History of Environmental Arts: Part II

Part two of a four-part survey course on the environmental arts of the Western world. This course traces the architecture, landscape architecture, furniture, art, and decorative arts from the Italian Renaissance to the beginning of the nineteenth century in France, England, and America. Periods covered include the Renaissance, Mannerist, Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassic. Instruction focuses on the man-built environment influenced by geographical location and the social, religious, economic, and political forces of history. Major monuments are discussed in terms of function, symbolism, methods of fabrication, style, use of color, ornament, and significance. Illustrated lectures, readings, and student projects develop an appreciation of the rich cultural heritage of the Western world. Students learn how to utilize library and museum resources and recognize and evaluate significant environmental design movements. Intended to establish an understanding of the achievements of the past in order to more fully understand the present.