Time Schedule:
Kathryn Bunn-Marcuse
ART H 309
Seattle Campus
Topics vary.
Class description
Indigenous Body Adornment. This class explores the practice of body adornment in many indigenous cultures. We will look at a variety of practices including tattooing and piercing as well as the use of jewelry and clothing. These will be examined in their capacity to convey information on individual, tribal, or clan identity. We will also consider the role of adornments role in specific contexts such as warfare or ceremony as well. Finally, we will discuss the issue of cultural property with regard to such expressions and their use or misuse by the dominant society.
Student learning goals
This course has multiple goals. The first is to expose students to the art and culture of the indigenous people and particular forms of expression through the decoration of the human body. In addition to gaining an understanding of this particular kind of artwork, we will explore the methodologies of art history: learning to look at and describe a work of art both verbally and in writing. Students will experience how working with classmates can enhance comprehension and raise the level of engagement with course materials.
Students will learn to recognize tribal styles and to analyze artworks on a formal and contextual level. Writing assignments will help to develop the skills of written description and argument. We will practice critical reading skills and comparative techniques and apply them to the objects under examination.
General method of instruction
Class meetings will combine lectures and discussion with small group and individual work. Coming to class prepared is essential to participating in the discussions. An atmosphere of collegial support respecting diversity and differences of opinion is essential and participation is encouraged and expected from all members of the class.
Teamwork - You will be assigned to a team that will be expected to produce certain material for class discussion. Each team will be the expert on certain topics and will be responsible for certain aspects of the reading, researching them further, and presenting that information to the class. Teams will also aid in making study guides and generating essay questions which will be posted on the class website. Teams will work together on gathering resources for the research paper.
Recommended preparation
Art history 206 or 205 would be a helpful introduction to the kinds of issues under consideration in this class. No prerequisites are required.
Class assignments and grading
Class Reflection Essay - critical writing and reading skills in practice, connecting themes throughout the class. Team Presentation - your team will present a broad topic. Your individual research paper will fall under this topic Research Paper Exams: Slide identification and essays. Selected images from the lectures and class reader will be required for the tests. Tests will include slide identification and material from the assigned readings and lectures. Copies of all required images will be available online for study.
The course will be graded according to the following formula: 10% Individual Participation (in class and on-line) 15% Team Project and Team Participation 10% Reflection Essay 20% Research Paper 45% Exams – Midterm (20%) & Final (25%)
