HistArt 101 introduces students to the disciplinary practices and goals of art history via encounters with selected great monuments of visual culture ranging from magic-charged cave art of prehistory to compelling Christian, Jewish, and Islamic monuments of medieval life, piety, and power down through the Crusades. We place each monument in dialogue with a cluster of thematically associated creations that enrich our understanding of how art expresses ideas and exerts meaning in its era of original production. We also consider how to "read" a famous monument across time--as its fame may have the power to produce new meanings in new historical contexts. Discussion sections encourage active use of campus museum collections via specially designed online engagements.

Course materials: Textbook (Shaman Drum); Coursepack (Accu Copy); Online Aids.

Grading basis: Three Unit Tests (1 hour each), Periodic 150-word journal entries, Class Attendance/Section Participation.

Estimated cost of materials: $50 or more, but less than $100.