Art History (ARTH)
Art History majors graduate from Bucknell with a thorough grounding in the history of art, highly developed critical thinking skills, and a global cultural awareness thanks to our wide-ranging curriculum and individual attention. We offer majors and non-majors the opportunity to explore and analyze the creative vision of artists, from the anonymous painters of prehistoric caves to today's art superstars such as Ai Wei Wei and Dale Chihuly.
Art History Major
The Art History major consists of a minimum of nine courses: eight of which must be in art history and one of which must be in studio art. No more than two of the nine required courses may be taken for credit elsewhere.
Distribution of required courses for the Art History major:
| ARTH 101 | World Art I: Caves to Cathedrals | 1 |
| ARTH 102 | World Art II: Renaissance to Now | 1 |
| Studio art course | ||
| 200-level or higher courses in three of the following areas: | 3 | |
Ancient and Medieval | ||
Renaissance and Baroque | ||
Modern and Contemporary | ||
Non-European art or art of minorities or women | ||
| Art history elective (at least one) | ||
| 300-level or higher course | 1 | |
| ARTH 402 | Culminating Experience | 1 |
Students will explore individual research projects on any art historical topic using their experience in the major in Culminating Experience. The class will culminate in an original research paper and a 20-minute paper delivered at a departmental symposium. This class will normally be taken in the fall semester of the senior year. Second-semester juniors may complete a Culminating Experience in the major with permission of the adviser and the department.
Sequencing of Courses
Although few art history courses have prerequisites, students are encouraged to begin their study of art history with at least one introductory course before engaging in course work on the 200 level or above. ARTH 101 World Art I: Caves to Cathedrals and ARTH 102 World Art II: Renaissance to Now (World Art I and II) familiarize students with the monuments and methods of the discipline. In addition, it is advisable to take a broad survey of an art historical period before engaging in more specialized study of that period. For example, it is recommended that students take ARTH 101 World Art I: Caves to Cathedrals before taking ARTH 204 Castle, Cathedral and Cloister and ARTH 204 Castle, Cathedral and Cloister before ARTH 300 Special Topics in Medieval Art.
Interdisciplinary Study
The department recommends that students select courses in other disciplines that will complement their art history major. Permission from the chair may be obtained to count one appropriate course taken in another Bucknell department (for example, in ancient archaeology, cultural anthropology, or film studies) toward the major. Students considering this option should discuss it with their art history adviser and department chair.
Language Study
Because a knowledge of languages is essential to the cross-cultural nature of art history, majors contemplating graduate study are strongly encouraged to become competent in at least one language beyond English (competency is normally defined as the completion of a 200 level language course). Students should consult with their art history adviser about which language (or languages) is (or are) most appropriate to their particular field of study.
Study Abroad and Internships
Art history majors are encouraged to pursue opportunities for study abroad and for internships in galleries, museums, and other settings. Students planning to undertake off-campus or non-traditional study are expected to consult closely with their art history adviser and department chair.
Art History Minor
Required courses for the Art History minor:
| ARTH 101 | World Art I: Caves to Cathedrals | 1 |
| ARTH 102 | World Art II: Renaissance to Now | 1 |
| Select three of the following, covering at least two areas: | 3 | |
Ancient and Medieval | ||
| Castle, Cathedral and Cloister | ||
| Visual Cultures of the Mediterranean 1 - 1000 CE | ||
| Special Topics in Medieval Art | ||
Renaissance and Baroque | ||
| Popular Culture and Prints | ||
| Museum Studies: Gillray Exhibition | ||
| Leonardo da Vinci and Renaissance Art | ||
| Art of Durer, Vermeer, Rembrandt | ||
Modern and Contemporary | ||
| Birth of Modern Art: 1850-1915 | ||
| Modern to Postmodern Art: 1915 to the Present | ||
| Contemporary Art | ||
non-European art or art of the minorities or women | ||
| Art and Architecture of the Islamic World | ||
Demonstrate a basic knowledge of (1) the canonical works of western art and architecture, and (2) representative works of non-western art, the art of minorities and women, through the ability to recognize the works, their artists, their stylistic period and their art historical significance. (1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9)
Recognize that different interpretive frameworks can be used to analyze works of art. (1, 2, 6, 9)
Demonstrate effective oral and written communication. (7)
Execute research projects in art history that are thoroughly researched, insightful, and cogently argued. (1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9)
Numbers in parentheses reflect related Educational Goals of Bucknell University.
Courses
ARTH 101. World Art I: Caves to Cathedrals. 1 Credit.
Offered Fall Semester Only; Lecture hours:3
This course explores the art and architecture created throughout the world from the prehistoric period to roughly the 14th century. Visual analysis will be the main focus.
ARTH 102. World Art II: Renaissance to Now. 1 Credit.
Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:3
This course explores art and architecture from 1400 to the present. Focus on visual analysis and the development of European and American art from the Renaissance to Postmodernism.
ARTH 103. Museums, Galleries, Curators: Working with Real Art @ Samek Museum. 1 Credit.
Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:3
Students will learn all aspects of museum work, using the collection, facilities and staff of the Samek Museum in Langone. Select original artworks, research them and at the end of the semester, organize an exhibition in the Samek of the artworks studied, with a published exhibition catalogue.
ARTH 104. Visual Literacy Across World Cultures. 1 Credit.
Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:3
Through an array of themes such as religion, power and politics, sexuality, mind and body, nature and technology, the course presents artworks from Western and non-Western cultures. It begins by offering solid foundation in art history methods which are then applied to “read” the artworks and appreciate their significance.
ARTH 201. Women and Sex in Art. 1 Credit.
Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:3
Interdisciplinary study of Renaissance Women, their lives and experiences, focusing on their sexualized images in art and their portrayals in literature, considered within historical and social contexts.
ARTH 204. Castle, Cathedral and Cloister. 1 Credit.
Offered Fall Semester Only; Lecture hours:3
Architecture, sculpture, and painting from the Early Christian period to the beginning of the Renaissance. Monastic, religious and secular arts will be explored.
ARTH 205. Warhol to Selfies: Portraits. 1 Credit.
Offered Spring Semester Only; Lecture hours:3
In this course we will examine portraits, a major theme in art, their history, purpose and social significance, with a focus on modern examples, e.g. Andy Warhol's portraits of celebrities. Portraits show an individual's character, identity, accomplishments, profession, social rank, wealth, etc. Film and literature also offer interesting parallels.
ARTH 207. Birth of Modern Art: 1850-1915. 1 Credit.
Offered Fall Semester Only; Lecture hours:3
Examination of artists and movements from 1850-1915, including Realism, Impressionism, Post-impressionism, Symbolism, Expressionism, Fauvism, Cubism and Abstraction. Focus on innovations in French painting and urban experience.
ARTH 208. Surrealism to the Present. 1 Credit.
Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:3
Significant artists from twentieth century from WWI to the present. Movements: Futurism, Dadaism, Constructivism, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, Minimalism, Fluxus, Earth Art, Conceptual Art, Performance Art, Feminist Art, Pop Art, Institutional Critique, Social Practice Art. Readings from textbook, documents, art historians. Grades by weekly writing assignments; one exam and research paper.
ARTH 210. Special Topics in Art History. 1 Credit.
Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:3; Repeatable
Topics will vary each semester.
ARTH 213. History of Global Architecture. 1 Credit.
Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:3
This course traces the "Western" architectural tradition with particular attention to technical advances and cultural context.
ARTH 215. Art and Culture in London. 1 Credit.
Offered Fall Semester Only; Lecture hours:3
To undertake the study of the art of England and other countries as presented by and in the city of London and its environs. Prerequisites: London Semester students only and permission of the instructor.
ARTH 217. Performance Art, Then and Now. 1 Credit.
Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:3
Hugo Ball reads nonsense poetry in a Zurich cafe; Marina Abramović breathes in air from a high-powered fan until she falls unconscious; William Pope L. crawls down Broadway dressed in a Superman costume. This course explores the provocative history of performance art from Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
ARTH 218. French Art and Architecture. 1 Credit.
Offered Spring Semester Only; Lecture hours:3
Selected topics in painting, sculpture, and architecture from the medieval period to the present time. Prerequisites: Bucknell en France students only and permission of the instructor.
ARTH 220. Art, Tech. & the Mobile Museum. 1 Credit.
Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:3
The end goal of this class is to produce a portable exhibition of artworks in the collection of the Samek Museum that will be accompanied by a catalog. Students will learn research, writing, analysis, and gain proficiency in photogrammetry, 3D printing and digital design.
ARTH 221. Visual Cultures of the Mediterranean 1 - 1000 CE. 1 Credit.
Offered Alternating Spring Semester; Lecture hours:3
This class explores the visual art and architecture of the cultures (Romans, Jews, Muslims, Christians, etc.) that lived around the Mediterranean in the first millennium.
ARTH 222. Philosophy of Art. 1 Credit.
Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:3
Analysis of the creative process, the work of art, natural beauty, aesthetic experience, and principles of criticism. Prerequisite: PHIL 100 or permission of the instructor. Crosslisted as PHIL 212.
ARTH 225. Pop Culture: Dali, Warhol. 1 Credit.
Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:3
Pop culture as expressed in art: its subjects, history, purpose and social significance, with a focus on Dali and Andy Warhol. Study prints in Bucknell's collections.
ARTH 228. Looking at Cultural Change through the Digital Lens. 1 Credit.
Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:3
This course will examine the many ways European artists represented different cultures from around the world sometimes with little knowledge about them. Beginning with the art of the early modern era, class will explore the ways Chinese, Japanese, Muslims, and people from tribal cultures served as the subjects of works.
ARTH 241. Archaeology of Egypt. 1 Credit.
Offered Alternate Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:3
Survey of the material culture, with emphasis on major architectural and artistic developments and their legacy to modern Western civilization. Crosslisted as CLAS 241.
ARTH 242. Archaeology of Greece. 1 Credit.
Offered Alternating Fall Semester; Lecture hours:3
Survey of the material culture of the Greek world from the Bronze Age through the Hellenistic period. Crosslisted as CLAS 242.
ARTH 243. Archaeology of Rome. 1 Credit.
Offered Alternate Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:3
Survey of the material culture of the Roman world from the Etruscans through the late Empire. Crosslisted as CLAS 243.
ARTH 260. Museums and Contemporary Curating. 1 Credit.
Offered Alternate Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:3
This course will introduce students to the purpose and function of museums, emphasizing the changing role of museums in relation to contemporary social issues. The course will focus on curating art exhibitions as a real-world application of these ideas through practical hands-on assignments. These assignments mirror the process of curating.
ARTH 264. Museum Studies: Gillray Exhibition. 1 Credit.
Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:3
This seminar will study and mount an exhibition of the caricatures (original prints in Bucknell's Gallery) of James Gillray (1756-1815), the English engraver who invented the genre of British political caricature. Students will learn all aspects of organizing an exhibition.
ARTH 265. Contemporary Philosophy of Art. 1 Credit.
Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:3
An investigation of and focused study of contemporary philosophical issues in the arts and aesthetics more generally. Prerequisite: PHIL 100, or ARTH 207 or ARTH 208. Crosslisted as PHIL 265.
ARTH 271. Leonardo da Vinci and Renaissance Art. 1 Credit.
Offered Fall Semester Only; Lecture hours:3
Renaissance art in Italy with emphasis on Raphael, Leonardo, Michelangelo, Titian and others, and studying original paintings in Samek Art Gallery. Essential for students planning to study abroad in Italy.
ARTH 272. Baroque Art - Power and Persuasion. 1 Credit.
Offered Occasionally; Lecture hours:3
The visual culture of 17th-century Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, France, and Flanders focusing on dynastic, religious, theatrical and naturalist themes.
ARTH 273. High Drama: Art of Vermeer and Rembrandt. 1 Credit.
Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:3
Northern European art c.1430-1660 especially Vermeer and Rembrandt: and its interconnections with Italian art.
ARTH 275. Art and Architecture of the Islamic World. 1 Credit.
Offered Spring Semester Only; Lecture hours:3
A survey of Islamic art and architecture from the inception of the faith in the 7th century through the 16th century.
ARTH 300. Special Topics in Medieval Art. 1 Credit.
Offered Fall Semester Only; Lecture hours:3; Repeatable
In-depth focus on one of several possible topics in medieval art, including the Cloister, the Portal, pilgrimage, or the saints. Prerequisite: ARTH 101 or ARTH 204 or permission of the instructor.
ARTH 303. F.L. Wright Digital. 1 Credit.
Offered Alternating Spring Semester; Lecture hours:2,Other:1
This class will use digital approaches to explore Frank Lloyd Wright's architecture. Students will produce a digital book about one of his buildings. Crosslisted as UNIV 303. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
ARTH 319. Independent Study in Art History. .25-1 Credits.
Offered Both Fall and Spring; Lecture hours:Varies; Repeatable
Advanced problems in art history. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
ARTH 320. Independent Study in Art History. .25-1 Credits.
Offered Both Fall and Spring; Lecture hours:Varies; Repeatable
Advanced problems in art history. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
ARTH 323. Contemporary Art. 1 Credit.
Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:3
Study of key artists and concepts of the past 30 years. Focus on the transformation from modernism to postmodernism in painting, sculpture, photography, and performance art. Prerequisite: one of the following ARTH 102, ARTH 207, ARTH 208 or permission of the instructor.
ARTH 325. Special Studies in Modern Art. 1 Credit.
Offered Both Fall and Spring; Lecture hours:3
Seminar focusing on selected aspects of the interaction between the fine arts, popular culture, and contemporary society in the modern world. Prerequisite: one of the following ARTH 102, ARTH 227 or ARTH 323.
ARTH 370. Italian Renaissance Paintings (Kress). 1 Credit.
Offered Fall Semester Only; Lecture hours:Varies,Other:3
Study and do research on the Samek Art Gallery's collection of original Italian Renaissance paintings (Kress Collection) and prepare new publication on these pictures.
ARTH 371. Gillray Prints Seminar. 1 Credit.
Offered Spring Semester Only; Lecture hours:Varies,Other:3
Study the political and social caricatures of English engraver James Gillray in the original prints in the Samek Art Gallery collection; the tradition of caricature, and libel and freedom of speech issues.
ARTH 373. The West Encounters the Rest: Cultural Encounters Around the Globe. 1 Credit.
Offered Either Fall or Spring; Lecture hours:3
This course will examine the many ways European artists represented different cultures from around the world sometimes with little knowledge about them. Beginning with the art of the early modern era, class will explore the ways Chinese, Japanese, Muslims, and people from tribal cultures served as the subjects of works.
ARTH 380. Honors Art History. 1 Credit.
Offered Both Fall and Spring; Lecture hours:3; Repeatable
Independent study leading to the writing of a thesis. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
ARTH 381. Honors Art History. 1 Credit.
Offered Both Fall and Spring; Lecture hours:3; Repeatable
Independent study leading to the writing of a thesis. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
ARTH 3NT. Art History Non-traditional Study. 1-3 Credits.
Offered Both Fall and Spring; Lecture hours:Varies,Other:Varies
Non-traditional study in art history. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
ARTH 402. Culminating Experience. 1 Credit.
Offered Fall Semester Only; Lecture hours:3
Required for all art history majors. Students will explore individual research projects independently and workshop them in class. The class will culminate in a departmental art history conference where students will present their work. Prerequisite: senior status. Juniors by permission only.