HUM 414 - Art Crime: The Dark Side of Buying and Selling Art

Course Description

Crimes against global cultural resources are a multi-billion dollar business that comes in many guises.  Rarely is it the private collector who hires the debonair thief to steal an object in a sensational heist.  There are many moral, ethical and colonial attitudes which contribute to the ongoing exploitation of culture and heritage worldwide.

You will be introduced to the darker side of the international economy of art and antiquities – who commits art crimes, the impact on culture, who the buyers and sellers are, and the effect of war, revolution and colonialism on art and culture.

Course Details

By completion of this course, successful students will be able to:

• Identify source countries and how the theft of antiquities damages cultures
• Recognize the necessity of returning art and cultural objects to source countries/cultures
• Explain the effect of art crimes on Canada/Canadians
• Explore the effects of art theft on personal art purchases