ARTH 300 Art Historical Methods
- Instructor: Dr. Laurence Garneau
This course provides an overview of the principal methodological approaches in art history from the 16th century to the present. Students will engage with key frameworks such as biography, formalism, iconography, social history, psychoanalysis, feminism, semiotics, and postcolonialism. They will learn to critically assess these approaches and apply them in their own analyses.
Through lectures, discussions, workshops, readings, and visual analyses of artworks from the Renaissance to today, students will explore how different methodologies shape interpretations of art. By the end of the semester, they will have developed a solid understanding of foundational concepts, become acquainted with influential figures in the field, and identified methods most relevant to their own research interests. This course offers a valuable opportunity to grasp the intellectual foundations of art history, challenge dominant narratives, and cultivate diverse strategies for interpreting visual culture.
In addition to theoretical exploration, students will be introduced to research methodologies through a dedicated session with a librarian, equipping them with essential tools for academic inquiry. A guest lecture by a specialist in decolonial art history will offer deeper insight into contemporary critical perspectives. The course also includes a visit to the Leonard & Bina Ellen Art Gallery’s reserve, where students will discover the behind-the-scenes work of art history professionals and institutions.
