Curating / Museum Studies
Looking Beyond the Museum
Looking Beyond Museums, Contemporary Curation — Museums have existed for centuries. The field and pedagogy of curation though, has only existed for just over one hundred years. There is not a single way to study museology and curation, but there are three main forms: critical, praxiological, and operational. This class will lightly touch upon operational but will spend most of the time on the other two praxis. We will be addressing a number of difficult and topical issues such as but not limited to: race, equality, ethics, inclusion, access, decolonization, and other subjects that challenge the very foundations of our current Western society. Although no prior museum studies or curatorial skills are needed, it is highly recommended that you only take this class if you wish to go into these two fields.
Introduction to Curatorial Studies
This course introduces and engages students in the observation and consideration of curatorial qualifications, responsibilities and practice, including the broad spectrum of institutional collecting and exhibition presentation. The course positions the curator, their responsibilities and practice, within the larger art world context and introduces students to the essentials of exhibition development and the practical knowledge associated with and necessary for exhibition execution.
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Curation and Coordination: A Practical Experience
This course introduces and engages students in the practical experience of curating and coordinating visual arts exhibitions, including all aspects of gallery operations. Students gain hands-on knowledge of exhibition development, from concept creation and artist selection to design, installation, and event planning. The course emphasizes curatorial responsibilities, communication with artists, marketing strategies, and professional practices necessary for executing exhibitions in both institutional and independent settings. Through field visits, critical analysis, and individual project development, students are positioned to understand curatorial work within the broader art world.
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Art Survey I: Pre-historic-1400
This course introduces the development of world art and visual culture from prehistory to circa 1400 CE, focusing on architecture, painting, sculpture, monuments, and related arts. Through in-depth analysis and comparative cultural study, students explore the social, historical, and religious contexts that shaped artistic production across various civilizations. Emphasizing global awareness and intercultural competency, the course covers key periods and movements, including prehistoric, ancient, and medieval art from regions such as Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, Rome, Mesoamerica, India, China, Japan, Africa, and Europe. Students will develop critical skills in art historical analysis, iconography, stylistic identification, and information literacy while examining how art reflects and influences culture throughout history.
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Art Survey II: 1400-Present
This course provides an in-depth exploration of world art and visual culture from 1400 CE to the present, covering diverse artistic forms such as architecture, painting, sculpture, and monuments. Students will critically analyze key works of art within their social, historical, and religious contexts, gaining a broad understanding of stylistic developments across various cultures and historical periods. The course emphasizes the mastery of art historical terminology, stylistic analysis, multicultural awareness, and the relationship between art and society. By engaging with philosophical movements, cross-cultural aesthetics, and contemporary connections, students will cultivate advanced analytical skills and a nuanced understanding of art’s evolving role in human history. Additionally, students will develop proficiency in information literacy and technology applications for art history research and presentation.
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Art Appreciation
This course introduces students to the critical appreciation and analysis of visual art, emphasizing its relevance in both personal and societal contexts. Students will explore how individuals and cultures influence and interpret artistic expressions, examining art's role in reflecting societal values across time. Through thematic units such as art and the environment, ritual and community, and the art of leaders, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of art's multifaceted nature. Course goals include fostering critical reflection, broadening individual perspectives, and analyzing the cultural context of art, with learning facilitated through interactive discussions, critical thinking exercises, and the study of diverse global artists.
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Curating Contemporary Art
A seminar class that positions the curator, their responsibilities, and practice, within the larger art world context and introduces students to the essentials of exhibition development and the practical knowledge associated with and necessary for exhibition execution.
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