Course Description Art history is designed to be a college level survey course approved by College Board. Students will learn artworks chronologically, beginning with Paleolithic painting/sculpture and ending with Post-Modernist contemporary artists. The course will spend the most time on Renaissance art to the 21st century. We will explore ancient through the Medieval ages, and global arts including Africa, the ancient North and South Americas, Asia, Near East, Oceania, and Islamic traditions. Throughout the year the students will be guided by Essential Questions put forth by College Board; What is art and how is it made? Why and how does art change? How we describe our thinking about art? Students will learn art history through experiencing art, contextual and visual analysis, lectures, activities, discussions, writing, reading, and understanding art vocabulary. They will learn to develop their skill in analyzing works of art including paintings, drawings, sculpture, architecture, ceramics, printmaking, and fibers. An emphasis will be put on learning works of art through context, styles, and meaning to determine century, culture, and artist.
Students will: 1. Contextualize and analyze European and global artworks using form, function content, and context 2. Gain a deep understanding of the meaning of artworks 3. Apply complex terminology to artworks, artists' styles, and art movements 4. Learn to communicate at a post-secondary level 5. Experience some art creating throughout the year 6. Analyze traditions and change through global connections 7. Interpret works of art by analyzing contextual variable 8. Recognize and identify title, artist, date, and materials of works of art and architecture
Themes explored throughout the year Time and Space Formal Analysis vs. Meaning Elements and Principles of Art Narrative in Art Material and Techniques Technology and Art Styles (artist, regional, and period) Political Themes Iconography and Symbolism Religious Art Gender and Ethnicity The Human Body Power and Authority Sacred Spaces Original Settings of Works Portraiture, Nature, Still Life
Suggested Supplemental Texts 1) Fred S. Kleiner & Christin J. Mamiya, Gardner’s Art Through the Ages, 14th Edition ISBN # 9780495915423 *College Board has provided a new list of 250 artworks that students are responsible for. This textbook does not include all of the artworks on this list. Students MUST go to additional web or print resources. I will provide you with as many resources as I can through the class website. Students are able to find this textbook at the sites listed below for a reasonable price. Students can also check with previous students to purchase for a lower price. Please see your counselor in private if you have any issues. The library also has copies that you can check out for the year.
Art:21—Art in the Twenty-first Century. Produced by Wesley Miller and Ana Otero for PBS
Home Video. Distributed by PBS, 2001–2007. DVD.
Simon Schama’s The Power of Art TV Series by BBC
Richard Berge, Bonni Cohen, Nicole Newnham, The Rape of Europa, 2006
Banksy, Exit Through the Gift Shop, 2010
Woody Allen, Midnight in Paris, 2011
Vincent Campbell, Doctor Who: Vincent and the Doctor (Season 5, Episode 10), 2010
Student Supplementary Websites (more can be found at my class website below) FREE **Ms. Park’s AP Art History website www.vwarthistory.com (the most important site) FREE College Board, Student AP Art History www.collegeboard.org FREE Gardner’s Companion book website through www.wadsworth.com FREE SmartHistory, Presented by KhanAcademy www.smarthistory.khanacademy.org $17 Shmoop AP Exam Prep. www.schmoop.com Highly Recommended (wait until March to purchase)
Student Materials Students will be responsible to bring to class everyday:
Colored Index cards 5x8 (pastel, neon, or primary…) (not the small kind, LOTS OF THEM!
Note taking paper
Binder/bag/box for organizing flashcards (you will have a lot by the end of the year)
Student Evaluation Points based system Tests/Quizzes Content/Date/Artists Quizzes, Content Quizzes – points vary each quiz/test Class Work (Flashcards, Activities) Homework (Ethics Responses, Investigative Studies) Final Exams and major semester projects
I do not round grades, extra credit is given throughout both semesters. The grade in PowerSchool is the one that goes on your transcript.
I do not raise or lower course grades in PowerSchool based on your College Board exam score.
DO NOT come to me a few weeks before the end of the semester with missing work and ask, "What can I do to raise my grade?" Do the work in the beginning, turn in assignments on time, study, and participate in extra credit. That is what you COULD"VE done and I will not tolerate laziness. If you are struggling, come talk to me EARLY so that we can discuss and come up with a plan to help you succeed. I will do everything to help you except baby you, especially since I give you everything you need on this site.
NO LATE WORK IS ACCEPTED except for excused absences ONLY!
*** Excused Absences:Class work missed is due the day you return without penalty. Not knowing about homework/class work will not be accepted as an excuse as all work and assignments are given well in advance in several formats. Please make friends with someone to find out information. I will be giving a calendar for each unit including homework, due dates, and test/quiz days.
*** Missed Tests: Tests/Exams/Quizzes need to be made up the 2 days after you return- No exceptions and no excuses will be accepted for not having time to study. Missed lectures because of make up tests/quizzes is YOUR responsibility. You must come to me to schedule a time to make up quizzes. If you do not take the test/quiz when you return the quiz will remain a zero in PowerSchool.
Classroom Expectations (Students) - Please be respectful, polite, and thoughtful to your peers, especially opinions and during discussions, class materials, and to your teacher. - It is your responsibility to be prepared for class and have all materials. I occasionally have extra index cards handy. - You have wonderful and insightful ideas and opinions and we can’t wait to hear them. DO NOT copy/plagiarize anyone else’s ideas or opinions. Cheating/copying is absolutely NOT tolerated and will result in an F grade for the assignment. If you do agree with/like another’s opinion, SAY IT- just give proper credit to the original author and cite your facts. - Class time is YOUR time. Leave all other subjects at the door. Do not be working on assignments for other classes. When you come inside, breathe; be ready for Art History and focus. This class, as with any AP class, requires your full attention and commitment. Let’s use it wisely and have fun to achieve our daily and long term goals! - Please don’t litter, don’t leave papers behind, put back books and supplies where you found them. Please be mindful of recycling. Any drink bottles, scrap paper, cardboard- goes into the recycle bin (silver can by door). THANK YOU! - NO WHINING!
“AP Study Sessions” Study Sessions for the AP Exam will start in late March/April. Exact dates will be announced in March. Sessions are not required, though strongly recommended. Study Sessions will help students better prepare for the exam by taking practice exams, working together with another student, drill vocabulary, artists, and review key movements. We will organize flashcards and notes so that students are effectively able to study. During these study sessions information about the exam and what to expect will be explained.
Rough Timeline for the Year 1st semester
Prehistory The Pacific Ancient Mediterranean Near East Egypt Ethics Response Ancient Greece Ancient Rome Timeline due Early Europe and Colonial Americas Late Antiquity art Byzantine art Medieval art South, South East, and Eastern Asia Romanesque art and architecture Gothic art and architecture Timeline due Early Renaissance High Renaissance Mannerism Northern Renaissance Living Picture Final
2nd semester- ish Baroque art Colonial Americas Indigenous Americas Timeline due Later Europe and Americas Rococo Enlightenment Romantic Realism Impressionism Post Impressionism West and Central Asia Timeline due Expressionism Cubism Africa Dada De Stijl Surrealism Timeline due Abstract Expressionism Pop Art Environmentalist Global Contemporary artists Timeline due Ethics Response Final