ARTARCH 4015/ARCH 622A Theories of Modern Art and Architecture 

The course will present theories of art and architecture from the 19th to the 21st century in their historical contexts through a set of in-depth investigations of selected topics. Some knowledge of history and theory is integral to contemporary understandings of the disciplines of art, art history and architecture. To foster a historical understanding of theories of modern art and architecture, we will discuss a selection of key texts, divided into three sections: theoretical sources of modern art and architectural history in the 19th century; theories of modernism, from the formalist to the Marxist; postmodern critiques of modernism, in such areas as feminist theory and poststructuralism. Class visits to Sullivan and Adler´s Wainwright Building (1890-91), Saarinen´s Arch at the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial (completed 1964), Ando´s Pulitzer Foundation for the Arts (2001), and Maki´s Kemper Museum of Art (2006) will be integral to the work of the course.

Morris Louis, American, 1912-1962 , "Alpha-Pi," 1960, The Metropolitan Museum of Art. New York; ARTstor ID MMA_IAP_1039652154 Image © The Metropolitan Museum of Art, "Reproduction of any kind is prohibited without express written permission in advance from The Metropolitan Museum of Art."

This is the library research guide for Dr. Eric Mumford and Dr. John Klein's course, Theories of Modern Art and Architecture, Art History and Archaeology 4015/Architecture 622A.

Please let Kasia Leousis or Rina Vecchiola know if you have any questions about this research guide.

While some of the resources in this guide are freely available, most research databases and electronic journals and many online library services have access restrictions that require that you be a current Washington University student, faculty member, or staff member. See this page for help.

Kasia Leousis, Art History

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Contact Info:
Art & Architecture LIbrary
Kemper Museum Building
314-935-4377

Rina Vecchiola, Art & Architecture Librarian

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Contact Info:
Art & Architecture LIbrary
Kemper Museum Building
314-935-7658