How do mechanisms of perception structure responses to visual art? What is at stake when words describe images? By means of intensive looking, thinking, speaking, and writing, this course introduces the student to a series of problems and issues in the description and analysis of works of art. Because the course is also an introduction to the historical study of art, it is intended for students with no previous course work in the field. Satisfies the second half of the Reading and Composition requirement.

This course explores how visual and material culture both reflect and construct Mexican identities over time by considering the role images play in the formation of a shared imagined community. By looking closely at select objects from the sixteenth century through the twentieth century, we will see how the colonized peoples of Mexico imagined their own histories through identity-making and how they were subject to the colonial power’s attempt to define their identities. Across five centuries of art history–beginning with sixteenth century codices, seventeenth century “conquest” paintings, eighteenth century Casta paintings, nineteenth century landscape paintings, and concluding with twentieth century performance art– we can discern identities being formed, reshaped, elided, reconstructed, and even corrupted. These formations subvert easy explanation; through case studies, we will explore the complex ways in which propaganda and mythologies shape national and other identities. Over the course of the semester, you will be exposed to and practice increasingly complex methods of visual analysis, and you will learn how to conduct research that can productively inform your interpretations of Mexican and other artworks. During the second half of the semester, you will develop a research project culminating in a 10–12-page paper on a topic related to the course.

Requisites

• UC Entry Level Writing Requirement, English 1A, or equivalent. Previously passed an R_A course with a letter grade of C- or better. Previously passed an articulated R_A course with a letter grade of C- or better. Score a 4 on the Advanced Placement Exam in English Literature and Composition. Score a 4 or 5 on the Advanced Placement Exam in English Language and Composition. Score of 5, 6, or 7 on the International Baccalaureate Higher Level Examination in English.

Repeat Rules

Course is not repeatable for credit.

Requirements class fulfills