A survey of the development of visual arts from the pre-historic to the end of medieval period, covering major civilizations and cultures worldwide. Offers students strong background for understanding the visual art as a vehicle of communication in its functional context. Provides cross-cultural understanding through continuous critical thinking perspective. Enables students to comprehend and interpret works of art by examining the contextual characteristics of the work, its subject, functionality and the culture(s) that produced it. A field trip to a major museum and other appropriate sites is required to strengthen student knowledge.
Goals, Topics, and Objectives
This course is a fundamental survey concerned with the growth of civilization and development of art in relation to history and technology. A variety of media are presented: sculpture, architecture, painting, and the applied arts. These are studied in terms of their historical context.
- Prehistoric Art.
Demonstrate an aesthetic awareness of Prehistoric Art and explain the importance of Prehistoric Art within its cultural context.
- Ancient near East.
Demonstrate an aesthetic awareness of the art of Ancient near East and explain the importance of this style within its cultural context.
- Ancient Egypt.
Demonstrate an aesthetic awareness of the art of Ancient Egypt and explain the importance of Egyptian art within its cultural context.
- Prehistoric Aegean.
Demonstrate an aesthetic awareness of Prehistoric Aegean art and explain the importance of this style within its cultural context.
- Ancient Greece.
Demonstrate an aesthetic awareness of the art of Ancient Greece and explain the importance of these styles within its cultural context.
- Ancient Southeast Asia.
Demonstrate an aesthetic awareness of the art of Ancient Southeast Asia and explain the importance of this art within its cultural context.
- Early China, Early Japan.
Demonstrate an aesthetic awareness of the art of both early China and early Japan and explain the importance of these styles within their cultural context.
- Etruscan and Ancient Rome
Demonstrate an aesthetic awareness of Etruscan and ancient Roman art and explain the importance of these styles within their cultural context.
- Jewish, Early Christian, Byzantium, Islamic Art.
Demonstrate an aesthetic awareness of the artistic styles that developed in central Europe and the Middle East during the first Millennium CE and explain the importance of these styles within their cultural context.
- Ancient Americas
Demonstrate an aesthetic awareness of art of the ancient Western Hemisphere and explain the importance of these styles within its cultural context.
- Pre Colonial Africa
Demonstrate an aesthetic awareness of African art prior to European colonialism and explain the importance of these styles within their cultural context.
- Early Medieval, Romanesque and Gothic
Demonstrate an aesthetic awareness of the artistic styles that developed in central and western Europe during the first half of the second Millennium CE and explain the importance of this art within its cultural context.
In addition to the above Learning Outcomes, students should be able to:
- Contrast basic stylistic changes within different time periods and regions of the world
- Illustrate how techniques were developed in creating visual imagery
- Research an area of study and discuss its importance
- Explain various art ideas in relation to the political, philosophical, and religious events of each period
Assessment and Requirements
- Quizzes given throughout the course.
- Exams are given within the class at measurable intervals.
- A written final examination is based on visual imagery studied throughout the course.
- Assessing a written Research Paper with major points evaluated.
- Assessing key concepts of Research Paper within an oral presentation in a group setting.
Gardner’s Art Through the Ages, A Global History Vol. 1
Outcomes
- Humanities and Fine Arts
- Category 5: Humanities and Fine Arts