Undergraduate Bulletin

Fall 2024

ARH: Art History

ARH 106: Art & Science

An introduction to the complex relationship between art and science: their intertwined histories, values, technologies, and ways of interpreting the natural world. Analysis of specific visual and textual examples, as well as engagement of broader social and cultural concerns. Develops critical and creative thinking skills crucial for both the sciences and humanities.

SBC:     ARTS

3 credits

ARH 107: Art and Medicine

An introduction to the intersections of visual art and medicine from antiquity to today. The course develops skills in observation, analysis, empathy, and self-reflection through the study of the medical body in visual art and the role of art in health care. Topics of study include anatomical imagery, medical illustration, dissection and display of human remains, gender and women's health, the representation of medicine as a profession, art activism, and art therapy.

SBC:     ARTS

3 credits

ARH 201: Arts of Africa

An introduction to the arts of Africa from pre-colonial times to the present. These arts are examined within their social and cultural contexts in the service of politics, leadership and social integration, as objects of ritual and religious practice, and as evidence of aesthetic choices and individual achievements.

DEC:     D
SBC:     ARTS, GLO

3 credits

ARH 202: Arts of the Ancient World

An introduction to the history of art with a focus on the Ancient Mediterranean World from the Neolithic to the rise of Islam. Works of art from this region are studied within the context of contemporaneous developments elsewhere in the world, as individual monuments with intrinsic aesthetic appeal and as expressions of the needs, ideals, and aspirations of the particular society and historical context within which they were created. Not for credit in addition to ARH 101.

DEC:     D
SBC:     ARTS

3 credits

ARH 203: Arts of Asia

A general course on Far Eastern art covering India, China, and Japan from its beginnings to the present. Emphasis is on the major arts of painting and sculpture, with some reference to architecture.

DEC:     J
SBC:     ARTS, GLO

3 credits

ARH 204: Arts of Europe and the Americas

An introduction to the history of art in Europe and the Americas with a focus on the transition from Medieval times through the Renaissance and Baroque in Europe. Works of art are studied both as individual monuments with intrinsic aesthetic appeal and as expressions of the needs, ideals, and aspirations of the particular society within which they were created. Not for credit in addition to ARH 102.

DEC:     D
SBC:     ARTS

3 credits

ARH 205: Introduction to Architecture & Design

An introduction to the discipline of architecture through various interpretations of its technological and cultural functions. Focusing on the history of architecture's engagement with engineering, anthropology, sociology, and politics, this course explores changing conceptions of the nature and the task of architecture.

DEC:     G
SBC:     ARTS, TECH

3 credits

ARH 206: Modern Art

An introduction to the history of modern art, beginning with French Rococo and concluding with themes and concerns of a globally interconnected art world. Particular attention will be given to the rise of Modernism in Europe, the role of artists and artistic movements in social and political change, and the relationship of contemporary artistic practice to technology, social media and visual culture.

DEC:     D
SBC:     ARTS

3 credits

ARH 207: Digital Media: History/Theory

An introduction to historical and theoretical issues in digital media. Following discussion of basic concepts in studying digital media, the course focuses on examining the history of computer technologies, and their theoretical implications and cultural ramifications in the present.

DEC:     D
SBC:     ARTS, TECH

3 credits

ARH 208: History of Photography

A historical survey of the technical, theoretical, and aesthetic development of black-and-white and color still photography and its close interrelationship with the evolution of modern art.

DEC:     G
SBC:     ARTS

3 credits

ARH 209: Arts of the United States

An introduction to the history of painting, sculpture, and architecture in the United States from the late colonial period to World War II. Particular emphasis will be given to understanding art's changing forms and meanings and its relationship to crucial themes and developments in American history: the impact of national expansion, for example, and of immigration, urbanization, and modernization more generally. The course will also focus on the varied images of American society created by artists of diverse class, racial, and ethnic backgrounds.

DEC:     K
SBC:     ARTS, USA

3 credits

ARH 210: The Art and Technology of Film

An introduction to film and video art technologies within modern and contemporary art practice. Surveys canonical works in experimental film, artist's television, video installation and artist's cinema from the 1910s to the present, situating these works in relation to larger movements in the visual and performing arts, and to the changing conventions of mainstream film and television.

DEC:     D
SBC:     ARTS, TECH

3 credits

ARH 299: Gallery Management Workshop

Hands-on experience with gallery administration including development of practical skills in nonprofit gallery and museum work. Course involves in-person work in the Zuccaire Gallery as well as readings and short written assignments focused on art gallery and museum curating, public programs and marketing. May be repeated twice.

Prerequisite: one ARH course

SBC:     ARTS, EXP+

1 credit, S/U grading

ARH 300: Greek Art and Architecture

The study of ancient Greek art and architecture from the earliest beginnings in the geometric period through the archaic, classical, and Hellenistic periods.

Prerequisite: ARH 202

DEC:     I
SBC:     HFA+

3 credits

ARH 301: Roman Art and Architecture

The study of ancient Roman art and architecture from the Republic through the Constantinian period in Italy and the greater Roman world.

Prerequisite: ARH 202

DEC:     I
SBC:     HFA+

3 credits

ARH 302: Ancient Egyptian Art

Survey of art and architecture of ancient Egypt from the development of the first monumental art and architecture (c. 3000 B.C.) through the Early Christian era (c. 300 A.D.) focusing on culturally specific concepts of representation and aesthetics and the status and purposes of ancient Egyptian arts. The role of patronage, the uses of art and architecture in cult, in temples, and in tombs, and the relationship of art and politics are considered, along with the question of the place of Egyptian art within the development of world art and the concept of Egypt as the African origins of Western civilization.

Prerequisite: ARH 202

DEC:     J
SBC:     HFA+

3 credits

ARH 306: Italian Renaissance Art

An introduction to art in Italy from the late 13th through the late 16th centuries, with special emphasis on major centers, such as Florence, Rome, and Venice, and major figures such as Masaccio, Donatello, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Titian. This course offered as both ARH 306 and HUI 306.

Prerequisite: U3 or U4 status

Advisory Prerequisite: ARH 204

DEC:     I
SBC:     HFA+

3 credits

ARH 308: Writing About Art

An advanced topics course with a focus on research, analytical skills and writing about art. Students analyze essays by different artists, scholars, and critics about a central topic before selecting and developing their own related topic to research. The final project is a research paper that begins with a thesis statement and outline, includes several drafts, peer review, and a final product. This course is offered as both ARH 308 and ARS 308.

Prerequisite: ARH or ARS major/minor or permission of instructor

SBC:     WRTD

3 credits

ARH 315: Art of Spain and Colonial Latin America

An overview of painting, sculpture, and architecture in Spain and colonial Latin America during the 16th and 17th centuries. Topics of particular study include the arrival of the Renaissance in Spain, traditions of hyper-realistic wooden sculpture, trade and artistic exchange in the Spanish global empire, manuscript and mural painting in the Americas, and cathedral and palace architecture in Mexico and Peru; special attention will be paid to the works of Ribera, Zurbarán, Velázquez, Pedro de Mena, and Luisa Roldán.

Prerequisite: U3 or U4 status

Advisory Prerequisite: ARH 204

DEC:     G
SBC:     HFA+

3 credits

ARH 316: Italian Baroque Art

A study of the visual culture of Counter Reformation Italy, with particular emphasis on the painting, sculpture, and architecture of seventeenth century Rome. Topics include the Carracci reform of painting, the rise of naturalism, Caravaggism, the development of illusionistic painting, and developments in science and the arts. Particular emphasis is given to the work of Caravaggio, Annibale Carracci, Bernini, Borromini, Guido Reni, Artemisia Gentileschi, Salvator Rosa, Pietro da Cortona and Andrea Sacchi.

Prerequisite: U3 or U4 status

Advisory Prerequisite: ARH 204

DEC:     I
SBC:     HFA+

3 credits

ARH 317: Islamic Art

Art and architecture in the Islamic world from ca. 600 A.D. to the present, introducing the varied traditions of the arts of the Islamic world, from Spain and Morocco to the Indian subcontinent. Consideration of both religious and secular art and architecture in their historical and cultural contexts with emphasis on the development of Islamic forms of visual representation.

Prerequisite: one ARH course or permission of the instructor

DEC:     J
SBC:     HFA+

3 credits

ARH 322: American Art Since 1947

A survey of painting and sculpture in New York, including abstract expressionism, hard edge painting, pop art, minimal art, earthworks, protest art, and postmodernism.

Prerequisite: ARH 206

DEC:     G
SBC:     HFA+

3 credits

ARH 323: History and Methods of Art History

Seminar designed to engage students with the history and methods of art history. Through close readings of key texts and discussions, the course explores issues raised by aesthetics, iconography, formalism, the social history of art, as well as the impact of semiotics, feminism, psychoanalysis, and post-modernism on the discipline of art history. Formerly offered as ARH 420. Not for credit in addition to ARH 420.

Prerequisite: one ARH course or permission of the instructor

SBC:     ESI, SPK

3 credits

ARH 325: Ancient Middle Eastern Art

Survey of the art and architecture of ancient Mesopotamia from the establishment of the first cities and the development of the first monumental architecture (c. 3300 B.C.) through the Hellenistic conquest. Focus on concepts of representation and aesthetics and their uses in politics, private rituals, and state cults.

Prerequisite: ARH 202

DEC:     J
SBC:     GLO, HFA+

3 credits

ARH 326: Arts of Ancient Mesoamerica

A survey of the artistic and cultural achievements of the major civilizations of Central America prior to the European conquest. Emphasis is on architectural and sculptural art forms and the ritual, social, and political contexts within which they were created.

Prerequisite: one ARH course or permission of the instructor

DEC:     J
SBC:     HFA+

3 credits

ARH 328: Exhibiting Africa

An exploration of the way African art has been exhibited in museum and other contexts in the West. We begin with the historical background of colonial expositions and then examine the range of contexts in which African art appears, from art museums to galleries to natural history museums. We also discuss a number of groundbreaking and controversial exhibitions, and we end with reviews of recent Biennales and Arts Festivals. We may also review several permanent and special exhibitions currently on display in Manhattan and the greater Metropolitan area.

Prerequisite: U3 or U4 status

SBC:     CER, SPK

3 credits

ARH 329: Arts of the African Diaspora

A study of the arts of the African Diaspora from the African continent to Brazil, Surinam, the Caribbean, and the United States. Emphasis is on the full range of art forms, including not only sculptural and performance traditions, but also textiles, basketry, and other crafts. Cultural continuities, spiritual belief, and significant changes in context, meaning, style, and technology are examined. This course is offered as both AFH 339 and ARH 329.

Prerequisite: one ARH course or one AFH course

DEC:     G
SBC:     HFA+

3 credits

ARH 330: Public Art and Urban Design in New York City

Explores the history of public arts and urban built environments in New York City, from the mid-nineteenth century to the present day. The city itself will be a key resource, and the course will involve site visits to a number of key monuments, institutions, and other locales. The focus of study will include statues, memorials, plaques, parks, and street furniture, and the people, institutions, and events that produced them. Drawing on perspectives from art history, American Studies, and urban and social history, the course will consider the impact of such developments as war, immigration and urbanization, political reconfigurations and commercial expansion, ethnic, racial, and interpersonal conflict, tourism, and terrorism.

Prerequisite: ARH 209

DEC:     G
SBC:     HFA+

3 credits

ARH 333: Arts for the Public

The history of efforts to develop forms of artistic work that engage broad audiences of citizens and consumers. Examination of a range of enterprises spanning the century, including monuments, murals, animated cartoons, propaganda, and the Web. Drawing on perspectives from art history, social history, and cultural studies, the course considers developments throughout the 20th century in the United States such as urbanization, political and business expansion, class and racial conflict, war, and technological innovation, in relation to art work.

Prerequisite: one ARH course

DEC:     K
SBC:     CER, USA

3 credits

ARH 334: Performance Art I: The European Avant-Garde

This course explores the history and theory of avant-garde performance from its inception in the early 20th century through Surrealism. Questions addressed focus on the choices made by artists, and the forces within the culture that encourage the forms they use. Course projects include a performance that reconstructs an event from one of the periods studied and a term paper. This course is offered as both ARH 334 and THR 334.

Prerequisites: U3 or U4 standing; one ARH, ARS, MUS, or THR course

DEC:     G
SBC:     HFA+

3 credits

ARH 336: The Computer and the Arts

An introduction to historical and theoretical issues in computational art. Following discussion of basic concepts in studying digital media, the course focuses on examining the history of computer technologies as they intersect with the arts and the theoretical, cultural and aesthetic ramifications of this intersection.

Prerequisite: ARH 207

DEC:     H
SBC:     STAS

3 credits

ARH 339: The Art and Science of Astronomy

This interdisciplinary course examines how art and science relate in efforts to understand and visualize the cosmos. It traces how discoveries in astronomy and astrophysics have correlated with specific visual technologies and visual techniques, ranging from telescope observations through astrophotography to computational simulations. It explores how aesthetic strategies structure scientific practices of observation and representation, as well as how artists draw on scientific methods and images for creative experimentation. It asks how the mutual influence between science and art shapes the norms and assumptions of both, changing how we image and imagine what exists beyond the limits of ordinary perception.

Prerequisite: one previous ARH, ARS, AST, or PHY course

Advisory prerequisite: either ARH 106 or 107

SBC:     STAS

3 credits

ARH 344: Performance Art II: World War II to the Present

This course explores the history and theory of performance art from World War II to the present, using an international perspective to identify different forms and practices from Happenings to Body Art and the introduction of new technologies. Questions addressed focus on the choices made by artists, and the forces within the culture that encourage the forms they use. Course projects include developing a site specific performance and a term paper. This course is offered as both ARH 344 and THR 344.

Prerequisites: U3 or U4 standing; one ARH, ARS, MUS, or THR course

Advisory Prerequisite: ARH/THR 334

DEC:     G
SBC:     HFA+

3 credits

ARH 346: Art and Politics in the Age of Revolution

A survey of European art from about 1790 to 1850, stressing artistic attitudes as well as a progression of styles. A special effort is made to view art in historical and cultural context. A principal theme is the development of the modern artistic ideology through ideals such as genius, originality, and the sublime, all of which emerge in the context of a series of political revolutions going from 1789 to 1848. Conflict between the aesthetic and the political, the personal and the public, the traditional and the modern will be explored. Major artists treated are: David, Goya, Fuessli, Blake, Runge, Friedrich, Constable, Ingres, Gericault, Delacroix, Turner, Courbet. Not for credit in addition to ARH 341.

Prerequisite: ARH 206

DEC:     I
SBC:     HFA+

3 credits

ARH 347: Avant-Garde Art: Realism, Impressionism, Post-Impressionism

An examination of the origins of the avant-garde in European painting and its revolutionary developments from Impressionism through Post Impressionism. The course explores the social, political, and cultural roots of the artists who overturned conservative traditions in favor of modern values and thus established the basis and direction for the art of our time. Conflicts between the aesthetic and the political, the personal and the public, the traditional and the modern will be explored. Social relationships, including those of class and gender, are also embedded in works claiming objective naturalism. Major artists treated are Manet, Degas, Monet, Renoir, Pissarro, Seurat, Van Gogh, Gauguin and Cezanne. Not for credit in addition to ARH 341.

Prerequisite: ARH 206

DEC:     I
SBC:     HFA+

3 credits

ARH 348: Contemporary Art

A survey of art from 1980 to the present. Topics include Site-Specificity, Biennial Cultures, Art Markets, Video Art, Performance, Institutional Critique, Art and Technology, Appropriation, Collectivity and Globalization.

Prerequisite: ARH 206 or ARH 207

DEC:     G
SBC:     DIV, HFA+

3 credits

ARH 350: Museum Studies

This museum seminar is designed to introduce the students to the study of museums from their inception in the 18th century in western Europe, as part of the obsessive natural history collections to exploring the evolving role of art museums in a global society. We begin with a review of collecting as a personal obsession to a profession to our examination of the rapidly changing social, political and economic environments is forcing museums to reconfigure themselves and embrace new roles. To this end, we will examine both the creation of these institutions as cultural trendsetters, by the middle of 19th century, and explore how a successful exhibition may help shape societal and cultural concerns with respect to public attitudes towards art. This class will investigate a range of topical issues and processes within the context of cultural change. Formerly offered as ARH 406. Not for credit in addition to ARH 406.

Prerequisite: U3 or U4 status

SBC:     CER, SPK

3 credits

ARH 355: Modern and Contemporary Korean Art

An examination of the rich development of arts and visual culture in modern and contemporary Korea, from the late 19th century to the early 21th century, including critical discourses of colonial modernity, nationalism, democracy, and globalization as well as art movements, individual artists, and various modalities of visuality. The mediums and genres to be discussed may include: ethnographic photography, war photography, illustrations, oil and ink painting, abstract painting, protest art, sculpture, installation, public art, video art and film.

Prerequisite: U3 or U4 standing; one ARH course or two AAS courses

Advisory Prerequisite: ARH 206 and ARH 203

DEC:     G
SBC:     GLO, HFA+

3 credits

ARH 390: Topics in European Art

Past topics have included titles such as Mythology in Art; European Popular Art; and Italian Renaissance Sculpture. Designed for upper-division students, this course provides an in-depth study of a specific topic relating to Western civilization. Students will be expected to demonstrate knowledge of the development of the distinctive features of the history, institutions, economy, society, and culture of Western civilization, and relate it to that of other regions in the world. May be repeated as the topic changes.

Prerequisite: one ARH course

DEC:     I
SBC:     HFA+

3 credits

ARH 391: Topics in Global Art

An in-depth exploration of a particular theme, movement or approach to transcultural artistic forms and practices. May be repeated for credit as the topic changes.

Prerequisites: U3 or U4 standing; one ARH course

DEC:     G
SBC:     GLO, HFA+

3 credits

ARH 392: Topics in Modern Art

An in-depth exploration of particular themes related to the theories and practices of modern art between 1850 and 1950, including such topics as: avant-garde art movements, color theories and practices, Modernism, the influence of science, technology, and industry on art making, Utopian beliefs, art criticism, and the role of fine and applied art within sociopolitical movements. Specific topics will primarily focus on European and American art, though the ideas and practices from other geographical regions may also be discussed. May be repeated for credit as course topic changes.

Prerequisite: ARH 206 and U3 or U4 standing

DEC:     G
SBC:     HFA+

3 credits

ARH 393: Topics in Middle Eastern Art

An in-depth exploration of particular themes within the field of Middle Eastern art, that may include topics on ancient art from Mesopotamia to Rome, and/or on contemporary Middle Eastern artists, artistic forms and practices. May be repeated for credit as course topic changes.

Prerequisite: U3 or U4 standing; one ARH course

DEC:     G
SBC:     GLO, HFA+

3 credits

ARH 394: Topics in Asian Art

An in-depth exploration of a particular theme within the field of Asian art, that may include topics on ancient arts or contemporary artists, movements and cultural practices. May be repeated for credit as the topic changes. This course is offered as both AAS 394 and ARH 394.

Prerequisite: U3 or U4 standing; one ARH course or two AAS courses

DEC:     J
SBC:     GLO, HFA+

3 credits

ARH 395: Topics in Visual Culture

Examines issues in the interdisciplinary field of visual culture. Explores the dynamic state of visual media in contemporary life and their historical origins, seeking interrelationships between art and film, science and technology, mass media and digital culture. May be repeated for credit as the topic changes.

Prerequisite: one ARH course or one CCS course

DEC:     H
SBC:     ESI, STAS

3 credits

ARH 396: Topics in American Art

Topics in U.S. art, placed within a broad historical context, including social, political, economic, and cultural history and institutions. Topics may include gender issues in art history, American art from colonial to the present.

Prerequisites: U3 or U4 standing; one ARH course

DEC:     K
SBC:     HFA+

3 credits

ARH 397: Topics in Photography

Develop an advanced understanding of one or more key periods, genres, or styles of photographic practice by means of an intensive examination of exemplary works, and an exploration of the broader social, political and cultural histories with which they are intertwined.

Prerequisite: any 200-level ARH course and U3 or U4 standing

Advisory Prerequisite: ARH 208

DEC:     G
SBC:     HFA+

3 credits

ARH 398: Topics in Film and Video Art

An in-depth exploration of particular artists, ideas, and/or movements within the field of experimental film and video art, building on the broad survey provided in ARH 210. May be repeated for credit as course topic changes.

Prerequisite: ARH 210 and U3 or U4 standing

Advisory Prerequisite: ARH 206, EGL 220

DEC:     G
SBC:     HFA+

3 credits

ARH 400: Seminar in Art History and Criticism

An advanced seminar for juniors and seniors that prepares students for continued study or work in the fields of art history, criticism, museum studies and other related areas. May be repeated as the topic changes.

Prerequisites: U3 or U4 standing; two additional ARH courses

SBC:     ESI, WRTD

3 credits

ARH 407: Seminar in Media/Art/Culture

An advanced seminar for juniors and seniors that prepares students for continued study or work in the fields of media, art, culture and technology and other related areas. May be repeated as the topic changes.

Prerequisite: permission of the instructor; enrollment in the Media/Art/Culture major

3 credits

ARH 444: Experiential Learning

This course is designed for students who engage in a substantial, structured experiential learning activity in conjunction with another class. Experiential learning occurs when knowledge acquired through formal learning and past experience are applied to a "real-world" setting or problem to create new knowledge through a process of reflection, critical analysis, feedback and synthesis. Beyond-the-classroom experiences that support experiential learning may include: service learning, mentored research, field work, or an internship.

Prerequisite: WRT 102 or equivalent; permission of the instructor and approval of the EXP+ contract (http://sb.cc.stonybrook.edu/bulletin/current/policiesandregulations/degree_requirements/EXPplus.php)

SBC:     EXP+

0 credit, S/U grading

ARH 458: Speak Effectively Before an Audience

A zero credit course that may be taken in conjunction with any arh course that provides opportunity to achieve the learning outcomes of the Stony Brook Curriculum's SPK learning objective.

Pre- or corequisite: WRT 102 or equivalent; permission of the instructor

SBC:     SPK

0 credit, S/U grading

ARH 459: Write Effectively in Art History

A zero credit course that may be taken in conjunction with any 300- or 400-level ARH course, with permission of the instructor. The course provides opportunity to practice the skills and techniques of effective academic writing and satisfies the learning outcomes of the Stony Brook Curriculum's WRTD learning objective.

Prerequisite: WRT 102; permission of the instructor

SBC:     WRTD

0 credit, S/U grading

ARH 475: Undergraduate Teaching Practicum I

Work with a faculty member as an assistant in one of the faculty member's regularly scheduled classes. The student is required to attend all the classes, do all the regularly assigned work, and meet with the faculty member at regularly scheduled times to discuss the intellectual and pedagogical matters relating to the course.

Prerequisite: ARH major, sponsorship of instructor and permission of department

SBC:     EXP+

3 credits, S/U grading

ARH 476: Undergraduate Teaching Practicum II

Work with a faculty member as an assistant in one of the faculty member's regularly scheduled classes. The student is required to attend all the classes, do all the regularly assigned work, and meet with the faculty member at regularly scheduled times to discuss the intellectual and pedagogical matters relating to the course. In ARH 476, students assume greater responsibility in such areas as leading discussions and analyzing results of tests that have already been graded. Students may not serve as teaching assistants in the same course twice.

Prerequisite: ARH 475, permission of department

SBC:     EXP+

3 credits, S/U grading

ARH 485: Projects in Art History and Criticism in New York City

Independent work, under the supervision of a faculty member, investigating work or works from a particular style or period in New York City.

Prerequisites: two ARH courses; sponsorship of instructor and permission of department

SBC:     EXP+

0-6 credits

ARH 487: Independent Reading and Research in Art

May be repeated up to a maximum of 12 credits.

Prerequisite: sponsorship of instructor and permission of department

0-6 credits

ARH 488: Internship

Participation in the work of galleries, museums, arts agencies, and art historical societies. Students are required to submit written progress reports and a final report of their experiences to the faculty coordinator and the department. May be repeated up to a limit of 12 credits, but no more than six credits may count toward the major in art history/criticism and no more than three credits may count toward the major in studio art.

Prerequisite: sponsorship of instructor and permission of department

SBC:     EXP+

0-6 credits, S/U grading

ARH 495: Senior Honors Project in Art History and Criticism

A one-semester project for art history and criticism majors who are candidates for the degree with departmental honors.

Prerequisite: Art History major; sponsorship of instructor and permission of department

SBC:     EXP+

3 credits