"seeing comes before words" J. Berger, Ways of Seeing

"The more I think of it, I find this conclusion more impressed upon me — that the greatest thing a human soul ever does in this world is to see something, and tell what it saw in a plain way. Hundreds of people can talk for one who can think, but thousands can think for one who can see. To see clearly is poetry, prophecy, and religion — all in one." J. Ruskin, Modern Painters

Picasso once remarked that there is only one way of looking at things until some one comes along and shows you another.

This course is designed to introduce students to aims, methods, and issues in the discipline of art history. Readings, projects, and in-class discussions will focus on the many ways to look at art objects, as well as how to think and read critically about the history of art and architecture. Integral use is made of the Allen Memorial Art Museum.

Download the syllabus in Adobe's .dpf format.