You will be introduced to diverse examples of early twentieth-century visual material, and the socio-political and historical contexts in which they were produced. Broadly chronological in approach, a number of historical movements (including, but not limited to, Fauvism, Cubism, Expressionism, Futurism, Dada and Surrealism) will be explored alongside the work of individual artists. The influence of modernist thought and aesthetics upon different areas of artistic production will also be highlighted, as will the relationship between art and politics.
Coursework assignments will include a class presentation of research, a paper written after a museum fieldtrip and two in-class quizzes.