular culture, and the art of composition. 1 lecture hour and 3 studio hours. Goal 3 (Occasionally).
SA 105 Introduction to Painting 3 Cr.
An introduction to the issues of contemporary painting, stressing a beginning command of the conventions of pictorial space, narrative, and the language of color. Students explore painting as a means of communicating ideas through visual symbols and metaphors. Class assignments and individual projects explore technical, conceptual, and historical issues central to the language of painting. 1 lecture hour and 3 studio hours. Goal 3 (Occasionally).
SA 106 Introduction to Printmaking 3 Cr.
An introduction to a diverse range of printmaking media: linocut, woodcut, and screen-printing process. Both color and black-and-white printing methods are explored. Class assignments and individual projects explore technical, conceptual, and historical issues central to the language of printmaking and its connections to contemporary culture. 1 lecture hour and 3 studio hours. Goal 3 (Occasionally).
SA 107 Introduction to Photography 3 Cr.
An introduction to photographic principles as a means of visual communication and its relationship to history and contemporary issues while examining the invention and history of photography. A single-lens reflex manual 35mm film camera is required. 1 lecture hour and 3 studio hours. Goal 3 (Occasionally).
SA 111 Foundations of Art and Architecture I 3 Cr.
An introduction to drawing and design, emphasizing articulation of space and pictorial syntax while developing abilities of perception, ways of seeing, and the language of visual perception as it relates to art and architecture design principles. Students acquire a working knowledge of visual expression applicable to the study of art and architecture history and artistic practice. 1 lecture hour and 3 studio hours. Goal 3 (Fall).
SA 112 Foundations of Art and Architecture II 3 Cr.
An introduction to art and architectural three-dimensional design, emphasizing contemporary and traditional three-dimensional processes, concepts, and materials. Students present projects designed to introduce and fuse content, craftsmanship and the principles of design and composition. Emphasis is on solving visual problems and thinking critically, analytically and creatively. 1 lecture hour and 3 studio hours. Goal 3 (Spring).
SA 188 No Norwich Equivalent 1-6 Cr.
SA 200 Intermediate Studio 3 Cr.
This course is for students pursuing further study in one of the following areas: drawing, design, painting, photography, and printmaking. The focus is on developing more complex levels of thought more thorough incorporation of theory and individual initiative in project content and completion. Only one area of study will be pursued each semester. Can be repeated for credit. 6 studio hours. Prerequisite: SA 100 level course or permission of the instructor. Goal 3 (Occasionally).
SA 205 Water Media 3 Cr.
Examines water media, stressing an advanced command of the conventions of pictorial space, narrative, and the language of color and design. Assignments and projects explore technical, conceptual, contemporary, and historical issues central to water media. Attention is given to each student's unique and expressive handling of the media. 6 studio hours. Prerequisite: SA 103 or instructor's permission. Goal 3 (Spring).
SA 210 The Portrait 3 Cr.
Explores the perceptual and conceptual means to construct the human face as a way to explore, understand, and portray the human condition. The structure of the head is examined as anatomy and as form. Historical examples are presented and examined as well as contemporary theory of the portrait and self-portrait. 6 studio hours. Prerequisite: SA 103, or instructor's permission. Goal 3 (Spring).
SA 265 Life Drawing 3 Cr.
Focuses on study and exploration of the human figure using a range of approaches, with emphasis on observation, anatomy, spatial structure, and the use of life drawing as a means to analyze and explore the nature of the human condition. Historical examples ranging from cave painting to contemporary art are presented, researched, and discussed. 6 studio hours. Prerequisite: SA 103 or instructor's permission. Goal 3 (Spring).
SA 288 No Norwich Equivalent 1-6 Cr.
SA 300 Advanced Studio 3 Cr.
Student must have an approved outline for their individual course of study. Can be repeated for credit. 6 studio hours. Prereq: SA 100 or 200 level course. Goal 3 (Spring).
SA 388 No Norwich Equivalent 1-6 Cr.
SA 400 Business of Being an Artist 3 Cr.
SA 402 Design Arts Capstone 6 Cr.
SA 404 Design Arts Internship 1-6 Cr.
SA 488 No Norwich Equivalent 1-6 Cr.