Fall 2018 Course Syllabi

1 Fall 2018 Tuesday & Thursday (9:30-10:45am) NSC 105 ART 210: Art History Survey I: Prehistoric to Late Medieval Dr. Zahra M. Moss, Instructor Office Hours: Monday-Wednesday 9am-3pm Office: Student Success Center, Thatcher 225, (701) 228-5477, email : Zahra.moss@dakotacollege.edu , preferred contact via email. Course Description: This course provides students with a general survey of the history of art. Emphasis is placed on two major themes: social and cultural history as well as critical theory. Examining the social and political history of the areas under study we will gain a better understanding of the production of regional art forms. This introductory course focuses on artworks produced in the Prehistoric, Mesopotamian, Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Early Christian, Byzantine, Islamic and Early to late Medieval European cultures. Using these historical periods as basis for examination we will explore visual iconography, style as well as cultural and historical influences that led to the creation of art including: sculpture, painting, and architecture. Course Objectives: This course is a survey of the history of Art. By the end of the course students will develop the necessary vocabulary to discuss art forms techniques and movements, improve visual literacy and critical thinking skills through course attendance, lectures and discussions. Students will engage all of the following skills: 1. Critical Thinking. Students will be asked to read the assigned text and respond in class. We will encourage students to analyze works of art and express their findings through evaluation and in class discussions. 2. Communication . Students will be asked to participate in class discussions. For this reason attendance is critical. We will employ art historical methodologies to analyze contemporary scholarship as well as assigned visual objects. Students will be expected to form clear and concise interpretations and then communicate these both in a written and oral format. 3. Social Awareness . The study of art gives students the opportunity to reflect upon the impact of artists and their art. Moreover, students will gain a better understanding of the global context that gives art its intrinsic meaning. By the end of this course students should be able to identify historical periods and discuss the impact social, political and technological change has upon art. Required Text: Kleiner, Fred S. Gardner’s Art Through the Ages: A Concise Global History. 3 rd Edition. (2012) ISBN: 978-1111840730 *Additional texts will be provided to students as needed* Course Requirements: Attendance and Participation: This is an integral part of succeeding in this course. Students are responsible for course content that is covered in the book, but also material that is discussed in lecture. In class discussion and participation is essential to ensure success. For this reason, attendance is mandatory. Course Readings: Assigned readings will be listed in a course reading schedule available on the Blackboard site. Please verify that you have completed the appropriate course reading before the lecture they correspond to. All students should come to class prepared to discuss the assigned text.