Art History 310BA - The Body in Classical Art

This course interrogates the representation of human, divine, and "other" bodies in Classical art. Through the body, we will engage with questions regarding the roles and perceptions of divinities, humans, and "others" in visual culture from both the ancient and contemporary world. We will also unpack ancient attitudes and expectations of males and females, human and the divine, citizens and "others", and engage with questions of ancient perceptions of beauty, masculinity and femininity, and social and sexual normativity and deviation. Through the investigation of the ancient world and a critical engagement with contemporary America, students will develop a deeper appreciation for how representations of the body can communicate essential cultural information for both the past and the present.

This course is open to juniors and seniors; Prereq: 8 credits in art history.