FINA-A 400 Senior Seminar on Historiography

Instructor: Julie Van Voorhis

Lecture: Tuesday, Thursday 1:00pm-2:30pm

Course Description:

This course will examine the development of art history and its methods through a close reading of major art historical texts from the Western tradition dating from Roman antiquity to the present. These texts will be explored both as products of their own time and culture, and as examples of art historical methods that are still in use today. Students will be expected to read significant art historical texts and commentaries, lead (and participate in) class discussion, and write citical evaluations of the texts and their application to art historical practice. In addition, each student will conduct a research project that will culminate in an oral presentation and paper. 

What is the Main Assignment?

Critical Responses to Reading (Journal) (40%)

You will be expected to write a critical response to the reading(s) for each class meeting. These responses should be written prior to the class in which the reading is discussed. Each response should be a minimum of one and not more than two pages in length, typed and double-spaced. You should purchase a small three-ring binder or folder in which to keep all of your responses, as you will be expected to submit the full journal each time it is due. You will be provided with several questions or issues about each set of readings to use as a starting point for your discussion. In class one or two students will be asked at random to share their responses, so preparation is vital. 

Presentation and Annotated Bibliography (20%)

Each student will prepare a 15-minute presentation exploring a "masterpiece" of his/her choice. This presentation should summarize and evaluate the research of art historians working from different historical and methodological perspectives. An annotated bibliography of the most important research pertaining to your artwork will be due on the day of your presentation.

Research Paper based on Presentation (30%)

A 10-15 page paper expanding upon the ideas you presented will be due at the end of the semester. This paper should take into account the comments of your peers and the advice provided in your conference with me.

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