ARTH 470 American Orientalism, Then and Now (Not offered 2006-2007; to be offered 2007-2008)*
"Orientalism," according to Edward Said, refers to asymmetrical relationships
between "East" and "West" by which the latter represents and controls the former. This course is about the visual manifestations of those dynamics as they
exist between the United States and the Islamic world during the period from
1870 to the present; during this period, America emerged on the world stage,
consumer culture coalesced and the mechanical reproduction of images became
a formative force in American visuality. With reference to painting, photography, film, advertising and fashion, we will explore the American Orientalism as
it changes over time in response to social and political circumstance.
Students will be working with two exhibitions at WCMA and will be expected
to produce a major term project.
Prerequisites: ArtH 101-102. Enrollment limit: 12.
Satisfies the non-Western requirement.