USSY 264 - Censorship and Iconoclasm

Institution:

Case Western Reserve University

Subject:

Description:

How are new symbols created out of the ashes of the old? In this seminar we explore the history and interpretation of the destruction of images. We will consider several diverse world historical case studies: from Byzantium and the Reformation to Islamic art, the Modernist avant gardes, and attacks against monuments during the fall of the Soviet and apartheid ideologies in Russia and South Africa. We will read classic theoretical texts on the question of iconoclasm, and examine the connections between a number of categories of the "Image" that often share symbolic destruction as one of their important aspects: propaganda, pornography, avant-gard art, and censorship. We will also explore how destruction is integral to the creation of new symbols, new ideas, and new ideologies. This seminar is reading-and writing-intensive. It is a student-led reading group whose object is to understand the symbolic life of destructive acts and the destructive life of symbolism. Individual students will be responsible for introducing readings and initiating class discussion several times during the semester. Prereq: Passing letter grade in a 100 level first year seminar in USFS, FSSY, FSCC, FSNA, FSSO or FSCS. Prereq or Coreq: FSTS 100

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.case.edu

Phone Number:

(216) 368-2000

Regional Accreditation:

North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Semester

The Course Profile information is provided and updated by third parties including the respective institutions. While the institutions are able to update their information at any time, the information is not independently validated, and no party associated with this website can accept responsibility for its accuracy.