Objects in Context: A Survey of Decorative Arts, Design History, and Material Culture II
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
Bard Graduate Center 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
practicums consist of two parts. Thinking
Objects, led by Teaching Assistants Boxi Liu
and Jeremy Reeves, emphasizes the analysis
of selected objects and readings in historical
and historiographical context. Writing
Objects, led by Helen Polson, Assistant
Professor of Practice in Writing, 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.
3 credits.