Art History Survey I & II

Prerequisite

It is important for students to have some knowledge of World History before taking an Art History course, this course is for students grades 9th to 12th, who have completed a World History course or a general European History course.

Part 1 (Fall Semester)

Art History Survey I chronologically outlines the evolution of Western art from the Prehistoric period to the spread of Gothic Art in Europe. The student will become familiar with the major historical works of art in painting, sculpture, on paper and architecture through a variety of readings, assignments, online discussions and engagement activities.

Part 2 (Spring Semester)

Art History Survey II chronologically outlines the evolution of Western art from Thirteenth- & Fourteenth-Century Italy to The Age of Positivism: Realism, Impressionism, and the Pre-Raphaelites. The student will become familiar with the major historical works of art in painting, sculpture, on paper and architecture through a variety of readings, assignments, online discussions and engagement activities.

Course Objectives:

The purpose of these courses is to give students the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary for understanding and critically assessing works of art to successfully describe, analyze, interpret and judge all artwork on your own.

Chronologically, students will study a diverse group of artists and their works in a variety of mediums. Additionally, students will study these artists’ particular historical periods, religion, artistic styles, and art movements. The ultimate goal is to gain an understanding of art, art processes, and its many functions in our close environs.

Through this course of study, students will gain a deeper understanding of and be able to:

1. Define art terminologies.
2. Explain and recognize the styles, themes, and history in Western art.
3. Discuss a variety of purposes and reasons for art.
4. Classify artwork and explain period paintings, sculptures, work on paper and architecture and will be able to discuss the art of The Classical World to the Pre-Raphaelites.
5. Examine the art that supported the rise of Christianity.
6. Support the classification of artwork into specific categories by distinguishing artistic styles, historical, cultural, political, and religious connections.
7. Critically compare works of art and discuss their visual similarities and differences.
8. Make connections between historical periods and artistic influences.
9. Identify factors in the art that anticipated each new era in art history.

Texts:

• 15th edition, Gardner's Art through the Ages: The Western Perspective, Volume I & II ($179 value provided by the instructor)