Course Description:

Art is a dynamic field: society influences artists and artists influence society. In Western art, one of the most evident periods of this relationship is in late 19th-century France with the advent of Impressionism and the birth of Modern Art. Reflecting a college-level class, this course will not only teach students names and dates, but will have students learn about the historical and cultural climate in which artwork was created. In order to achieve this, students will gain experience analyzing primary and secondary documents. Students will also gain experience in academic writing and using outside sources to strengthen their arguments and claims—an essential skill in all fields. This course is ideal for those with an interest in the arts or with a desire to strengthen their critical thinking and writing skills.