Art History 334

Art of the 20th and 21st Centuries in Europe and the Americas

This course will examine significant art movements spanning the 20th and 21st centuries, largely focused on Western Europe and the United States. We will traverse across a wide range of artistic approaches— from Cubism to Abstract Expressionism, Dada to Pop, and more—  as well as the diverse methodological lenses art historians have deployed over time. The course will trace the development of modernism, the radical upheaval of postmodernism, and the wide-open terrain of today’s artistic practices. Paying close attention to how systems of power have shaped the art historical canon, students will observe how definitions of art have changed throughout the 20th and 21st centuries and consider the possibilities art-making offers for our future.

Our Pact

What you can expect from me:

  • I will provide you with a clear, organized course that is designed to ensure you meet our course outcomes in a meaningful manner.

  • I will provide a variety of assignments to ensure your learning needs are met.

  • I will be actively present in your learning.

  • I will provide a supportive and safe environment for you to share and discuss ideas with your peers.

  • I will reach out to you when I sense that you need support.

  • I will treat you with dignity and respect and be flexible to support your individual needs.

  • I won't be perfect. I am human and will make mistakes at times. I will view mistakes as an opportunity to learn and grow.

What I will expect from you:

  • You will strive to be an active participant in this course and strive to meet due dates.

  • You will maintain an open line of communication with me so I understand how to support you. 

  • You will contact me if you have a concern with meeting a due date.

  • You strive to regularly contribute to collaborative activities to ensure other members of the community have ample opportunity to read/listen, reflect, and respond to your ideas.

  • You will treat your peers with dignity and respect.

  • You will do your best to have patience with technology. There will be hiccups, expect them. We will get through them together.

  • You will give yourself grace. Expect to make mistakes. You are human and you are stressed.

If you feel these goals are not being met, please don’t hesitate to let me know. Let’s aim for open communication!

Ground Rules for In-Class Discussion

In-class discussion will comprise a significant facet of this course. Together, we will cultivate:

  • Open-mindedness— Honor and be open to difference.

  • Curiosity— Seek to understand rather than to persuade. 

  • Discovery— Lean into discomfort and observe your resistance. 

  • Sincerity— Speak from personal experience (e.g. use “I” statements).

  • Brevity— Go for honesty and depth, but make room for others’ voices. 

Contact Me

You can contact me at erooklidge@sandiego.edu.

I will aim to respond in 24-36 hours.

I am most online before 12pm and do not answer emails past 5pm.