The twentieth century has been called by E.H. Gombrich the "age of images." Film, television, satellites, and now the Internet have allowed the mass distribution of images to almost every person on the planet. How have pictures and politics-the struggle to define government policy, to seize and maintain power, to influence events-intertwined, colluded, and collided during these revolutions in visual technology? We will examine issues and events related to the impact, alleged and real, of visual images on public opinion, government policy making, and the discourse of elite power holders. While we will favor the study of modern electronically produced images, we will also examine issues related to "high art" and folk culture. Of particular interest will be famous images or icons of entertainment, news, and art which have been credited as having a powerful influence on political opinion and actions. Enrollment limit: 15. Preference given to graduate students in the history of art.

Hour: PERLMUTTER