Having established a foundation in how visual art reinforces culture, the student is taken ethnographically deeper into how to research and study visual art through various anthropological research methods and case studies.
This course gives the student an opportunity to consider various anthropological theories and research principles and methods in studying visual art cross-culturally and holistically along with providing background in developing a research program that is carried out in the field.
Being able to carry out research and analysis of qualitative data gleaned from visual art helps provide a better understanding of the symbolic elements of a culture.
In Acts chapters 17 and 18, we learn that Paul was very observant of Greek visual and material culture. This allowed him to appeal to the Greeks more effectively, opening the door of Athenian society to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Having an ethnographically rich understanding of a culture's visual art is key to missions. Visual art is part of the symbolic language that reinforces culture, and by adequately researching and analyzing visual art within its cultural context, art is more effectively made a part of spreading the Gospel message within a particular culture and society.
By ethnographically going deep into understanding a culture's visual art, the symbolic aspects of a culture can be better understood in how constructions of meaning are transmitted within a cultural context.
Students more effectively relate to others within different cultures and societies by having a better understanding of visual and material culture of a people.
The course allows students to gain practical research skills and knowledge to be more effective participant observers.
Through having a better understanding of research methods and theories used to interpret observations made regarding a culture's visual art, students become more mindful of the cultural nuances that are important symbolically to a society.
