DES 212 - African Art and Design

This course provides an introduction to the rich, diverse, and inspiring world of African art. We will examine the varied ways that African art has shaped and been shaped by the histories and cultural values of different African peoples, both in the past and during the present day. This course will strengthen the student’s ability to critically assess the role of art in Africa for the people who produce and use it, and will provide an understanding of the role of African art in the West for the people who collect, exhibit, view, and study it. Towards this end, we will look at diverse art forms, such as sculpture, painting, ceramics, masquerade, dance, literature, feature film, documentary film, and other forms of popular culture. We will also visit art museums and galleries in order to experience African art firsthand. Topics of study will include social political, religious, philosophical, gendered, and aesthetic practices.

Credits 1

Notes
Cross listed with ARTH 212.

Area
Humanities

Connection
23001

Division
Arts and Humanities

Foundation
Beyond the West

Compass Attributes
Global Honors, Humanities, Taylor and Lane Scholars, Writing