Objects and Material Seminar (403-0-1)

Instructors

Yuthika Sharma

Meeting Info

Kresge 4354 Art Hist. Sem. Rm.: Thurs 2:00PM - 4:50PM

Overview of class

The Chicago Objects Study Initiative (COSI) aims at enhancing art historical coursework and training for doctoral students in object-driven research through intensive direct study of artworks, exposure to conservation and heritage science approaches to materials, and tools and methods of technical research on art objects and their materiality. This year, COSI will be centered within Northwestern's Block Museum, the Charles Deering McCormick Library Special Collections and the Center for Scientific Study in the Arts. Following previous offerings of the course, it will focus on major themes such as materials, properties, and afterlives. Through assigned objects reflecting their area of interest, students will develop research and writing methodologies through examples of current scholarship in object-driven art history, conservation, technical, and scientific studies. The course will feature contributions by conservation scientists, specialists, and museum professionals who will address the complex workings of object-focused research. This course is restricted to second year graduate students.