D198 Course Notes: Historical, Social, and Cultural Contexts

Student Name

Western Governors University

D198 Global Arts and Humanities

Prof. Name:

Date

Global Arts & Humanities Course Material Notes

Definitions

Historical Context

Definition:
Historical context refers to the social, political, economic, and cultural events that occurred before or during the creation of a particular work of art or literature. Understanding these events helps explain how they may have shaped the artist’s inspiration, themes, or techniques.

Explanation:
To determine historical context, first identify the period in which the work was produced. Then, examine significant historical developments or movements occurring at that time—such as wars, industrial growth, or political revolutions—that may have influenced the artist or author.

Example:
Diego Rivera’s Detroit Industry Murals (1932–1933) reflect the technological innovation and industrial dominance of America during and after World War I. Rivera’s fascination with factory workers and mechanized labor represents his admiration for human productivity and industrial progress. By situating the artwork within its historical framework, we gain a richer understanding of its significance and purpose.

Element	Description
Period	Early 1930s (Post–World War I Industrial Expansion)
Artist/Work	Diego Rivera, Detroit Industry Murals
Historical Influence	American industrialization, technological progress
Artistic Impact	Reflection of labor, machinery, and economic optimism

Social Context

Definition:
Social context refers to the everyday conditions, social hierarchies, and relationships that influence how individuals live and express themselves. It includes the norms, expectations, and institutional structures that shape people’s identities and interactions.

Key Factors:

Class, gender, race, and sexuality
Social roles and power dynamics
Marginalization and privilege within a society

Example:
Lucille Clifton’s poem “won’t you celebrate with me” powerfully portrays the struggles of a Black woman surviving within a society structured by racism and sexism. The poem becomes an act of defiance and celebration of existence in a world that often denies her value. By analyzing the poem’s social context, we uncover deeper meanings related to race, gender, and resilience.

Aspect	Illustration
Poet/Work	Lucille Clifton, “won’t you celebrate with me”
Themes	Racial and gender inequality
Social Impact	Resistance against systemic oppression
Message	Survival as a form of celebration

Cultural Context

Definition:
Cultural context encompasses the traditions, beliefs, values, and artistic practices of a particular group or community. It reflects how people express collective identity through language, rituals, and art forms.

Influencing Factors:

Religion and spirituality
Customs and social norms
Geographical environment
Language and oral traditions

Example:
Tsimshian artist David Boxley Jr. integrates his Indigenous heritage into his work by carving totem poles that embody ancestral stories, tribal achievements, and kinship symbols. Each totem pole serves as both a cultural document and an artistic celebration of his community’s identity.

Element	Description
Artist/Work	David Boxley Jr., Totem Poles
Cultural Origin	Tsimshian Tribe (Pacific Northwest)
Symbolism	Kinship, ancestry, honor, tradition
Purpose	Preservation and celebration of Indigenous heritage

Community Context

Definition:
Community context focuses on how groups of people come together through shared experiences, values, or goals. A community can exist physically (e.g., neighborhoods, schools) or virtually (e.g., online platforms).

Function of Art in Community:
Art often serves as a medium for expressing collective identity, addressing social issues, or promoting inclusivity within communities.

Example:
The Axis Dance Company’s performance Adelante exemplifies artistic inclusivity by showcasing dancers of varying physical abilities. This work challenges conventional notions of movement and beauty, promoting accessibility and acceptance in the arts.

Aspect	Description
Performance	Adelante by Axis Dance Company
Community Represented	Disabled and neurodiverse individuals
Purpose	Challenge stereotypes, promote inclusion
Artistic Outcome	Expands definitions of grace and physical expression

Global or Cultural Influence

Definition:
Global or cultural influence examines how a work transcends its local origins to impact audiences, creators, and societies worldwide. It involves understanding how art circulates, inspires, and transforms across borders.

Key Research Questions:

How does the artwork influence international creators or movements?
What global discussions or debates has the work inspired?
Has the work been replicated or reinterpreted globally?

Example:
The sculpture Fearless Girl (2017), placed near the Charging Bull in New York City, symbolizes global movements toward gender equality and empowerment. Its international acclaim demonstrates how art can inspire dialogue and activism across nations.

Element	Description
Artwork	Fearless Girl (2017)
Original Location	Wall Street, New York City
Global Impact	Symbol of women’s empowerment and gender equality
International Presence	Replicas displayed worldwide

What Makes Us Human?

Human Characteristics and Expressions:
Human beings are defined by their self-awareness, creativity, and emotional complexity. Unlike other species, humans reflect on their existence and make conscious choices based on values, ethics, and empathy.

Aspect of Humanity	Description
Self-Consciousness	Awareness of self and ability to reflect on experiences
Communication	Use of complex language to share ideas and emotions
Creativity	Expression through art, literature, and performance
Social Organization	Development of cultural, political, and historical systems
Emotions	Capacity for humor, love, and compassion

The Humanities

Definition:
The humanities encompass disciplines that study how humans document, interpret, and express the human experience through art, language, and philosophy.

Discipline	Description
Performance Arts	Creative expressions through movement and sound, including music, dance, opera, and theater.
Visual Arts	Artistic mediums such as painting, sculpture, drawing, printmaking, and architecture that visually represent ideas and emotions.
Literature and Language	Exploration of human communication, storytelling, and expression of thought.
Philosophy and Religious Studies	Examination of human purpose, ethics, spirituality, and the search for meaning.

References

Clifton, L. (1993). won’t you celebrate with me. In The Book of Light. Copper Canyon Press.

Rivera, D. (1932–1933). Detroit Industry Murals. Detroit Institute of Arts.

Boxley Jr., D. (n.d.). Totem Poles. Tsimshian Cultural Arts.