This proseminar explores the art, architecture, and material culture of twentieth-century America in the context of interpretive frameworks that have been used to explain and account for its tremendous diversity—namely, in terms of whether or not it conforms (or does not conform) to what is broadly termed “modernism.”  Much of the art, architecture and material culture that Americanists study from this period is generally called “modernist;” one thinks of pioneering figures such as Alfred Stieglitz, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Jackson Pollock.  But other lesser-known artists and even some well-known ones are often discussed outside the framework of modernism—often in terms of their anti-modernism—even though their work often derives its meaning from its relationship to modern works of art and, more specifically, to modern culture to which it responded.  In this seminar, we will explore the usefulness as well as the problems with interpreting works of art, architecture, and mater ial culture in binary terms (as either “modernist” or “anti- modernist”), and seek alternative frameworks that may better account for the relationship of works of art to the broader culture that produced and consumed them.  Requirements include weekly readings, short written "progress reports" on research, a class presentation, and a final (12-15 page) research paper on a topic of the students' choosing.

Instructor consent required for non-Art History majors.