ART 124 - Women Artists in History

Credits: 5
LEC hours per week: 5
An exploration of women artists, both historical and contemporary, and the issues, themes, and media that pertain to their experiences as women in art. Women as art patrons, writers, and as subject matter are also considered. Student may not earn credit for both ART 124 and GWST 124.
Prerequisite(s): Students may not earn credit for both ART 124 and GWST 124.
Recommended: READ 088 or higher.
Course Outcomes:

Articulate effects of social, cultural, and historical contexts on the lives and work of women artists.
Explain and apply major terms, vocabulary, methods, concepts, and theories relevant to art.
Apply research tools in exploring the life, work, influences, and themes of a particular woman artist or group of artists.
Explain the significance of the life and work of a woman artist or group of artists.
Extrapolate issues faced by women artists to a broader awareness of the human condition and tolerance for differences.
Articulate challenges faced by women artists and discuss how they overcame them.
Demonstrate ethical and responsible use of media and information.

Course Topics:

Ideas of discrimination, limitation of opportunity, authority and cultural norms. Focus on gender issues in the art world and “the male gaze,” both historical and current.
Historic overview of women artists from medieval times to the present. Focus is on western European and American artists due to time constraints. Students are encouraged to go beyond the scope of the class and explore additional cultures in their individual projects.
Basic art vocabulary and its application to works studied.
Art media as used by women artists and how the medium affects the message.
Themes such as politics, race, spirituality, self, and nature, and their importance to women artists (themes may vary from quarter to quarter).
Ethical and responsible use of media and information.

Course Attribute(s): Diversity, Humanities