This course is an introduction to the art of the indigenous peoples of Africa, Oceania and North America. Representative cultures from each area are chosen to illustrate the forms, styles and meanings of indigenous art. The course also explores themes such as the role of art in the life cycle, the use of art as an instrument of power, the concept of masking, etc. Finally, the course examines tradition and change in indigenous arts in the modern world.
Priority is given to first-year students and sophomores.
The course opens with a study of Native American cultures, then considers the kinds of fusion and conflict that occurred in the wake of the arrival of Europeans and Africans. It ends with the challenges to and collapse of the colonial system. This course is a general introduction to the history, people and cultures of Mexico. The objectives of CORE Mexico are to examine Mexico's complex history and social fabric, to take a look at Mexicans and their cultural expression with relation to this history, and to gain a general understanding of who contemporary Mexicans are in the context of current events and politics and their relationship to the United States. The course includes lectures, slides, films, student presentations and some discussion.