ANTH 309 - Anthropology of Art

(3 credits)
Prerequisite: ANTH 100 or ANTH 110 or consent of instructor
This course investigates the forms, functions, meanings and aesthetics of art cross-culturally. It will be critical of the modern western concept of “art for art’s sake” and discuss ways that socio-cultural, political and economic factors frame the contexts and dynamics of art production across the world. The role of artists in society and aesthetic creativity will also be examined from a cross-cultural perspective. Discussion begins with the arts of “traditional” societies drawing from examples from Africa, Oceania, Asia and the Americas. The course will then examine how these arts have been impacted by colonialism, capitalism and the emergence of new nation-states. Topics include: ethnic, tourist and national arts, culture revitalization, issues of authenticity and the emergence of a global art world with its power relations. Offered alternate years. (CGCL; CSOC)