Course Syllabus

Art 103 : Art History Ancient to Medieval                 Dept. of Fine Arts, Allan Hancock College

Fall 2020            CRN 20335            Meets Mondays & Wednesdays 8:00-9:20 am                Synchronous, remote

Instructor:  Adrienne Allebe, Assistant Professor, Art                          Office: At Home via Zoom

Office Phone:  805-922-6966, ext.3461                                            Email:  aallebe@hancockcollege.edu

Office hours:  Mon & Wed 12:30 pm-1:30 pm, Tues & Thurs 8:30 am-9:30 am, 12:30 pm-1 pm & by appt.

YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR KNOWING THE CONTENTS OF THIS SYLLABUS.

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COURSE DESCRIPTION & CONTENT

This course provides an overview of art objects, monuments and architecture in the western world from Prehistory through the Medieval period.  This is the first of a series of art history survey courses that explores the development of Western Culture from its beginnings in the Stone Age, the creation of writing and metal technologies in the ancient world, the increased social complexity in the Greco-Roman worlds, and finally the emergence of Christianity as a significant cultural force in the Medieval period.  Our survey omits, with some exceptions, developments in Africa, Asia, pre-conquest America and other traditions.  Therefore, this is not a comprehensive survey that covers the full diversity of art that humans have created.  However, the development of today’s international art world, like so many aspects of global culture, has been heavily influenced by the political, economic and military dominance of the West over the world during the recent centuries.  The study of western civilizations, including their art, is necessary to understand the world we live in. 

 

Why study art history?

Art objects form a portal from our current world to those of past peoples.  In some cases, the objects are the only clues we have to help build an understanding of past cultures.  Through examining the art objects of past cultures, we also gain a deeper understanding of ourselves, as we begin to see our own culture in the historical context of the story of the humans.  Therefore, art history is an appropriate study for anyone seeking to become educated and knowledgeable about their culture and themselves.

For the art student, art history is an encyclopedia of techniques, concepts and inspiration.  We can glean ideas for how to visually communicate our intentions from artists of the past.  For art and non-art majors, studying and making art can be an enriching part of your life that can provide a way for you to not only learn history, but also inspire you to process the world around you and express yourself.   

 Significant time will be devoted to developing your ability to look at and make sense of the visual aspects of artwork, since a formal understanding is prerequisite to understanding historical context.  I have two major goals in this course:  “What to think about in art history,” and “How to think about art.” These two components are intertwined, but in general, the reading assignments, lectures, quizzes, and exams focus on the former and the in-class and homework assignments focus on the latter.

 

COURSE OBJECTIVES          Upon completion of Art 103, the student should be able to:

1. identify, give approximate date to, and give chronological sequence to the major periods and artworks of Prehistoric through Medieval periods of Western Art, as well as discuss the characteristics of these factors using correct terminology, and recognize their significance to the discipline of art history.
2. Identify subject matter, iconography, materials, media, visual elements, and design as descriptive and expressive components of the visual language of an artwork that communicate the values of their artist and their historical, cultural, or social context.
3. Recognize and differentiate between the roles of artists, patrons, technology, geography, economy, social organization, culture, and worldview as contributing factors in the production of art in Prehistoric through Medieval periods and styles.
4. Using appropriate examples of various art media, describe the general character of various civilizations and cultures, while recognizing their unique differences.
5. Identify the functions of art in various civilizations and stylistic periods.  Examine their social and political organization, religion, and philosophies.
6. Analyze the major period and stylistic changes in terms of their contemporary political, religious, economic, and technological developments.
7. Recognize the ways that technological innovation has affected how artists use tools, materials, and techniques to produce artworks, while distinguishing between various disciplines of art.
8. Discuss and evaluate topics associated with the origination of artworks and their attribution.

 

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES      at the end of the course, students will demonstrate the ability to:

1. ART 103, SLO 1: Applying art historical terminology and methods, students will be able to identify, summarize, and discuss various works of art, architecture, and artistic media as representative of Prehistoric through Medieval periods and styles of art.
2. ART 103, SLO 2: Students will be able to analyze artworks as visual languages expressing complex and diversified meanings and experiences dependent upon historical context, cultural values, and descriptions and interpretations produced by art historical investigative approaches.
3. ART 103, SLO 3: Students will be able to explain the historical and social context of artworks from a variety of different cultures and civilizations from Prehistoric to Medieval periods.

 

 STUDENT RESPONSIBILITES AND EXPECTATIONS

1. This class will be held in a synchronous manner via Zoom on Mondays and Wednesdays 8 am-9:20 am.  You are expected to participate in each of these meetings as you would in a face to face class.  Participation in each Zoom class meeting is noted, and forms a significant part of your grade.
2. I expect each of you to always give your best effort, and I will do the same.
3. I expect each of you to treat each of your classmates with courtesy, openness and respect.
4. This is a college level class.  I expect your full participation and concentration for the entire time we meet.  You cannot learn without focused attention.
5. Be prepared for each class meeting by reading the assigned course material and completing reading quizzes beforehand.
6. Utilize your myhancock email and the CANVAS course homepage for all course updates, announcements, updates, materials and resources.

 

REQUIRED TEXTBOOK        Art History, Volume 1, By Marilyn Stokstad & Michael Cothren, 6^th ed

The text is the source of most course information.  Presentations, discussions, activities, videos and assignments will illustrate and supplement the text.  The biggest predictor of your success in this course is your reading of the course material in the textbook before and after each class!   Also, take notes, write down questions you have about the reading, and ask them during lectures and/or weekly discussion threads; it will help you on quizzes, exams, assignments and papers!

 

NOTE TAKING           Reading and note-taking are essential in art history courses, both for lectures and reading assignments.  Art history as a discipline is especially “information rich” (full of names, dates, terms, and concepts) and you cannot expect yourself to retain what you hear or read without taking notes, so take notes while you are reading and during class meetings.  If you need advice on note taking, make an appointment with me.  Please have your lecture & reading notes with you to discuss your performance, course content, and objectives.  See the “Note Taking Guidelines” handout on the course homepage for further note-taking tips.

 

CLASS STRUCTURE, METHODS OF INSTRUCTION, RESOURCES

Class time will be used for presentations, discussion, reading and writing exercises, partner and group activities and exams.  You are responsible for information given during class.  Please ask questions and share your thoughts if you need more information, or if something is unclear!  During class, assignments and due dates will be discussed.  All course materials will be made available on our CANVAS course homepage.  If you can’t find a certain document on CANVAS, please inform me. 

 

ATTENDANCE POLICY

1. I will take attendance every class meeting. You get 1 point for just attending each class meeting = 28 points.  This part of your grade goes down a letter (for example from an A to a B) for every 3 meetings missed.  You also can earn up to 4 points for participation each class meeting.  So each missed class results in 5 missed points.
2. Two lates/leave earlies = 1 absence.
3. If you miss 3 consecutive classes or more than 5 classes without notifying me, or if you are chronically tardy, I may drop you from the class.
4. It is a courtesy to your instructor to inform them ahead of time if you must be late to, or leave early from class, are ill, will miss a class or have a work conflict.  Please contact me prior to the class meeting to arrange an authorized absence and make up assignments.  If you fail to contact me, the absence cannot be made up and lowers your grade.

5. An excused absence requires official written documentation from a doctor or the health center. If special circumstances arise that could result in many absences, please let me know early and keep me informed.  I know that things beyond your control happen, but in order for me to distinguish real emergencies from laziness or disorganization problems, I need as much official documentation and information as possible.  Save your free absences in case something bad happens towards the end of the semester, when it is most likely to.  If I feel you have missed an excessive amount of class, I may suggest that you drop the course to avoid further problems.  Excusable absences: 

• Illness with a doctor’s statement (self and children)
• Serious illness or death of a close relative
• Active participation in official college events
• Religious Holidays
• Participation in College Athletic Competitions
• Participation in College School Performances

6. PLEASE DO NOT ASK ME PERMISSION TO LEAVE or NOT ATTEND CLASS; THIS IS YOUR DECISION AND YOU MUST ACCEPT ANY POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES OF MISSING CLASS.  When missing class you should make up the time missed on your own time.  It is YOUR responsibility to discover what you missed. 
7. You will receive extra points at the end of the semester if you have perfect attendance.

 

PARTICIPATION

In addition to your physical presence in class being counted every class session, your classroom involvement and participation are evaluated.  Participation consists of:  Individual progress and assertiveness, involvement in class discussions and activities and exercises.  To succeed in this class, you must pay close attention to presentations, take diligent notes, ask questions and interact with your peers.  You must be willing to receive instruction and participate in classroom discussions and activities.  You have the opportunity to earn up to 4 participation points every class meeting = 28 meetings x 4 points = 112 possible points for the semester.

Interaction between students, and the instructor and each student, are important aspects of your development, so….be willing to communicate and keep an open, positive attitude.  I encourage you to talk to me at any time you sense that things are not going well in class and ensure you we will find a solution!  If you need to discuss an issue related to class that concerns you personally, please contact me to arrange a time to speak with me. 

DUE DATES & MAKE UP POLICY      I do not accept late work.  If you have a doctor’s note that documents a severe injury or illness then I may make an exception.  No make up exams will be given in this course.  I drop your lowest quiz score from the semester, so it will not affect your grade if you must miss one quiz for unavoidable reasons.  It is your responsibility to turn in work on time.  If you should miss an exam for medical reasons, you will be given a 5-page paper assignment to make up for the exam.  In order to be granted this alternative, you will need to provide a LEGITIMATE (doctor or medical facility signed) copy of your medical excuse (see #5 under Attendance Policy above).  Otherwise I reserve the right to refuse to offer makeup assignments for missed exams.  You must take exams on CANVAS during specified times. Vacation is not a legitimate excuse to miss an exam or class in general.  I make no allowances for such trips or travel.  It is your choice to be gone for extended periods and you will need to weigh the consequences of this choice, which may include missing exams and paper due dates (and losing points) or being dropped from the class for excessive absences.

 

GRADING & COURSE REQUIREMENTS

If you desire a higher grade higher than a C, I expect extra effort to be reflected in your work and attitude, both in and out of class.  I do not give grades; I only report the grade earned.  If you have concerns about your grade, or would like further explanation concerning a grade that you received, contact me via email or during office hours.  Your total semester grade will be determined as follows:  A=100-90         B=89-80             C=79-70             D=69-60               F=59-50    

ZOOM CLASS MEETING ATTENDANCE & PARTICIPATION _____ 20% of total grade

WEEKLY DISCUSSIONS                                                            10% of total grade

WEEKLY READING QUIZZES                                                              30% of total grade

HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS & ESSAYS                                             25% of total grade

3 EXAMS                                                                                                       15% of total grade

Your success in this course will depend directly on your attention to, completion of, and performance of these basic requirements, as follows:

1. ZOOM CLASS MEETING ATTENDANCE & PARTICIPATION  20% of your overall course grade is based on your physical presence and active participation during class.  Roll is taken every class meeting.  Attending class is mandatory, and your presence in class will directly impact your performance on quizzes, exams, assignments and thus on your overall course grade.  Please come to class prepared to listen closely and take notes.  Participation refers to the degree to which you: ask questions, answer questions, and participate in class activities.  You will periodically be asked to work with partners or groups to conceive of and write responses.  Come prepared with paper, pen and introductory vocabulary list every class meeting for notes & activities. 
2. WEEKLY DISCUSSIONS ON CANVAS COURSE PAGE  10% of your overall course grade is determined by your engagement with our course “discussion” threads on Canvas.  This is a forum for you to ask questions to your peers and me.  At times, discussion prompts will be specified or completed during class meetings.
3. READING.  You are required to complete all reading assignments before the material is presented in lecture.  Come to class prepared to discuss and complete in-class assignments based on readings.
4. WEEKLY READING QUIZZES.  30%  Every one to two weeks, you will be required to complete reading quizzes outside of class on CANVAS on the chapters in our textbook.  Quizzes will cover key vocabulary, art works, dates and major social and artistic ideas presented in each chapter.  Refer to the Chapter Study Guides, your notes, and powerpoints to study for quizzes.  I give reading quizzes for 3 reasons:    to ensure that you read, 2. to give you an idea of what exam questions will be like, and 3. For you to gauge your own understanding and recollection of the material.
5. HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS & ESSAYS     25% of your grade will be evaluated on small homework assignments, most likely in the form of short art projects.  These will be accompanied by a 1-page explanation of your work using vocabulary from lectures and the book.  Do not be nervous about this; you will not be graded on talent!  This part of your grade will also be determined by the quality of two required essays.  You will be graded on the quality of your writing, use of vocabulary, and relevance to the stated objectives (your ability to address ALL ASPECTS of the question in essay form).  Essays will be submitted via CANAVAS on Turnitin.  Format Requirements:  Every writing assignment should be typed using 12 pt. Times New Roman font, 5 spacing, with one-inch margins on all sides.  Paragraphs should be indented 5 spaces from the left-hand margin.  Papers not meeting formatting requirements will be returned ungraded (no credit).  Your Name, Date, Class #, and Professor’s Name should appear on each assignment, single spaced, then skip one space and center the title of your paper as seen below:

                     Your name

                     Art 103

                      Fall 2020

                      Allebe

                      Title of Paper

6. EXAMS 15%.  There will be two midterms and a final.  They will cover readings, lectures and visual materials.  Each exam covers a section of the text; they are NOT cumulative.  Exams will be available on CANVAS on the following dates:

           MIDTERM EXAM 1 :  MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21st

          MIDTERM EXAM 2 :  MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2nd

          FINAL EXAM 3 :  MONDAY DECEMBER 7th, 8-10 AM

 

ADDS & DROPS             

It is your responsibility to drop this course.  If you simply stop attending class without officially dropping, you may receive an F.  If you are considering dropping this course, please see me first so we can be sure that this is the best course of action.  

Add & Drop deadlines:  8/28 Deadline to drop with refund

                                                      8/30 Deadline to add a class and drop with no “W”

                                                      9/18 Deadline to choose Pass/No Pass Grading Option

                                                      11/6 Deadline to drop with “W”

 

LEARNING ASSISTANCE / ADA POLICY    Allan Hancock College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities upon request of the student (in a timely fashion) and upon verification of disability.  If you think you might require special services, need classroom accommodations, or learning assistance, contact the Learning Assistance Program (LAP) at 805-922-6966, ext. 3274 or visit their website: http://www.hancockcollege.edu/lap/  If you require special services, it is your responsibility to notify LAP and your instructors.  Any personal learning accommodations that may be needed by a student covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act must be made known to the instructor as soon as possible and is the student’s responsibility. 

 

ACADEMIC HONESTY          Learning cannot take place unless you do your own work.  Unless otherwise stated in class or on an assignment sheet, all work submitted is to be your own.  Copying another student’s work or taking text that is not your own writing from the textbook, other books or articles or online is considered Academic Dishonesty.  This is known as Plagiarism, the practice of presenting others’ work as your own and it is strictly forbidden in college settings.  If plagiarism is detected on any assignments or exams, you will automatically receive a 0 or F on that assignment, could Fail the course, and even face further disciplinary action by the college.  Each student must complete all exams independently, without aid or notes.  No talking, consulting or communicating of any kind with other people or resources is allowed during exams, and any suggestion of such behavior during exams, no matter how slight, shall result in an automatic referral of a student. 

 

COURSE CONTENT

1.  Introduction

1. Art Processes
2. Basic Properties of Art
3. Art History Concepts and Vocabulary

 

2. Sequential Consideration of Major Periods (Architecture, Painting, and Sculpture)

1. Paleolithic and Neolithic periods
2. Egyptian
3. Mesopotamian
4. Minoan
5. Mycenae and Greece
6. Etruscan and Roman
7. Early Christian and Byzantine
8. Carolingian and Romanesque
9. Gothic