Art 110:  HONORS ART HISTORY: PREHISTORIC TO GOTHIC

Signs and Symbols in Ancient Art

Fall 2015, CRN: 99892, T/Th 12:45 – 2:10, Rm G102

 

Instructor: Denise Rogers, Ph.D.

Phone: 619-388-2371

e-mail address: derogers@sdccd.edu

Office Hours: T 2:10 -3:10 Rm: G247

InstructorÕs web page: http://homework.sdmesa.edu/drogers(click on appropriate course #)

Blackboard page: https://sdccd.blackboard.com/webapps/login/(access this site to submit assignments and check grades)

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

ARTF 110 Art History: Prehistoric to Gothic This course is a survey of the visual arts in western civilization from prehistory through the Gothic period. Emphasis is placed on representative art and architecture from Mesopotamia, Iran, Egypt, the Aegean, Etruscan, Rome and Greece. This course is intended for art majors and all students interested in art history, the humanities and culture. Associate Degree Credit & transfer to CSU. CSU General Education. IGETC. UC Transfer Course List.

 

The honors component of the course will broaden the scope of the class by focusing on the study of the construction and representation of icons. Because the works of art covered in this course are closely tied to culture, the study of the development of archetypes is an element of a standard art history course, however, the focus of this course will be to study the construction, history, and cross-cultural use of particular icons. The study of these icons relate to a variety of themes that allow for an interdisciplinary approach to the class. For example, religious/spiritual belief systems are communicated through a system of symbols. These symbols then enable the establishment of group ideologies that in turn dictate the use or misuse of symbols that influence social roles, politics and other cultural aspects of a particular community. We will follow the development and transformation of particular archetypes across cultures and analyze the manner in which they are received and distributed via works of art. These archetypes manifest in early rock paintings and continue through the rise of the Christian era as displayed on Gothic Cathedrals. The lecture component as well as individual and group presentations by students will focus on particular symbols that demonstrate dominant symbols of a particular group or region but will also expand across cultures. Students will also choose a particular area of focus and present to the class. Additional readings will be chosen by students in these areas that directly relate to specific works of art. In addition to identifying individual images, students will be tested on their ability to identify symbols and analyze the manner in which they are incorporated into works of art. Students in essence will be learning a new language, a system of signs, and how these signs help to shape cultural ideologies across cultures.

 

Sample iconographic themes include (to be expanded):

Paleolithic symbols (Goddess, Animal, Abstract)

Religious/Mythological iconography

Objects and artifacts

Animal and plant forms

Gendered archetypes

Astronomical bodies

Symbols of Power

Abstract shapes and forms

STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1.     Assess and explain the significance of visual expression and use of materials in prehistoric art.

2.     Analyze the artistic transition from cave dwellers to early civilization and the development of settlements, towns and cities.

3.     Compare and contrast world-views as expressed through art found in Mesopotamia, Egypt, Sudan and Iran.

4.     Assess the role of Greek sculpture and architecture in the rise of Hellenistic art and art in western civilization.

5.     Define Roman art and explain Roman contributions to architecture and urban development.

6.     Identify and analyze the connections between Islamic art and western European art.

7.     Evaluate the role of art in society and politics throughout the Medieval era.

8.     Identify examples of Gothic architecture and assess the ways in which it was influenced by new technologies and building innovations.

 

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

 

1.     Students will be able to identify and analyze stylistic characteristics of art and architecture from each of the selected groups and period styles from the prehistoric to gothic periods.

2.     Students will be able to critically analyze the form and content of art and architecture during the prehistoric to gothic periods with emphasis on their cultural and historical significance.

3.     Students will be able to evaluate the various technologies utilized by various cultural groups during the prehistoric to gothic periods that demonstrate developments in the creation of art and architecture.

 

After completing this course the student will be able to demonstrate their ability to differentiate between art periods and styles, from the Paleolithic period through the Gothic. The student will also be able to discuss the cultural and historical factors that influence art, and demonstrate their ability to critically analyze these works. As a result, the student will gain a greater appreciation of art and the powerful affect it has and continues to have on society as a whole.

 

NOTE: The subjects and material covered in this course may sometimes be of such a nature as to be offensive to your personal beliefs. Politics, religion, and morality have often been the content of artistsÕ efforts and will be discussed openly and in a mature manner with no intent to create a hostile environment.

 

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY

 

I will take attendance at the beginning of class for the first 2 weeks of the semester. After the first two weeks of class I will pass around a sign in sheet.  You must sign in on the corresponding day at the beginning of each class meeting. If you miss class or leave class early you will receive an X next to your name and will be considered absent for that day. If you must be absent please leave a message on my voice mail or e-mail me ahead of time and your absence will be excused. If there is an emergency or unexpected event that prevents you from letting me know you will be absent ahead of time you must bring in proof of your absence (i.e. doctorÕs note, tow receipt, etc.)

 

Excessive absences (3 unexcused or excessive excused absences) will result in a lower grade for the class and you may also being dropped from the course. I will not repeat lectures. It is your responsibility to get notes from your classmates if you miss class. Take notes during class lectures and do the reading assignments prior to coming to class. You are responsible for studying the works of art in the text but you will only be tested on those discussed in class and also in your textbook. I will frequently present questions to the class for discussion, these questions may also appear on the exam.

 

If for some reason you decide to no longer participate in the course, it is the your responsibility to officially drop the course. Students who remain enrolled in a class beyond the published withdrawal deadline, as stated in the class schedule, will receive an evaluative letter grade in this class.

▪               Last day to drop class with no "W" recorded: 9/4/2015 

▪               Last day to drop with a "W" recorded: 10/30/2015

 

REQUIRED READING

Stokstad, M. and M. Cothren. Art History. 5th ed. Vol.1, Books a la Carte Edition plus REVEL for Art History -- Access Card Package, Pearson Publishers. ISBN-10: 0134091051
 / ISBN-13: 9780134091051 (available in bookstore)

 

Van Straten, Roelof. An Introduction to Iconography. 2nd ed. New York: Routlegde, 2000.

 

RECOMMENDED READING:

Hall, James. Dictionary of Subjects & Symbolism Art. New York: Harper & Row, any edition, ISBN: 9780813343938

Barnet, Sylvan. A Short Guide to Writing About Art, any edition. New York: Longman, ISBN-13: 978-0321292483

REFERENCE MANUALS

Chicago Manual of Style  - http://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/home.html

MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Paper: http://www.mlahandbook.org/fragment/public_index;jsessionid=7064C00D9C89DA2D1A290FFF583228B1

 

A LIST OF BOOKS THAT FOCUS ON THE STUDY OF ICONOGRAPHY IS AVAILABLE ON MY WEBSITE

 

GRADING/EVALUATION SYSTEM:

4 Exams (100 points each)                  400 points             Final Grade Scale:    A (90-100%)   = 922-1025

1 Research paper                                100 points                                              B (80-89%)     = 820-921

1 Museum/Gallery assignment           100 points                                              C (70-79%)     = 717-819

4 Reading critiques                              100 points                                              D (60-69%)     = 615-716   

Group discussions (reading)                50 points                                              F  (0-59%)      = 0-614

Individual Presentations                      50 points                                             

Class Group Discussions                   100 points

On/Off Campus Lecture                      25 points

REVEL Quizzes                                 100 points

            Total   1025 points

 

 

 

CLASS DISCUSSIONS:

For each section we will have a discussion period in class. For these discussions you must listen to the PowerPoint lectures with voiceover on the class website (not Blackboard). These PowerPoint voiceovers are lectures covering the art-work for a particular chapter and will give you the information necessary to participate in the discussion. On the discussion days you will need to bring your book and notes to class. You will be working with other students preparing a Ōmini-lectureĶ of works of art from the slide list. The topic questions will be available on the website but you should not prepare them until you are working with your group in class. These discussions will help you absorb and retain the information so you can better prepare for the exam. There will be 4 graded group discussions worth 25 points each (100 points).

 

EXAM FORMAT:

1.    10 slide identifications as follows: period/culture/artist, title of the work, style, medium, and location for architecture. In addition, I will ask you to answer one question in relation to the work shown. This question will be covered in lecture or information taken directly from the textbook. (30 points)

2.     5 Terms taken from terminology sheet handed out before each exam. Definitions can be found throughout the text and in the glossary in the back of the book. When defining the terms on an exam they must be in your own words.  (10 points)

3.     10 short answer questions taken from a short answer sheet handed out before each exam (answers come from in class discussions, readings, or lectures). You may use a 3x5 card during this portion of the exam to organize your answer. (20 points).

4.     Answer a prepare-at-home essay question. I will provide a list of questions prior to the exam for you to study. You will have a chance to prepare the answers to these questions at home but write the essay in class. On the day of the exam I will present the same list of questions minus one (for example; if I give you a list of 6 questions 5 will appear on the exam). You will then choose ONE of the remaining questions to answer in class. You may use a 3x5 card during this portion of the exam to organize your answer. You may also bring in photocopies of the works of art to class so that you may refer to them while you answer the question. (40 points) REFER TO THE RECOMMENDED TEXTBOOK A Short Guide to Writing About Art (Sylvan Barnet) to help format the essay (also on reserve in library).

 

The exams are not cumulative but you will note that information covered from the very first day of class should be incorporated into information given during the entire course. A slide list, list of terms, and short essay questions will be handed out prior to the exams to aid in studying. If you miss class when passed out, make sure you check with me to receive copies.

Exam Dates:

1st Exam:       Chapters 1-3                                        September 24              100 points

2nd Exam:      Chapters 4 & 5                                     October 20                  100 points

3rd Exam:       Chapters 6-8                                        November 17              100 points

4th Exam:       Chapters 9, 15-17                                December 17               100 points

Optional Cumulate Online Final                                 December 13-18          (100 points)

 (Optional final can only be taken to make up exam or replace exam score and cannot be taken for extra credit points)                                   

EVERYONE MUST TAKE ALL FOUR EXAMS. If you miss an exam you have the option of taking the online cumulative final. Make-up exams are given only in cases of unforeseen circumstances AND you can bring in proof that you could not be in class on the day of the exam (ex. airline ticket, doctorÕs note, tow truck receipt).

 

If you have a need for any in-class accommodations or special test-taking arrangements because of a physical or perceptual limitation, please speak with me during the first two weeks of the semester.

 

READING CRITIQUES (everyone must turn in a reading critique)

The reading critiques consist of a written critique of an assigned article or book chapter that will be made available on my website. A critique consists of a precise reading of the sections, highlighting the major points that support the authorÕs thesis, and works of art used as examples to support the thesis (a reading critique guideline form is available on the course website). These readings will help when writing your essays and research paper so the readings are necessary to complete these assignments.

 

Reading Critique Due Dates (see instructorÕs website for readings):

            Reading #1            September 22

            Reading #2            October 15

            Reading #3            November 12

            Reading #4            December 15

 

GROUP DISCUSSION OF READINGS (15 minutes)

With the completion of each reading critique, a group of students will lead a discussion of the reading with the rest of the class. The groups will develop 4-5 questions for the class to discuss and supplement with images covered in the readings. The students will demonstrate an understanding of the reading by addressing the questions in the reading critique guidelines and create questions that are specific to that particular reading to elaborate on the particular methodology under discussion. YOU MUST TURN IN YOUR QUESTIONS POSED TO THE CLASS AS WELL AS YOUR WRITTEN CRITIQUE TO RECEIVE CREDIT FOR THE PRESENTATION.

 

Group#1:        September 22

Group #2:       October 15

Group #3:       November 12

Group #4:       December 15

 

INDIVIDUAL PRESENTATIONS: (10 minutes)

The individual presentation is a proposal for your thematic research paper. Therefore your theme, chosen works of art, and iconographical analysis must be in the form of a sample thesis presentation that you will go on to develop into the research paper. Presentations must consist of an iconographical analysis of a work of art. The following are some brief guidelines for the presentations:

 

Sample Organization of Presentation:

  1. Decipher icons/symbols and their meaning within a work of art of your choice.
  2. Analyze the connections between icons, their meaning and overall composition/formal elements of art-work.
  3. Identify and analyze connections to the section of the textbook we are covering, as well as overarching ideologies that relate to particular culture
  4. Identify and analyze connections groups outside of the region to emphasize cross-cultural connections.

Dates of Presentations: (you must sign up for a particular day and it cannot be the same date as your group presentation)

 

First Presentations:                 September 22

Second Presentations:             October 15

Third Presentations:               November 12

Fourth Presentations:             December 15

 

THEMATIC RESEARCH PAPER (see research paper handout for tips on themes)

The thematic research paper is a minimum of TEN double-spaced typed pages (not including bibliography) and consist of an iconographical analysis relating to a theme selected by the student relating to a period/cultural group covered in class. You must demonstrate knowledge of the particular work of a culture, artist, period, style or subject matter selected as it relates to your theme. The paper should be a critical analysis of the work (compare/contrast paper is best), but an informational paper is also acceptable but you will not receive the same grade as a critical paper. A bibliography of a MINIMUM of 3 sources should be at the end of your paper. Only 1 of these sources can be a random Internet search (this does not include reliable Internet sources (museums, etc. or online books and journals). The remaining sources must be books or journal articles from a library (the textbook cannot be used as one of your sources).

 

REFER TO THE RECOMMENDED TEXTBOOK A Short Guide to Writing About Art (Sylvan Barnet) to help format the paper.

 

Paper due dates:

Hand in thematic topic for your paper:       October 27 (if you have not presented your topic in class)

Early hand in for review                              December 1

Final paper due:                                           December 10

 

The 100 points are based on fulfilling the requirements for the assignment. If you hand in your paper prior to or on November 21st, I will grade it and return it to you the next class meeting.  You may either keep that grade or improve upon it (if necessary) and hand it back to me on the actual due date for re-grading.  LATE ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE MARKED DOWN ONE LETTER GRADE FOR EACH CLASS MEETING LATE In case of extreme emergency verification will be required. The final paper is due on December 5.

 

MUSEUM/GALLERY/PUBLIC ART ASSIGNMENT

You are required to go to a museum, gallery, or visit a public work of art IN PERSON and complete a list of questions (hand out located on class website (not blackboard)). The artwork to be viewed must be from the time period covered in class. The assignment is due by the last day of class. You can turn it in at any time (worth 100 points). The paper averages 2-3 pages.

 

*This assignment can be combined with the Research paper (your paper will then average between 12-14 pages)

 

ON/OFF CAMPUS LECTURE

Students must attend an on or off campus lecture relating to the art I will announce these lectures in class (online videos of lectures will also fulfill this requirement, however I must approve of the video). After attending the lecture students will write a one-page critique (opinion paper) discussing the content of the lecture and your overall impression of the event.

 

Cheating/Plagiarism:

If you are caught cheating on an exam or plagiarizing on a paper you will be warned and receive a 0 for the assignment. You will not have the opportunity to make up the points. If you are caught cheating a second time you will not pass the course and your name may be forwarded to the Dean of Academic Affairs.

 

STUDY SUGGESTIONS

 

In order to be successful in the course follow these guidelines:

 

-            Attend class and take notes (not all information covered in class is in the textbook)

-            Complete all homework prior to coming to class and be prepared to discuss topics

-            Review PowerPoint Lectures prior to class meeting so you are prepared to discussed topics.

-            Read the chapters prior to coming to class (this will help when studying and memorizing images)

-            Keep track of where we are in the class, what was covered during each class meeting, and any adjustments to the syllabus.

-            Make sure you have all handouts.

-            Review images frequently, donÕt wait until the night before to memorize images (they will begin to look the same) (flashcards are very helpful)

-            Complete all homework assignments

-            Turn in assignments on time (late assignments are penalized)

 

EXTRA CREDIT OPTIONS

The following is a list of extra credit options for the course:

1.     Jonathan Green Exhibition Reception/Opening – SDSU downtown Gallery – August 29th 6-9 p.m. (10 points – write one page critique)

2.     Extra museum assignment worth up to 10 points (2 extra maximum - 20 points maximum)

3.     Extra paper worth up to 20 points (1 maximum – 20 points maximum)

4.     Art exhibition/lectures/on-campus events (written critique). (5 points)

 

You should follow the same guidelines you received for the required assignment. I will keep you informed of exhibitions, lectures, and on-campus events. When you attend you must write and turn in a critique (approx. 1 page) of the event. ALL EXTRA CREDIT IS DUE BY THE DAY OF THE FINAL

Class Schedule and Reading Assignments (subject to change)

 

August 25:      Introduction to the course (periods, terms, styles).

                        Begin 1st reading critique of van Straten textbook

                        HOMEWORK: Watch PowerPoint Video on Blackboard (Course Introduction AND Chapter 1

 

SECTION I: CHAPTERS 1-3

 

August 27:            READ: Chapter 1: Prehistoric Art          

Sign up for Individual and Group Presentations

**Make sure you are reviewing slide list, short answer questions and essay questions while reading each chapter to prepare for exams

                              HOMEWORK: REVEL Module Quizzes 1.1 - 1.4 Due Sunday 8/30 11:59 p.m.

(You must have the Pearson REVEL access code to take quizzes)

 

September 1:         DISCUSSION: Chapter 1: Prehistoric Art

                              Chapter 2: The Art of the Ancient Near East.

                              LISTEN TO: Videos Chapter 2 in PowerPoint Lecture Folder

 

September 3:         DISCUSSION: Chapter 2: The Art of the Ancient Near East.

                              HOMEWORK: REVEL Module Quizzes 2.1 - 2.5 Due Sunday 9/6 11:59 p.m.

                              LISTEN TO: PowerPoint Lecture with Voice Over for Chapter 3

                             

September 8:         Chapter 3: Art of Ancient Egypt: PreDynastic; Old Kingdom.

                              Video: Ancient Egypt

                             

September 10:       DISCUSSION: Chapter 3: Art of Ancient Egypt: PreDynastic; Old Kingdom.

HOMEWORK: QUIZZES: REVEL Module Quizzes 3.1 – 3.5. Due Sunday 9/13 11:59 p.m.

 

September 15:       Chapter 3: Art of Ancient Egypt: PreDynastic; Old Kingdom.

 

September 17:       DISCUSSION: Chapter 3: Art of Ancient Egypt: Middle Kingdom; New Kingdom.

                              Review Exam #1

                              HOMEWORK: QUIZZES Chapters 1-3 Due Sunday 9/20 11:59 p.m.

 

September 22:       1ST READING CRITIQUE DUE

                              1st INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP PRESENTATIONS

                             

September 24:       EXAM #1: CHAPTERS 1, 2, AND 3

                              LISTEN TO: PowerPoint Lecture with Voiceover for Chapter 4

SECTION II: CHAPTERS 4 and 5

 

September 29:       DISCUSSION: Chapter 4: Art of the Ancient Aegean: Cycladic; Minoan; Mycenean.

                              Begin 2nd reading critique and prepare for group presentation

October 1:             VIDEO: Greek Classical Period

                              DISCUSSION: Chapter 5: Art of Ancient Greece. Pottery: Geometric/Orientalizing, Archaic, Classical and Hellenistic

HOMEWORK: REVEL Module Quizzes 4.1 – 4.4 Due Sunday 10/4 11:59 p.m.

                              LISTEN TO: PowerPoint Lecture with Voiceover for Chapter 5 to prepare for Chapter 5

 

October 6:             DISCUSSION Chapter 5: Art of Ancient Greece. Sculpture: Geometric/Orientalizing, Archaic, Classical and Hellenistic

 

October 8:             Chapter 5: Art of Ancient Greece. Sculpture: Geometric/Orientalizing, Archaic, Classical and Hellenistic

                              HOMEWORK: REVEL Module Quizzes 5.1 – 5.7 Due Sunday 10/11 11:59 p.m.

 

October 13:           Chapter 5: Art of Ancient Greece Architecture: Geometric/Orientalizing, Archaic, Classical and Hellenistic.

 

October 15:           2nd READING CRITIQUE DUE

                              2nd INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP PRESENTATIONS

HOMEWORK: QUIZZES CHAPTERS 4 and 5 DUE 10/18 11:59 p.m.

 

October 20:           EXAM #2 CHAPTERS 4 AND 5

                             

SECTION III: CHAPTERS 6-8

 

October 22:           Chapter 6: Etruscan and Roman Art

                              Begin 3rd reading critique and prepare for group presentation

                              HOMEWORK: LISTEN TO: PowerPoint Lecture with Voiceover for Chapter 6 and review PowerPoint lecture

HOMEWORK: REVEL Module Quizzes 6.1 – 6.4 Due Sunday 10/25 11:59 p.m.

 

October 27:           PAPER TOPIC DUE (if you have NOT presented in class) 

                              Video: Rome

                              DISCUSSION: Chapter 6: Roman Art: The Republic

                             

October 29:           Chapter 6: Roman Art: Augustus, Roman Painting, Sculpture & Architecture

HOMWORK: REVEL Module Quizzes 6.5 – 6.6 Due Sunday 11/1 11:59 p.m.

 

November 3:         Chapter 6: Roman Art: Architecture

                              LISTEN TO: PowerPoint Lecture with Voiceover for Chapter 7 and 8

                               

November 5:         DISCUSSION: Chapter 7: Jewish and Early Christian Art

                              Chapter 8: Byzantine Art: Early Byzantine, Iconoclasm

                              HOMEWORK: REVEL Module Quizzes 7.1-7.3 Due Sunday 11/8 11:59 p.m.

                              REVEL Module Quizzes 8.1-8.4 Due Sunday 11/8 11:59 p.m.

 

November 10:       DISCUSSION: Chapter 8: Byzantine Art: Late Byzantine

 

November 12:       3rd READING CRITIQUE DUE

                              3rd INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP PRESENTATIONS

                              HOMEWORK: COMPLETE Quizzes Chapters 6-8 Due 11/15 11:59 p.m.

 

November 17:       EXAM #3: Chapters 6-8

 

SECTION IV: CHAPTERS 9, 15-17

 

November 19:       SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER – BILL LERACH AND THE ART OF COLLECTING

                              HOMEWORK: CHAPTER 9: Islamic Art

LISTEN TO: PowerPoint Lecture with Voiceover for Chapter 9

HOMEWORK: REVEL Module Quizzes 9.1 – 9.5 Due Sunday 11/22 11:59 p.m.

Chapter 15: Early Medieval Art

LISTEN TO: PowerPoint Lecture with Voiceover for Chapter 15

REVEL Module Quizzes 15.1 – 15.7 Due Sunday 11/29* 11:59 p.m. (note later due date)

 

November 23-27:  HOLIDAY- THANKSGIVING BREAK – NO CLASSES

                             

December 1:          PAPER OPTIONAL EARLY HAND IN DATE

                              DISCUSSION: Chapter 9: Islamic Art

                              Begin 4th reading critique and prepare for group presentation

                              Chapter 15: Early Medieval Art in Europe

 

December 3:          Chapter 16: Romanesque Art

                              LISTEN TO: PowerPoint Lecture with Voiceover for Chapter 16

HOMEWORK: REVEL Module Quizzes 16.1 – 16.6 Due Sunday, 12/6 11:59 p.m.

REVEL Module Quizzes 17.1 – 17.5 Due Sunday 12/6 11:59 p.m.

 

December 8:          DISCUSSION: Chapter 16: Romanesque Art (cont.)

                              Chapter 17: Gothic Europe: French Gothic Art

 

December 10:        THEMATIC RESEARCH PAPERS DUE

                              Chapter 17: Gothic Europe: French Gothic Art

HOMEWORK: REVEL CHAPTER QUIZZES 9, 15, 16 and 17 Due Sunday, 12/13 11:59 p.m.

                                                                                                       

December 15:        4th  READING CRITIQUE DUE 

                              4th INDIVIDUAL PRESENTATIONS AND GROUP PRESENTATIONS

 

December 17:        FINAL EXAM (Chapters 9, 15-17)

                              LAST DAY TO TURN IN MUSEUM ASSIGNMENT

                              OPTIONAL CUMULATIVE FINAL AVAILABLE ON BLACKBOARD until midnight (score can only be used to replace a lower score or if you missed an exam)

 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS