Art History Courses
University of Michigan-Flint current course scedule
ARH 140 History of Graphic Design (3)h
Chronological survey of graphic design through slide lectures. The course will study how graphic design responded to since 1450. Emphasis will be on printed work from 1880 to present and the relationship of that work to other visual arts and design disciplines. Also listed as COM 140.
ARH 215 (115) Photography Survey ENG 112 (3)h
Discussion of the history, aesthetics, and uses of photography. Introduction to black and white photographic processes. Also listed as COM 215.
ARH 241 Modernism At least sophomore standing (3)h
Emergence of the modern movement in theatre and art from the end of the 19th century to the present and the aesthetic characteristics shared by each. Also listed as THE 241.
ARH 299 Topics in Art History Prior or concurrent election of ENG 112 (3)h
Examination of the art done during specific historic periods or artistic movements or by individual artists or groups of artists. May be elected three times for credit.
ARH 308 African and African-American Art At least sophomore standing (3)h
Survey of Africa's art history, from Stone Age to early 20th century; introduction to select group of African-American artists. Lectures, museum visits, hands-on projects, short research paper. Also listed as AFA 308.
ARH 310 Classical Greek and Roman Art At least sophomore standing or consent of instructor (3)h
History of painting, sculpture, and architecture of ancient Greece from the Bronze Age through the Hellenistic period, and ancient Rome from the Republic through the 4th century. History of archaeological excavations of selected sites included.
ARH 311 Renaissance Art At least junior standing or consent of instructor. Previous coursework in art history recommended (3)h
Survey of the art and architecture of Europe from the 14th through the 16th centuries. Early Renaissance, high Renaissance and Mannarist styles considered in relation to their respective intellectual, social and economic milieus.
ARH 312 Northern Renaissance Art Sophomore standing. Previous study in art history or European history recommended (3)
Art of northern Europe from the end of the middle ages through the High Renaissance of the 16th century; oil painting, manuscript illumination, prints, sculpture. Topics include the Humanistic study of classical antiquity; the Protestant doctrine against the Catholic Church; peasant revolts against the nobility, conflict between town and country; the artist as individual; the new role of art patrons.
ARH 315 Impressionism and French Culture At least sophomore standing (3)h
The Impressionist spirit in French painting and life, 1860- 1910, and its influence on painting in other countries.
ARH 331 Artistic Traditions of China and Japan At least junior standing or consent of instructor (3)h
Beginning with archaeological tomb excavations dating to the 11th century B.C., this course examines Chinese painting, sculptural and architectural traditions as well as the philosophical and religious beliefs that are inextricably bound up with Chinese culture. The second half of the semester focuses on Japanese painting, prints, architecture, garden design and decorative arts.
ARH 397 Directed Research: Art History Consent of department chair and instructor (1-3)h
Independent research experience in art history under the direction of an art faculty member. Designed for students studying away from the Flint campus.
ARH 409 History of American Art At least junior standing (3)h
Survey of American art from the colonial days of the early 17th century to the watershed Armory show of 1913. Chronological approach; developments of an American tradition of painting, sculpture, and architecture in the context of social, ideological, and political forces of each period. Primary themes include the nation's search for self-definition and formation of national identity.
ARH 410 Women as Artists At least junior standing (3)h
History of the art produced by women artists, from 1550 to the present. Topics include the historical slighting of women artists, feminist imagery, politics and contemporary feminis criticism. Figures include Gentileschi, Vigee-Lebrun, Kauffman, O'Keefe, Cassatt, Chicago, and Nevelson. Also listed as WGS 410.
ARH 411 Contemporary Global Art (3)h
Exploration of the conceptual development of contemparory making of art, comparing and contrasting Western and non-Western art traditions. Why art is made, the function of art, the development of imagery, technical aspects of the making of art. Influences of colonization, tradition, gender, materials, global communications, and the economy. Art of the trained and untrained, art during times of peace and times of turmoil.
Graduate Course in Art History
ARH 509 History of American Art Graduate standing (3)
See ART 409 for description.