History of Art 646-001 Problems in Medieval Art: Archaeological Textiles

As the stuff of clothing, furnishings, tools and a wide variety of goods, textiles are integral to human society. Increasingly, approaches to textiles as realia are complementing longstanding interests in technique, style and symbolic import. This seminar introduces students to the rudiments of physical analysis, contextual issues and archaeological documentation through assigned readings, discussions, and hands-on work. Topics concerning production, consumption, commerce and gifting, as well as dress, costume and fashion will be considered through selected case studies. Students undertake original research projects to be presented in two focused preliminary oral reports, one oral presentation of research results, and a comprehensive final paper. (Thomas)