Anthropology 206 - Anthropology of Art

Institution:

Haverford College

Subject:

Description:

SO L.Hart This course looks at the social and cultural foundations of a category of things referred to as "art." We examine the properties of these things and of the people who make, trade, exhibit, and look at art, and ask why they (we) do that. This involves a) understanding, and making theory about, the general development of the concept and uses of "art" in European civilization, as well how and why objects from "exotic" (that is, colonized) societies (in particular Africa, Native America, and Australia) have been identified and collected as a particular kind of art ("primitive art") and b) exploring the "power of images" in diverse societies and social contexts. These questions allow us to challenge our received conceptions of what art is and does and to broaden our understanding of human creativity beyond conventional notions of art, taste, and value, and power. Prerequisite: One course in Anthropology or consent of the instructor. Typically offered in alternate years.

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.haverford.edu

Phone Number:

(610) 896-1000

Regional Accreditation:

Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Semester

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