INTRODUCTION TO SURREALISM 

SEMINAR: ART 78048

1919 TO 1939

The Persistence of Memory

Salvador Dali, 1931

 The Museum of Modern Art, New York, Given anonymously

Course Requirements

A seminar is collaborative and interactive. Each student has a responsibility to the rest of the class. As a group, we will build up a core of material that everyone studies, going into depth on some questions and using short reading/discussions. You will be submitting ideas and comments to the discussion forum. These ideas will be posted and become a part of regular class discussion.  Instead of learning a certain amount of information from the professor and then demonstrating that you have mastered the subject by writing a paper or taking an exam you will conduct original research that you present to the class. The process of examining works of art and other primary sources for research can be greatly enriched if you work with someone else, and I encourage research partnerships and teams (working alone is also acceptable). During the first and second class meetings we will discuss potential topics, research approaches, and resources such as K.S.U. special collections, Oberlin, Cleveland Museum of Art and other museums in the area.

Attend class unless you are sick, keep up with the readings and keep good notes on class discussions and your research, be able to sum-up sessions at the end of the semester. Prepare a class discussion and a written summary of one of the readings. Start on your major research project as soon as possible and be prepared to turn in a coherent statement of your topic and a bibliography at the fifth class meeting. Plan your presentation with me, we will discuss technical issues  and schedules. You will write a final seminar paper with appropriate scholarly apparatus. We will discuss guidelines in class.

The required text is  Dada, Surrealism, and Their Heritage. by William Rubin. Published by: The Museum of Modern Art, New York 1992 and a bibliography is available. There is also a links page with recommended sites to help you better understand Surrealism. Feel free to branch out on your own, remembering that not all sites are created equal (check for accuracy).

Schedule individual and group meetings with me before the third week of classes. I will be happy to look at rough drafts of your paper if you bring them to me early enough.

Grading is based on, your research statement and bibliography, reading-discussion summaries, quality and number of contributions to the discussion forum,  preparation for and presentation of the oral report, and the final paper. Your overall participation in the class and the quality of your involvement is also important. Contributing to the rest of the group is a key element of the class.

Disabled Students

Kent State University recognizes its responsibility for creating an institutional climate in which students with disabilities can thrive. If you have a disability for which you require special accommodations to promote your learning in this class, please contact your instructor as soon as possible to discuss your needs. Student Disability Services is the organization on campus which can help with special accommodations. You may wish to contact SDS at 672-3391 to verify your eligibility and the options for accommodating your disability.