Art History and Appreciation

Welcome


SMCC offers multiple courses in Art History, from the broad span of our Survey of Western Art History courses to topic specific courses like World Art, with a focus on non-western art, and History of Art of the 20th Century. These courses are held at multiple locations throughout Southern Maine, including online sections.
 
In our Art Appreciation program, students can take hybrid courses that offer a mixture of art history, theory, and hands-on studio work. Courses like Art & Society and Art & Culture are unique explorations of the place of art in the human experience, while Introduction of Visual Art is topic-based course that takes a thematic approach.  

Course Descriptions

ARTH 105 Introduction to Visual Art 3 cr.

The class serves as an introduction to the world of visual art. Through the use of a unique thematic approach we will explore topical threads that cross cultural and historical boundaries, leading from cave drawings to the present. Each class will feature a different inspirational theme: memory, structure, humor, etc.; which will be explored through presentations, readings, writings, field trips, and studio projects in a variety of different media. This course is designed for students with little or no experience in visual arts and is not recommended for students who intend to enroll in the Art Concentration.

Prerequisite(s): none

Corequisite(s): none

ARTH 125 Visual Art and Society 3 cr.

This course will explore the many facets where Visual Art and Society collide though lecture, discussion, film and hands-on art making. Topics such as revolution, humanism, dissidents, and public art will be viewed with a global approach through historical and contemporary lenses. Students will develop fundamental art concepts and skills through projects such as creating public art models, photo documentary, and independently guided projects.

Prerequisite(s): none

Corequisite(s): none

ARTH 145 Survey of Western Art History I 3 cr.

Survey of Western Art History is a two-semester sequential survey of Western Art History with a concentration on artistic developments in the context of history, culture, and institutions, as well as visual analysis and technical knowledge. On completion of this course, students will have a basic knowledge of the development of Western Art History, be able to identify and discuss broad topics within the history of art, and relate these studies to studio coursework. Part I covers the following topics: Prehistory, Egypt & the Ancient Near East, the Ancient Aegean, Etruscan, Greek & Roman, Early Christian & Byzantine, Early Medieval, Romanesque & Gothic.

Prerequisite(s): none

Corequisite(s): none

ARTH 155 Survey of Western Art History II 3 cr.

Survey of Western Art History is a two-semester sequential survey of Western Art History with a concentration on artistic developments in the context of history, culture, and institutions, as well as visual analysis and technical knowledge. On completion of this course, students will have a basic knowledge of the development of Western Art History, be able to identify and discuss broad topics within the history of art, and relate these studies to studio coursework. Part II covers the following topics: Late Gothic, Italian & High Renaissance, Mannerism & Northern Renaissance, Southern Baroque, Northern Baroque, Rococo, Neoclassical, Romanticism, Realism, Impressionism & Post-Impressionism, and Modern & Contemporary Art.

Prerequisite(s): ARTH-145

Corequisite(s): none

ARTH 215 History of 20th Century Art 3 cr.

This History of 20th Century Art course is a study and evaluation of the development of Modern Art and Artists. We will trace and uncover the evolution of influences, themes, traditions and contradictions within historical, social, political, technological and religious contexts. Class lectures will include image presentations, movie/film screenings, visiting artists, active discussion, writing exercises, museum and gallery visits. Topics to be covered will include Multimedia, Video Art, Photography, Junk Sculpture, Happenings, Architecture, Installation, Assemblage and Environments, Social Realism, Pop Art, Op Art, Urban Art, Regionalism, Surrealism, Dada, the Bauhaus, de Stijl, Constructivism, Expressionism, Futurism, Fauvism, Cubism, and more as time allows.

Prerequisite(s): ENGL-050, ENGL-075

Corequisite(s): none

ARTH 225 World Art 3 cr.

This survey of Non-Western art and architecture serves as an introduction to the visual cultures of Asia, Oceania, Africa, and Native North and South America. This course will give an overview of the stylistic development and cultural context of the historical artistic production of Non-Western cultures around the world. Themes which unite these various cultures will be discussed, including the ornament of architecture, the importance of visual aids in ceremony and ritual, the creation and use of masks, connection to the landscape, the development of writing methods, and the continuation of art-making traditions. The course will include a focus on those cultures that continue to have some relation on modern and contemporary art history.

Prerequisite(s): ENGL-050, ENGL-075

Corequisite(s): none

ARTH 295 Portfolio Seminar 3 cr.

In the Portfolio Seminar students work to develop artwork and professional materials that meet their individual goals. In addition to ongoing critiques of student work, the class will focus on the development of professional skills, including photographing artwork, building a web presence, and developing of resumes, artist statements and cover letters. Students will learn to research and apply for exhibitions, artist residencies, grants, and jobs within the art field, and explore contemporary issues in art through readings, discussions, and visits to galleries, museums and studios. The course will also feature guest critiques and lectures by local artists and curators. The seminar culminates with a student exhibition, artist talk, and the presentation of a thesis paper. The Portfolio Seminar is required for graduation from the Art Concentration. Prerequisite(s): ARTH-145, ARTH-155, ARTS-130, ARTS-140, ARTS-210 Corequisite(s): none

ARTH 115 Art & Culture 3 cr.

Students will combine studio work with art history as they explore the way art is made and the role art plays in cultures from across the globe. The course will cover a time span from the origins of art in prehistoric cave paintings 20,000 years ago, to contemporary graffiti. Other topics will include Australian Aboriginal painting, African fabric dyeing, Medieval Islamic tiles, Inuit carving, and Japanese ikebana and calligraphy. Students will gain a basic understanding of each culture through readings and films, and by viewing original artifacts wherever possible. Each section of the class will culminate in a hands-on studio project based on the skills, media and ideas of the culture studied. This class is designed for all ability levels. Out of class work will be expected. Prerequisite(s): None

Student Artwork

(images from student exhibitions)