This course examines three vital moments of mural production in Mexico: ancient, colonial, and modern. We will begin by looking at indigenous Mesoamerican wall painting traditions of Teotihuacan, the Maya, Cacaxtla, and the Aztecs, and then consider how these traditions were transformed by the encounter with Spanish colonialism to provide decoration for the walls of monastic churches.

Finally, we will examine the modern Mexican muralist movement, looking at the work of Diego Rivera, Jose Clemente Orozco, David Alfaro Siqueros and others, with a particular focus on Rivera's murals at the Detroit Institute of Arts. Throughout the course, we will consider mural paintings in relationship to architecture and other media, paying special attention to the different methodologies and kinds of evidence that have been used to interpret these works. The course will also focus on developing research, writing, and presentation skills to prepare students for their senior thesis projects. Requirements: two short in-class presentations, short writing assignment, and final research paper (10-15 pages). Estimated cost for materials: $50 or more, but less than $100. V. 1, 3, 4