Class Introduction

After Columbus' voyage at the end of the 15th century, Europe embarked on the world. It eventually paved the way for the Atlantic slave trade and promoted the integration of the world. Not only that, but from contact with different people we meet in various places, we also form a view of race that puts ourselves at the top. It offers a macroscopic bird's-eye view of the dynamic and dynamic history that is also connected to the archetypes of the modern world.

It is usually believed that the "modern era" begins after the war. Of course, the division between the pre-war and post-war periods is World War II. However, as seen in the conflicts between Russia and Ukraine and Israel and Palestine, the post-war order is being greatly shaken. Based on this current situation, I will think about the events in European society.

When you think of France, do you think of a revolution that advocated freedom and equality? In this class, we will look at the history of France after the revolution with a focus on "gender" and "religion". These elements are aspects that are difficult to see from superficial political fluctuations, but by focusing on them, we can grasp clues that capture today's French society.

Until the 1960s, France had a vast colony. In some areas, such as Africa, French influence remains even after independence, while in the maritime world there are areas that are not actually independent. These regions related to France are broadly regarded as "French-speaking countries", and while unraveling their relationship with France, we will consider their unique cultures and societies.

Throughout the ages, artists tend to like to travel. In part because I sought an environment where free ideas could aspire, in an era when access to information was limited, visiting culturally advanced places was the only opportunity to learn about new artistic trends. Classes will focus on the maritime city of Venice and examine how the artist's travels have fostered a unique art tradition.

What do you think of when you hear Eisenach or Wartburg Castle in Germany? Leading German composers such as Bach and Wagner, as well as the reformer Luther, are involved here, and it is the source of various works of art. By studying art across the arts, with a focus on German-speaking music, you develop a perspective that captures cultural dynamism.

In Europe in the 19th century, when civil society was formed amid the changes caused by the civil revolution and the industrial revolution, the state of art also changed significantly. Students will take up works of art that are in this period of change, examine the historical context and ideological background while capturing the characteristics of plastic expression, and learn from multiple perspectives and ways of thinking about art.

We will take an overview of some European myths and legends (including folklore), and look at common elements, differences, and the background that has been passed down. From there, the activities of the people involved will emerge. You should be able to meet the profile of European mythology, which is different from the world you are used to seeing in games and anime.

"Renaissance" is originally a French word meaning "rebirth." Artists of the Renaissance period, mainly from the 15th to 16th centuries, admired the civilization and culture of ancient Greece and Rome, known as classical antiquity, and dreamed of a "rebirth" of it, searching for realistic artistic expression. This class focuses on their efforts to "revive antiquity," and analyzes in what ways Renaissance art works show influences from classical antiquity and in what ways artists' originality is displayed, comparing specific works and reading historical documents.