Chair of Art Humanities: Prof. Holger Klein, 903 Schermerhorn Hall; (212) 854-4505
Humanities
W1121: Masterpieces of Western art. “Art Humanities’’ has been a degree requirement for all College students and an integral part of the Core Curriculum since 1947. It teaches students how to look at, think about, and engage in critical discussion of the visual arts. It is not a historical survey, but an analytical study of a limited number of monuments and artists. The course focuses on the formal structure of works of architecture, sculpture, painting, and other media, as well as the historical contexts in which these works were made and understood. Among the topics included in the syllabus are the Parthenon, Amiens Cathedral, and works by Raphael, Michelangelo, Bruegel, Bernini, Rembrandt, Goya, Monet, Picasso, Wright, Le Corbusier, Pollock, and Warhol. In addition to discussion-based class meetings, all sections of Art Humanities make extensive use of the vast resources of New York City through field trips to museums, buildings, and monuments. A sophisticated Web site is an integral part of the course and can be viewed at http://www.mcah.columbia.edu/arthumanities/.
Registration Procedure
All information concerning registration in HUMA W1121 is included
in the registration materials sent to students. It is the expectation of the College that all students complete Art Humanities by the end of their third year.
On-Line Resources
COURSE OF INSTRUCTION
HUMA W1121 or y Masterpieces of Western art
3 pts. Discussion and analysis of the artistic qualities and significance of selected works of painting, sculpture, and architecture from the Parthenon in Athens to works of the 20th century.
