Upcoming Events
Smithsonian Internship
Museum studies at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington, DC
Christopher (Kit) Wilson
Abernethy Professor of Humanities
Email: wilson@middlebury.edu
Phone: work802.443.5329
Office Hours: Winter Term: By appointment
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Courses
Courses offered in the past four years.
▲ indicates offered in the current term
▹ indicates offered in the upcoming term[s]
AMST 0245 - American Landscape: 1825-1865
American Landscape: 1825-1865
This course will explore American landscape painting through an interdisciplinary approach, employing art, literature, religion, and history. In studying the landscape paintings of Thomas Cole, Asher B. Durand, and Frederic Church, we will also consider the commercial growth of New York City; the myths and legends of the Catskill Mountains; the writings of James Fenimore Cooper, Washington Irving, and Henry David Thoreau; the opening of the Erie Canal; and the design and construction of Central Park. 3 hrs. lect./disc.
Spring 2009, Spring 2010, Spring 2011, Spring 2012, Fall 2012
AMST 0365 - Art and Lang of the Civil War ▲
The Art and Language of the Civil War
The course will begin with a review of the major historical events of the Civil War. We will then study the conflict through the paintings of Winslow Homer and Frederic Church, the poetry and prose of Walt Whitman, the photographs of Matthew Brady, and the political writings of Abraham Lincoln. Particular emphasis will be placed upon the thoughts and attitudes of the common soldier as reflected in his diaries and journals. 3 hrs. lect./disc.
Fall 2009, Fall 2010, Fall 2011, Fall 2013
AMST 0408 - Am Art In Context: ▲
American Art in Context: Art and Life of Winslow Homer
Although generally regarded as a popular painter of American life, Winslow Homer often provides a penetrating and sometimes disturbing view of post-Civil War America. Among the topics to be considered: Homer's paintings of the Civil War; his illustrations of leisure and recreation; and his depictions of women and children in the Gilded Age. During the second half of the course, we will turn our attention to Homer's landscape paintings of the Adirondacks, the Caribbean and the Maine coast, as well as his seascapes of the Gulf Stream and the North Atlantic. 3 hrs. lect./disc.
Spring 2009, Fall 2010, Fall 2011, Spring 2012, Fall 2012, Fall 2013
AMST 0500 - Independent Study ▲ ▹
Independent Study
Select project advisor prior to registration.
Spring 2009, Fall 2009, Winter 2010, Spring 2010, Fall 2010, Winter 2011, Spring 2011, Fall 2011, Winter 2012, Spring 2012, Fall 2012, Winter 2013, Spring 2013, Fall 2013, Spring 2014
AMST 0700 - Senior Essay
Senior Essay
For students who have completed AMST 0400 and are not pursuing an honors thesis. Under the guidance of one or more faculty members, each student will complete research leading toward a one-term, one-credit interdisciplinary senior essay on some aspect of American culture. The essay is to be submitted no later than the last Thursday of the fall semester. (Select project advisor prior to registration)
Fall 2009, Fall 2010, Fall 2011
AMST 0710 - Honors Thesis ▹
Honors Thesis
For students who have completed AMST 0705, and qualify to write two-credit interdisciplinary honors thesis. on some aspect of American culture. The thesis may be completed on a fall/winter schedule or a fall/spring schedule. (Select a thesis advisor prior to registration)
Spring 2009, Fall 2009, Winter 2010, Spring 2010, Fall 2010, Winter 2011, Spring 2011, Fall 2011, Winter 2012, Spring 2012, Winter 2013, Spring 2013, Spring 2014
HARC 0217 - Art of the Middle Ages
Art of the Middle Ages
In this course we will survey European art and architecture from the fall of Rome to the late 13th century. Among the topics to be discussed are Irish monasticism and its art forms; Romanesque art and architecture; and the great Gothic cathedrals of Chartres, Bourges, Paris, Reims, and Amiens. In addition to examining the structural principles of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, we will discuss the development of medieval sculpture and iconography. Other topics to be considered are the design of stained glass windows, illuminated manuscripts, and late medieval tapestries. 3 hr. lect.
Fall 2009
HARC 0711 - Senior Thesis: History of Art
Senior Thesis: History of Art *
This course is a continuation of HARC 0710 which consists of ongoing, supervised independent research with an advisor, plus organizing, writing, and presenting a thesis, which will be due on a Friday, two weeks before the end of classes. (HARC 0301 and HARC 0710)
Spring 2010, Spring 2011, Spring 2012
