Time Schedule:
Margaret L Laird
ART H 201
Seattle Campus
Major achievements in painting, sculpture, architecture, and the decorative arts in Europe, the Near East, and North Africa, from prehistoric times to the beginnings of Christianity.
Class description
This course surveys major achievements in painting, sculpture, architecture and the decorative arts from prehistoric Europe, Egypt and the Ancient Near East to the civilizations of Greece and Rome. This exciting period witnessed the development of complex societies and forms of government, the rise of western philosophical and literary traditions and the spread of new religious systems. To understand the role that art played in these important changes, we will consider a wide range of material, from royal palaces to temples and religious art to images of common men and women. We will emphasize how these monuments functioned within their cultural contexts to understand how they expressed political, social or religious meanings. To aid our analysis, the course also introduces the principles and methods of art historical study.
Student learning goals
Identify important objects, monuments and works of art from the Neolithic period to the early fourth century AD.
Understand how the appearance and style of objects and architecture changes over time.
Analyze works of art and architecture, both in conversations and in writing.
Use your analyses of art and architecture as evidence to make arguments about ancient societies and cultures.
General method of instruction
The course will consist of three illustrated lectures per week, and smaller section meetings. Section meetings will focus on discussion related to short writing exercises that will amplify the topics, materials and themes of the lectures.
Recommended preparation
General Education
Class assignments and grading
The textbook for Autumn 2009 will be Gardner's Art Through the Ages, The Western Perspective, Volume 1, 13th edition. However, we will try to accomodate those who already own the 12th edition. Assignments may include: readings from textbook and xeroxed packet, average 25-30 pages/week; preparation for active discussion of visual material during section meetings; short written exercises (1 page maximum) prepared for discussion sections; 2 short essays (2-3 pages). These assignments are subject to change.
Participation in section discussions; 3 tests given throughout the quarter (not cumulative); writing assignments; quizzes
