Course Description
This course is an introduction to the study of Art History. It takes a case-study approach and we will cover several works, styles and periods of art and architecture in Europe and North America from prehistory until the twentieth century. We will learn how works of art in various media are made and why they are important. We will consider these objects in their broader social, historical, religious, philosophical and cultural contexts. Various ways of examining and understanding art will be introduced.
The course is divided into two parts: a two-hour weekly lecture that meets Mondays from 9-11 am and a one-hour seminar, led by a Teaching Assistant, that meets at various times on Mondays. Check your schedule. You must attend the seminar for which you are registered.
Learning Objectives & Outcomes
Lectures
• a sense of the major periods in Western art and architecture: Ancient, Classical, Medieval, Renaissance, and Modern
• a basic understanding of the art historical canon, its importance and alternatives to it
• understanding of technical advancements, stylistic change, social and cultural context, iconography, and other art historical issues
• an understanding of the discipline of art history, and various art historical methods of examining art
Seminars
• the development of skills – research and library skills, visual analysis, textual analysis, writing, oral discussion skills
• the analysis and discussion of scholarly articles about art and art history
• practical application of art historical and critical methods
Required Texts & Resources
1. Sylvan Barnet, A Short Guide to Writing About Art, 9th edition (available through the campus store)
2. The course blog: http://introart.wordpress.com – login: given in the first class (please remove the last two digits from the password give in class)
3. Library Resources* (access to assigned articles via library databases and on reserve, other resources) *To access some of these resources you will need to use your Brock email/portal username and password. If you do not have this information, you can set up your access by going to the Brock portal or contacting the ITS Help Desk at ext. 4357.
4. Turnitin.com (see “Course Policies” below for password and more information)
