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Welcome to the inaugural version of Survey of Art History. This course is being offered for the first time during the Winter quarter of 2012. Because it is required only at the Associates level, and since students who decide to enter the BFA program must take a standard art history sequence, we have the luxury of exploring the history of the visual arts by looking carefully at some of the major themes that have inspired artists to create the works that have survived into the modern world. The course will examine the principles and formal structure of art works through time, but we will also discuss the philosophical and cosmologial contexts in which these principles and structures evolved. Instead of studying works in a linear sequence, we will explore concepts and themes across time, to see how they have developed and have been expressed over the broad span of human history. The basic sequence and thematic arrangment of the course can be found on the schedule linked above. Much depends on the size and interests of the class; periodic updates (including guidelines for the group project) will be added as needed. Course Requirements See the course rubric for information on the criteria used to evaluate your progress through this course. There is no textbook required for this class. Instead, you will be asked to create your own, in the form of a workbook/sourcebook designed to facilitate your own learning as we proceed through the course. Most materials will be available online, and we will rely on high-quality, well-designed resources such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. We will also take advantage of the growing availability of open courseware, through organizations like the Kahn Academy, which has produced SmArt History--a collaborative online textbook devoted to art and art history. Students in this class may also initiate or participate in discussions on my course-related blog, The Owls' Parliament. This class is small enough to generate lively discussion and collaborative learning, as well as gain some useful experience in locating appropriate materials. One objective of this class is to wean students away from the lure of Wikipedia and random Google searches. Your workbook is worth 30% of your grade, and will be assessed at midterm (week 5) and week 9. Participation is an essential element of this class. I will prepare a visual introduction to each topic, which will be augmented by short videos and other media whenever possible. Some portion of most classes will include time in the Library, conducting research on questions posed in class by me or by your fellow students. Since curiosity is a major component of creativity, I will encourage students to pursue any questions that arise, and use research tools effectively. I also expect timely arrival and your full attentiion. This means that all eletronic media must be turned off unless they are being used at my direction. You are welcome to bring laptops or tablet devices to class; but keep them turned off until you are asked to use them. And because every student is missed in a small class, please let me know in advance if you will be unable to attend, or as soon after the fact as possible. Failure to do so will affect your participation grade adversely. Preparednes requires that you bring to class materials for taking notes, as well as your workbook. Timeline project. This is primarily a history course; but because of its concentration on Big Ideas, keeping track of the actual sequence of events is necessary to avoid confusion. Each student will, therefore, create a timeline in whatever medium or media seem appropriate. Requirements and guidelines will be linked above, and discussed in detail during the first two weeks of class. The Timeline will be assessed week 5 for midterm purposes. The final version is due week 10, for 20% of your grade. Group project: After having pursued several themes, small groups of students (two or three each) will develop a presentation based on artistic responses to the general idea of "the future." Each presentation will include objects, texts, and other materials from a broad range of historical possibilities. We will begin working on this project in class week 7 with an initial discussion of requirements and possibilities. Project guidelines will be linked at the top of this page, along with parameters and suggestions. Weeks 10 and 11 will be set aside for visual presentation, discussion, and evaluation. Complete materials from each group are due week 10, whether or not the presentation takes place at that time. The project is worth 30% of your grade. Please be sure to read linked guidelines and requirements before asking questions. Summary of Available Points: Total = 100.
Midterm grades will be assigned on the basis of the first workbook and timeline evaluations, and on participation (presence in class, preparation, timeliness of assignment completion, and discussion contributions). Students failing or earning a D/D+ at midterm will be required to consult with me to design an improvement plan. If you have any questions regarding any of the assignments, grading policies, etc, please see me during office hours, or e-mail me at the address noted on the syllabus.
last update:
01.10.12 |