This is an introductory survey of the history of European and Northern American Art, focusing primarily on painting. No prior knowledge of art is assumed or required. In this class we will not only study artworks that have become famous, but also learn why those particular works did so by examining them in their social contexts. You will also learn how to analyze images yourself and come up with your own interpretations. Don’t be intimidated by art history! It is just like any other discipline, and its language and tricks of the trade can be learned the way you study economics or biology (and it’s much more fun!)