This course offers a unique opportunity to survey Pablo Picasso (1881–1973), the most prolific and influential artist of the first half of the 20th century. Nearly seven decades of incessant art making will be examined in relation to major currents and themes in European art, history, and culture. Emphasis is not only on stylistic developments during the artist’s lifetime and artistic career, but also on the way Picasso interacted with the ideas and values of his culture and time. The aim of the course is to increase visual literacy and to deepen students’ awareness of the cultural and conceptual framework in which Picasso’s artwork was made and used. This course will highlight current scholarship and conversations in order to reassess Picasso’s unique vision and his legacy to the art world. Class sessions are primarily lecture with some discussion. Slide presentations and case studies of individual artwork are incorporated in the course.