First-Year Seminars 110WT - Writing About Pictures

True, pictures are worth a thousand words, but how do we know which thousand words to use? In this seminar, we will read a range of art criticism, art history, and fiction in order to examine the work of language in relation to pictures. We will explore a basic question: Why do pictures compel us to use words? We will learn to distinguish among different kinds of writing, visit the Mount Holyoke College Art Museum regularly, and learn to craft thoughtful words of our own about original works of art. We will work on collaborative projects, and cultivate leadership skills by actively listening to peers, and writing and speaking critically about art.

First-year students only, by placement.