Objects in Context: A Survey of Decorative Arts, Design History, and Material Culture I
This
two-semester, team-taught course introduces incoming students to major
historical developments in decorative arts, design, and material culture from
antiquity to the present. Monday evening lectures by BGC faculty and visiting
specialists examine selected objects from cultures across the globe as examples
of significant forms, materials, technologies, styles, designers, makers, and
patterns of use and consumption. Tuesday afternoon practicum sections consist
of two parts. Thinking Objects, led by the Teaching Assistants, emphasizes
analysis of selected objects and readings in historical and historiographical
context. Writing Objects, led by Helen Polson, provides instruction in
effective graduate-level writing through practical exercises and workshop
sessions on writing issues. By the end of the year, students will have
developed a working historical and visual vocabulary of significant objects and
spaces, enhanced skills of written expression, and a better awareness of the
areas and questions they might pursue at Bard Graduate Center and beyond.
Required of all entering MA students, and PhD students who have not taken a
course deemed comparable. 3 credits.