Description
The course will contrast social life, thought and culture in authoritarian and democratic societies in the west through the last three centuries. Students will examine seven societies in depth, emphasizing the arts, the role of symbolism and image, the rise of mass media, theory and ideas and social issues (gender, family, class). Students will study how the arts were used to advance the agendas of the power elites and the ways in which each regime sought legitimacy. Theory and ideas will be in constant interaction with the full range of artistic media including painting, music, architecture, sculpture and film. Students will gain new perspectives on the history of the modern world. Core courses are not open to Freshmen or Sophomores, except for associate degree candidates.