Courses

Influence of philosophy and early systems of psychology on contemporary views. Examination of British empiricism, structuralism, Gestalt psychology, behaviorism, and psychoanalytic theory.

Study of painting and sculpture in America in 1945 to the present with background information concerning development of styles and movements in art in the 20th century. Lectures, discussions, slides, gallery and museum visits.

Study of painting & sculpture in America in 1945 to the present with background information concerning development of styles & movements in art in the 20th century. Lectures, discussions, slides, gallery & museum visits.

This umbrella course focuses on specific time periods, technological developments and cultural contexts relevant to understanding the development of digital computing technology over the course of the 20th century and into the 21st. This course familiarizes students with the social forces and techno-cultural innovations
that shaped the computing industry. Specific themes may include: personal computing; Cold War computing; computing and globalization; the quantified self; computational aesthetics; artificial intelligence and machine learning; computing and gender.

This course focuses on technological developments and cultural contexts relevant to understanding the development of digital computing technology. The course familiarizes students with the social forces and technocultural innovations that shaped the personal computing industry, and uses primary documents, academic history and critical theory to contextualize and problematize popular frameworks of technological progress and challenge narratives of computing's inevitability.

This course surveys developments in contemporary visual arts since the '60s, from Conceptual Art to Land Art and Art and Activism through to Globalism of the '90s and early 2000s, including developments in performance art, dance, film, photography, and new media in the history of the arts.

Traces the evolution of dress from early body practices to the rise of consumer culture during the 18th century through topics including clothing as signifier of status and morality; the mechanics of the clothing trades and the impact of technology; trends and personalities; the politicization of dress during the French Revolution. The class considers the materiality of clothing and accessories and the relationship between dress and the body. Through lectures, discussions, and projects students are encouraged to seek their individual concentration in the field.

Photography is an indispensable component of fashion. It is both a persuasive tool
for selling clothing and accessories and a record of artistic movements, expressions of beauty, gender and social trends. This course traces the development of fashion photography in relation to contemporary fashion, aesthetic influence, photographic styles and techniques, cultural customs and commercial needs. It begins in the 1920s with the growth of periodicals devoted to fashion and continues through the work of the present day.

Traces the development of fashion photography in relation to contemporary fashion, aesthetic influence, photographic styles and techniques, cultural customs and commercial needs. Fashion photography is more than a medium dedicated to commerce: it is a record of artistic movements, ideals of beauty, and social trends. The course begins in the early 20th century with the growth of periodicals devoted to fashion and continues through the work of the present day.

Discussions of selected topics in the social and intellectual history of higher education in America since 1750.Integration of educational policies and functions, with attention to limitations of educational responsibility, development of institutional structures, changing modes for gaining and imparting knowledge, and the social prerogatives and initiatives variously assigned to an educated class.

This course introduces students to key concepts in the history of media and communication, and to the stakes of historical inquiry. Rather than tracing a necessarily selective historical arc from alphabet to Internet or from cave painting to coding, the course is organized around an exploration of case studies in context. Liberal Arts Core/CORE Equivalent for Societies and the Social Sciences.

This course introduces students to key concepts in history of media and communication, and to the stakes of historical inquiry. Rather than tracing a necessarily selective historical arc from alphabet to Internet or from cave painting to coding, the course is organized around an exploration of case studies in context.

A survey that examines sources and influences that contributed to the formation of taste and style from about 1850 to the present. Through a concept-driven, cross-disciplinary approach that includes art, architecture, decorative arts, and material culture, taste will be explore thematically and chronologically within a broad cultural context. Factors and forces that shape this context include political events, social customs and fads, fashion, pastimes, entertainment and technological advances. Emphasis is placed on developing critical skills through discussion of connections and relationships between the historical development of taste and current trends.

Tracks evolutions in style, technology, function, and historic developments of textiles from antiquity through the 18th century. Includes close study of important fiber and fabric typologies, including pattern-woven silks, tapestry, embroidery, lace, and printed/painted fabrics. Topics include textiles as indicators of status and wealth, design affinities to other arts, and the impact of cultural exchange among Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

Investigates textiles in terms of design, creation, marketing, and use from the 19th century to present. With particular attention to the rapid technological advances of the past two centuries, visual and structural analysis of objects is combined with consideration of historical developments to situate textiles in the context of the surrounding culture. Includes object examination sessions at the Ratti Textile Center at the Metropolitan Museum as well as other New York collections.

This course focuses on developing conceptual, experiential, & pedagogic knowledge in five historical dance education traditions: Graham, Hawkins, Dunham, Horton, & Taylor, & 2 modern fusion techniques that incorporate working with differently abled populations. The course will introduce students to the theories & kinesthetic ideas of each of these choreographer/educators, & students will work closely with the accompanist to learn techniques of accompaniment for these styles. Students will investigate the concepts & constructs of a dance “technique” & what purpose technique classes serve to the dancer & choreographer, including the use of technology & assessment to enhance student experience & comprehension.

This course examines the vast and rich myth-making power of Hollywood film narratives that influence dominant cultural views of American identity. Students view films that explore problems and promises of American culture and society such as equality, democracy, justice, class, gender, sexual orientation, and race/ethnicity. Students analyze films while considering the work of historians, sociologists, film critics, media studies scholars, anthropologists and journalists. Students will screen films outside of class. Assignments include creating a short film that explores the city where myths are both lived out and refuted on a daily basis.

This course provides a laboratory environment where students learn to record, arrange, and produce their own high-quality performance videos using low-cost home equipment and software. The class culminates in each student building a website and internet presence that showcases the content created throughout the course.

This course provides a laboratory environment where students learn to record, arrange, and produce their own high-quality performance videos using low-cost home equipment and software. The class culminates in each student building a website and internet presence that showcases the content created throughout the course.