Art History
Course Description
This one-semester History of Art course is designed to introduce students to the understanding and enjoyment of works of art. The class begins with the ancient world and continues with lectures and textbook assignments that cover the history of art into the twenty-first century. Each student will research the life and work of one artist and present the research orally to the class. Throughout the semester there are a number of creative projects designed to help the student understand an art technique, the work of an artist, or the stylistic characteristics of a period.
Course Materials
A Basic History of Western Art. Prentice Hall, 2006
Major Goals and Objectives
In Art History, students will:
- develop knowledge of the history of art by identifying historical, social, and cultural influences and traditions which have generated artistic accomplishment throughout the ages and which continue to shape contemporary art
- recognize specific styles and representative artists from the history of world art
- gain an understanding of the academic importance of the arts and their relationship to all curricula
- be encouraged to develop of a new visual literacy which will motivate the student to become a more discerning observer
- develop an understanding of recurrent cultural themes and subject matter, thus gaining respect for the artist as unifying and commonly shared elements of humanity
- identify and describe, with appropriate vocabulary, various visual art forms in assigned written and oral presentations
- develop of critical thinking skills by observing, describing, analyzing, interpreting, and making judgments about paintings, sculpture, and architecture
- become acquainted with art resources including museums, galleries, libraries, cultural institutions, and the community
