This course surveys the visual culture of Mesoamerica and South America from pre-history to the Spanish conquest. The comparative analysis of social, religious, political, and economic messages sent by these objects and monuments will elucidate patterns of interaction, continuity, disjunction, and adaptation through time and space. Discipline specific approaches and vocabulary will be introduced and individual works will be analyzed in relation to their political, social, religious, economic, cosmological, and philosophical contexts. Cultural awareness and visual, stylistic, and cultural literacy will be emphasized, both within and across geographic regions and times. Recommended Prep: ENGL V01A or concurrent enrollment. Field trips may be required. Transfer credit: CSU; UC.

This course is a survey of the history of western art from prehistory through the medieval period. Discussions of artistic style, techniques of production, major periods and figures in art history, and the relationship between art and society will be covered, with particular emphasis placed on the art object as a form of cultural and social expression. Field trips may be required. Transfer credit: CSU; UC. Formerly: ART 2A.

This course provides an introduction to the principles, elements, and practices of painting, with particular emphasis on painting from nude and clothed models and on representing structure, gesture, color, tonal variations, forms in space, and composition. Painting materials, perceptual skills and color theory, paint mixing and technique will be explored, as well as creative responses to materials and subject matter. Pictorial organization, and individual expression will also be addressed. Field trips may be required. Prerequisites: ART V13A. Transfer credit: CSU; UC. Formerly: ART 15A.