Skip to main content

Focus Reading (201-0-1)

Topic

Art in the Modern Age

Instructors

Denise Marie Meuser
8474918292
1880 Campus Drive, Kresge Hall, Rm 3319
Office Hours: TW 10:00-11:00AM and by appointment

Meeting Info

Kresge Centennial Hall 2-329: Mon, Wed, Fri 12:00PM - 12:50PM

Overview of class

Focus Reading: Art in the Modern Age

This course examines the explosion of art and industry at the turn of the century that for the first time included substantial opportunities for women. The class will provide an introduction to the period of the German Empire or Kaiserreich 1871 - 1918. This epoch in German history is emblematic for modernism. Through short historical texts, biographies, letters and journals, students will learn about social issues, art movements and the German politics of the period that included Bismarck, artistic colonies and war. Students will become acquainted with the artworks of Käthe Kollwitz, Paula Modersohn-Becker, Gabriele Münter and more. Visits to the Art Institut, the Block Museum and the Milwaukee Art Museum are planned. Students will complete a project-based presentation and paper in lieu of a final exam.

Registration Requirements

Students should have completed their language requirement with 102-3, have German AP score of 4, or permission of the DUS.

Learning Objectives

The course serves as a bridge course to more advanced culture and literature courses in the German department. It provides an opportunity for students to work intensively on their reading and comprehension skills but also has a strong communicative component, as the readings will provide the basis for interpretive discussions, short presentations and written work.

Teaching Method

seminar

Evaluation Method

Attendance
Class participation
Homework
Project, final
Readings

Class Materials (Required)

Materials will be made available via Canvas