Art and the Occult

All those who are wise in divine matters and are interpreters of the mystical revelations prefer incongruous symbols for holy things, so that divine things may not be easily accessible.
Dionysus the Areopagite

An exploration of the esoteric systems of knowledge that provide recurring themes in western art. In the Renaissance, prophets are joined by sibyls, diviners and mages in the mold of Nostradamus, Agrippa and John Dee. Tarot cards make their first appearance and artists investigate the occult sciences: astrology, alchemy and magic. In the modern period, spirit photographers, artists of the Golden Dawn and theosophists such as Kandinsky continued to illustrate their search for enlightenment. Students will study art and literature from the 15th century through today to understand the relationships between occult image and meaning. Assignments involve in-class discussion, short research papers and oral presentations.

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for course lectures and readings. Ask the professor for the password

This course hopes to provide a forum where students can pursue their own interests, particularly topics in modern art. The attached syllabus is subject to change according to in-class report topics.

Art 197 is an elective that does not count toward the art department course requirements.

Texts

Midterm Take-Home Exam
Due in class Wednesday Nov 2nd
PDF File

Evaluation

ATTENTION!
By popular demand and an act of cartomancy, the following original class requirements have been changed.

Attendance and Participation 15%
Students are expected to attend all class meetings and contribute. Feel free to interrupt with questions or points of discussion!
Research and Writing Assignments
Paper I: Renaissance Astrology 15%
 
Paper II: 20%
8-10 pages on a topic to be determined by the student and professor. Suggestions for paper topics will be made in class. In addition to a written paper, students will be asked to make in-class presentations on their material.
Exams
Mid-Term I Friday, October 28. 25%
There will be one mid-term exam. Students will be expected to deal with some visual material. Study images will be identified and placed online.
Final Exam 25%
(G) Tuesday, December 20, 9 am -noon.
NEW REQUIREMENTS
Attendance and Participation 10%
Students are expected to attend all class meetings and contribute. Feel free to interrupt with questions or points of discussion!
 
EXTRA CREDIT
To enhance your participation grade in this class, answer one of the following questions in a brief essay. Your essay should be hard copy, 2-3 pages, double-spaced, and stapled. It is due at the time your final exam would have been held, Tuesday, December 20th, at noon. Please deliver your essay to my College mailbox, my departmental mailbox (in the Gallery), or place them on my office door.
Extra Credit Essay Questions (PDF document, handed out during the last class)
 
Research and Writing Assignments
Paper I: Renaissance Astrology 30%
 
Paper II: 30%
8-10 pages on a topic to be determined by the student and professor. Suggestions for paper topics will be made in class. In addition to a written paper, students will be asked to make in-class presentations on their material.
Exams
Mid-Term I Friday, October 28. 30%
There will be one mid-term exam. Students will be expected to deal with some visual material. Study images will be identified and placed online.
Final Exam - CANCELLED
(G) Tuesday, December 20, 9 am -noon.

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Contact Amelia Carr at amelia.carr@allegheny.edu

Last updated 14December 2005
http://merlin.allegheny.edu/employee/a/acarr/art197.html