ARTS 458 - Seminar in the History of Modern Architecture:The Chair

3 HU

Second Semester. As the poet Theodore Roethke once wrote, “A funny thing about the Chair: You hardly ever think it’s there.” This seminar will investigate the history and theory of an ubiquitous but little understood object that is at once a symbol of power, a means of regulating labor and social relations, an industrial commodity, an architecture, an art object/subject, and—perhaps—even a thing one sits on. We will discuss—and, when possible, examine first-hand—chairs and sitting practices of all types, from the ancient folding stool to contemporary contract furniture, and digest the startling diversity of theoretical approaches to understanding chairs and sitting.

Prerequisites & Notes
Consent of the instructor required. Enrollment limit: 15.

Mr. Harwood.

Credits: 3

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