Art & the History of Art 154 - Art/Architecture-India

Fall
2020
01
4.00
Yael Rice
TTH 01:30PM-02:50PM
Amherst College
ARHA-154-01-2021F
ONLI ONLI
yrice@amherst.edu
ARHA-154-01,ARCH-154-01,ASLC-154-01

(Offered as ARHA 154, ARCH 154, and ASLC 154) This introductory course surveys the architecture, painting, sculpture, textiles, decorative arts, and photography of India as well as other parts of the Indian subcontinent—namely Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka—from 2300 B.C. to the present. It considers the role of tradition in the broader history of art in India, but does not see India as "traditional" or unchanging. The Indian sub-continent is the source for multi-cultural civilizations that have lasted and evolved for several thousand years. Its art is as rich and complex as that of Europe, and as diverse. This course attempts to introduce the full range of artistic production in India in relation to the multiple strands that have made the cultural fabric of the sub-continent so rich and long lasting. Films, musical recordings, and museum websites will supplement assigned readings and lectures. No previous background is presumed, and all readings will be available in English.


This remotely taught course will incorporate synchronous and asynchronous community-building small-group activities, cutting-edge digital approaches to the study of architecture and objects, and, when possible, visits to local museum collections. Students who are unable to attend synchronous class meetings will be accommodated. Limited to 25 students. Fall semester. Assistant Professor Rice.

Permission is required for interchange registration during the add/drop period only.