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The Material Culture Group at the University of Wisconsin-Madison examines forms, uses, and meanings of objects, images, and environments in everyday life. We want to take a fresh look at old categories of study in order to discover untold stories.
By breaking down the barriers between the traditional definitions of craft, design, folk, decorative, art and history we are able to see that these categories are all linked by expressions of creativity in everyday life. Our program's strength lies in our ability to approach this variety of media, as well as to examine it from the perspective of a wide range of time periods. We are dedicated to innovative, interdisciplinary research and teaching that engages the material world of diverse cultures and times.
We are also committed to taking full advantage of the resources provided by a major research institution. These include a unique community of scholars, a broad curriculum, richly diverse collections, and close ties to other local and regional institutions.
Spring 2012 Semester Course Offerings:
Art History 304 - Art and Archeology of Ancient Rome.
Explores the art and archeology of ancient Italy, the Roman Republic, and the Roman Empire from the Iron Age to Late Antiquity.
Art History 364 - History of American Art, 1607-Present.
Explores American art and material culture between 1607 and the present; works of painting, sculpture, architecture, and the decorative arts are examined within the broader social, historical, and cultural contexts that give them form and meaning.
Art History 368 - American Architecture - The Nineteenth Century.
Major architects and trends in American architecture from the Greek Revival to the Chicago School.
Art History 405 - Cities and Sanctuaries in Ancient Greece.
Explores the art and archeology of ancient Italy, the Roman Republic, and the Roman Empire from the Iron Age to Late Antiquity.
Art History 364 - History of American Art, 1607-Present.
Explores American art and material culture between 1607 and the present; works of painting, sculpture, architecture, and the decorative arts are examined within the broader social, historical, and cultural contexts that give them form and meaning.
Art History 368 - American Architecture - The Nineteenth Century.
Major architects and trends in American architecture from the Greek Revival to the Chicago School.
Art History 405 - Cities and Sanctuaries in Ancient Greece.
Topics include Urbanism in ancient Greece in theory and practice; the forms, technologies, patronage and use of buildings; the creation and conception of urban space; and the organization of religious sites, dedications, and rituals.
Art History 478 - Art and Religious Practices in Medieval Japan.
Art History 478 - Art and Religious Practices in Medieval Japan.
A study of spaces, objects, and images within the context of religious belief and practice in Japan between 1300 and 1600, when great Zen monasteries grew up alongside older Buddhist/Shinto religious "megaplexes," and new salvationist sects spread throughout Japan.
Art History 563 - Topics in Material Culture.
From prints to posters, houseplants to aquariums, this course will consider the effects of technology and mechanical reproduction on the look of domesticity. Rather than focusing on the high-end decorative arts and homes of the very wealthy, this class will emphasize the visual and material culture of the American middle-class home, 1850-1950. We'll also study the culture of at-home visual entertainments, from early 'magic lanterns' and optical toys to the effects of televisions, Tivo, DVDs, and computers on perception and social life.
Anthropology 942 - Archaeological Problems; Topic: Theory in Archaeology.
From prints to posters, houseplants to aquariums, this course will consider the effects of technology and mechanical reproduction on the look of domesticity. Rather than focusing on the high-end decorative arts and homes of the very wealthy, this class will emphasize the visual and material culture of the American middle-class home, 1850-1950. We'll also study the culture of at-home visual entertainments, from early 'magic lanterns' and optical toys to the effects of televisions, Tivo, DVDs, and computers on perception and social life.
Anthropology 942 - Archaeological Problems; Topic: Theory in Archaeology.
This course provides an historical perspective on the growth of theory and method in North American and British achaeology and an introduction to current contoversies and emerging directions in the development of archaeological theory. In this course, you will engage with both enduring and contemporary issues related to how we construct our knowledge about ancient human cultures.
Design Studies 420 - Twentieth Century Design.
Design, including interior, furniture, graphic and textiles, is viewed through broader social and cultural issues including: an aesthetic to express a new age; processes, materials, and marketing techniques; roles for designers; consumer versus designer initiated production. Visits to local collections.
Design Studies 355 - History of Fashion.
Changing form and meaning of costume in the West from Renaissance to present. Dress considered in relation to social/cultural milieu and as an art form. Includes treatment of the body; ethnic/class variations; couture; "antifashion".
Geography 305 - Introduction to the City.
Analysis of the distributions of cities, their functions, character and relationships with their surrounding regions, and the areal patterns within cities; the spatial variation of population, economic activity, and land uses.
Geography 460 - American Environmental History.
Geography 460 - American Environmental History.
Survey of interactions among people and natural environments from before European colonization to present. Equal attention to problems of ecological change, human ideas, and uses of nature and history of conservation and environmental public policy.
Geography 508 - Landscape and Settlement in the North American Past.
Geography 508 - Landscape and Settlement in the North American Past.
Historical geography of North American settlement patterns, cultural landscapes, regional identity and heritage.
History of Science 222 - Technology and Social Change in History.
History of Science 222 - Technology and Social Change in History.
Topics in the history of tthey came from, why they came, where they settled, what they contributed to their new country, and what bits of their traditions they hung on to.echnology of interest to students in engineering and physical sciences. Themes include the social basis of technical change, the impact of technology on everyday life, and ethical issues in technology in the last two centuries.
Landscape architecture 423 - Evolution of American Planning.
Landscape architecture 423 - Evolution of American Planning.
The nature and cultural significance of contemporary methods for the systematic formulation of public policies for community, metropolitan, and state development through comprehensive planning. Historic roots, recent trends and new directions in American planning concepts, institutions and professional specializations.
Scandinavian Studies 296 - Scandinavian Heritage in America.
In this class, we explore the immigrant experience of Scandinavian-Americans, from the conditions in the Old Country that drove them to emigrate to the difficulties they faced in creating new lives for themselves in America and their role in American society.
Material Culture Certificate Now Available!
See the Program page for a description and list of requirements. For more information, contact Ann Smart Martin of the Department of Art History