Objects in Context: A Survey of Decorative Arts, Design History, and Material Culture I
This two-semester, team-taught course introduces
incoming students to major historical developments in decorative arts, design,
and material culture from antiquity to the present. Monday evening lectures by
Bard Graduate Center faculty and visiting specialists examine selected objects
from cultures across the globe as examples of significant forms, materials,
technologies, styles, designers, makers, and patterns of use and consumption. Tuesday
afternoon practicums consist of two parts. Thinking Objects, led by Teaching
Assistants Boxi Liu and Jeremy Reeves, emphasizes the analysis of selected
objects and readings in historical and historiographical context. Writing
Objects, led by Helen Polson, Assistant Professor of Practice in Writing,
provides instruction in effective graduate-level writing through practical
exercises and workshop sessions on writing issues. By the end of the year, students
will have developed a working historical and visual vocabulary of significant
objects and spaces, enhanced skills of written expression, and a better
awareness of the areas and questions they might pursue at Bard Graduate Center
and beyond. 3 credits.