Art and Architectural History (AAH)

AAH 119
History of World Architecture I

Comprehensive background as well as concentration on individual cultures and their architects from ancient to medieval times. Discussion of architectures from around the world. Specific details and expressions of more generalized theories and strategies will be explored.

Prerequisite(s): Satisfaction of IIT's Basic Writing Proficiency Requirement
Credit: Variable
Satisfies: Communications (C), Humanities (H)
AAH 120
History of World Architecture II

Comprehensive background as well as concentration on individual cultures and their architects from the Renaissance to modern times. Discussion of architectures from around the world. Specific details and expressions of more generalized theories and strategies will be explored.

Prerequisite(s): Satisfaction of IIT's Basic Writing Proficiency Requirement
Credit: Variable
Satisfies: Communications (C), Humanities (H)
AAH 201
Art Appreciation: Thinking, Talking, and Writing about Art

This course is designed to introduce the skills needed to describe, analyze, and make arguments about art. We will begin by learning the skills of description and formal analysis and exploring different media: painting, sculpture, printmaking and architecture. In the middle portion of the class, we will build on the skills we have learned for formally analyzing artworks as we examine different methods used in the writing of the history of art and making arguments about art. We will pay particular attention to the historical and social contexts of art and the roles that race and identity have played in the interpretation of works of art. The final section of this class considers how art is exhibited in museums, galleries, and in public space. Throughout the class we will make use of Chicago area institutions and exhibitions.

Lecture: 3 Lab: 0 Credits: 3
Satisfies: Communications (C), Humanities (H)
AAH 301
Thinking About Art

A course designed for those who find art pleasing, meaningful, or significant and who want to extend the range of their sensibilities. Theories of art will be studied for insight, as well as for historical interest and continuity. Works of art will be studied for their intrinsic value, for their relation to ideas and events, and as cultural artifacts. Regular visits to area museums and galleries will be required.

Lecture: 3 Lab: 0 Credits: 3
Satisfies: Communications (C), Humanities (H)
AAH 322
19th Century American Art and Culture

This course explores the artistic history of the United States, from an agrarian society that developed into an industrialized nation with a distinguished national art. This broad chronological survey begins with the colonial art of Copley, Peale, West and Stuart, followed by the nation building iconography of the Hudson River School. The art of Mount and Bingham reflect antebellum culture, followed by Johnson in post-Civil War America on the eve of the Gilded Age. Finally, the course examines the realism of Homer and Eakins, defining a truly American iconography.

Prerequisite(s): HUM 102 or HUM 104 or HUM 106 or HUM 200-299
Lecture: 3 Lab: 0 Credits: 3
Satisfies: Communications (C), Humanities (H)
AAH 323
20th Century American Art and Culture

This broadly chronological survey begins with Sargent and Cassett in the context of European traditions. Impressionism comes to America through the art of Chase and Hassam, and other members of "The Ten". Early Modernism follows with Henri, Glackens and Sloan, leading artists of "The Eight" and the Ashcan painters, including Bellows. The major regionalists include Benton, Wood, and O'Keefe with Hopper emerging as the most significant artist of the century. With New York as the new center of Western art in post-war America, Pollock defines abstract Expressionism, followed by Warhol and Pop-Art.

Prerequisite(s): HUM 102 or HUM 104 or HUM 106 or HUM 200-299
Lecture: 3 Lab: 0 Credits: 3
Satisfies: Communications (C), Humanities (H)
AAH 380
Topics in Art and Architecture History

An investigation into a topic of current or enduring interest in Art and/or Architectural History which will be announced by the instructor when the course is scheduled.

Prerequisite(s): HUM 102 or HUM 104 or HUM 106 or HUM 200-299
Lecture: 3 Lab: 0 Credits: 3
Satisfies: Communications (C), Humanities (H)
AAH 468
Five Centuries of Contemporary French Architecture

By studying theoretical texts written by five very influential architects over five centuries, the course will provide insight into the qualities of national exceptionalism marked by an innovative and transformative tradition. This tradition has been a central source of the modernist agenda as much as of French culture. This course prepares students for ARCH 469, a course that is part of the Semester Abroad Program. This course may be used for an architectural history elective or a humanities elective; however, it may not be used for both. Students who are not committed to, or do not plan to enroll in, the Semester Abroad Program may also take this course if space is available.

Prerequisite(s): (AAH 119 and AAH 120 and HUM 102) or (Graduate standing and HUM 104) or HUM 106 or HUM 200-299
Lecture: 3 Lab: 0 Credits: 3
Satisfies: Communications (C), Humanities (H)
AAH 491
Independent Reading and Research

For advanced students. Instructor permission required.

Prerequisite(s): HUM 102 or HUM 104 or HUM 106 or HUM 200-299
Credit: Variable
Satisfies: Humanities (H)
AAH 494
Senior Seminar: Theories of Architecture in Historical Perspective

An investigation of the development of formal architectural theory. Writings by architects from antiquity to the present will be studied, analyzed, and criticized. The relation between theory and practice will be emphasized. The implications of particular theories for such other questions as environment, tradition, change, innovation, revolution, and meaning will be considered.

Lecture: 3 Lab: 0 Credits: 3
Satisfies: Communications (C), Humanities (H)