Art and Art History
Dr. Robert L. Pincus teaches courses on writing, theory, and criticism as a Lecturer in the Department of Art at California State University Long Beach. He teaches undergraduate courses as a Lecturer in the Department of Art, Architecture, and Art History at the University of San Diego.
He was previously a Visiting Professor in the Department of Art at San Diego State University, and an instructor at the University of Southern California.
Education
- Ph.D. in Art History & English, University of Southern California, 1987
- M.A. in American Studies, University of Southern California, 1980
- B.A. in Comparative Cultures, University of California, Irvine, 1976
A Note on Teaching from Robert
“One of the inspiring dimensions of being in the classroom is to register when a work of art, a reading or a subject of discussion becomes a moment of discovery for a student. This is why I have long valued discussion more than lecturing in my classes. After the course has ended, students will remember the materials that engaged them most.
I never assume simply because works and periods may be intrinsically intriguing to me that it means this will also be true for students. It’s not good enough simply to explain and interpret the works I am covering well. It’s important to convey why this material is of great interest, and relevant to us, at this point in the 21st century.
One other guiding idea for me is to place works of art in a broad context, connecting it to the history of the era in which it was created as well as the philosophical currents of that time, be it two years or two centuries ago. It is all part of trying to bring the works of art and ideas about art to life.”
Courses
Graduate Courses
History of Western Art Theory and Criticism
Art History 548,549,550 — Fall 2018-Spring 2024
About the course
This course offers a broad range of ideas about art that encompass theorists and critics from ancient times to the present.
Art Theory and Criticism
Art 681 — Fall 2017-18
About the course
This course examines a spectrum of texts that contribute to understandings of art, various practices, and genres. We consider how both critics and artists are vital for thinking about art, and consider the relationship between theories and criticism.
Writing for Artists
Art 685 — Spring 2016-Spring 2020
About the course
This innovative course examines writing in two ways: we focus on varieties of art writing for originality of thought or clarity of expression. Then we will practice writing in different genres including the review, interview, and artists’s statement. Helpful for professional development.
Undergraduate Courses
Critical and Creative Thinking About Art and its Recent History
Art 101 — Fall 2012-Present
About the course
This course familiarizes you with theories and ideas proposed by artists and commentators since 1960. We focus on developing critical thinking about art in ways that extend to contemporary visual culture as a whole.
Writing for Visual Artists
Art 311 — Spring 2021-Present
About the course
This course focuses on writing in different genres including the artist’s statement, the review, and the interview.
Artists’ Stories: In Art History, Film and Other Forms
Art History 138 — Spring 2016-Present
About the course
This course introduces the prominent theories and ideas proposed by artists, critics, and historians since 1870. We look at major figures and archetypes from both pop culture and scholarly perspectives.
Art of the 20th and 21st Centuries in Europe and the Americas (1900 to Present)
Art History 334 — 2015-Present
About the course
This course familiarizes you with prominent artists, movements and theories of art in Europe and the Americas from 1900-Present. We will consider different approaches to understanding and interpreting art by expanding our awareness of the ways art historians and critics have written about them.
History of Western Art Theory and Criticism
Art History 448,449, 450 — Fall 2018-Present
About the course
This course offers a broad range of ideas about art that encompass theorists and critics from ancient times to the present.
Robert L. Pincus 