Course Title: ART 201 Introduction to Western Art II
Term: Fall
Course Description
GEP, Major, Minor, Elective credit. Required for all art majors. Prerequisite for all art history courses.
A survey of the painting, sculpture, and architecture of the Western world from the Renaissance through Modern periods.
Offered in the Spring semester.
Course Objectives
In this course, we will:
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cover all major historical periods and movements of Western art from the Renaissance through the Modern period, focusing on significant examples from each period
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compare and contrast the main characteristics of these periods
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connect art historical movements to their historical and cultural contexts, including major religious, political, and social developments.
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introduce and develop the skills, knowledge, and vocabulary needed to recognize, analyze, and discuss Western art of this period.
Course Outcomes
Upon completing this course students will be able to:
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identify and discuss select examples of art and architecture within the context of major developments in religion, politics, and cultures of the Western world of the Renaissance through Modern periods
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describe the main characteristics of these periods and styles
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discuss the historical context and cultural values defining these works and styles
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analyze and discuss works of art based on formal properties, iconography, contextual research, and comparison with the material learned in class
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apply art vocabulary terms when discussing art and architecture
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With this preparation, students will acquire a deeper appreciation and understanding of art and its historical and cultural significance.
Major Assignments
Quizzes
Students complete 5 short online quizzes through the semester. Quizzes focus on key terminology covered in class rather than images or specific artworks. Students complete quizzes online through the course Canvas page. They must be completed before the class period for which they are marked as due. Each student’s lowest quiz score will be dropped.
Exams
Students complete 3 non-cumulative exams through the semester. Exams focus on identification of artworks discussed in class and understanding their social and historical significance. Exams include image identification (artist, title, date, historical period/movement, medium), fill-in-the-blank, and short-answer questions. Exam questions are drawn from any and all material covered in the course, including lectures, study guides, discussions, and readings.
Visual Analysis Essay
Students are asked to select an artwork from options provided (not discussed in class) and analyze the visual and stylistic elements found in the work particular to the period in which the work was produced. Considering the historical styles discussed in class, students make an estimate of when and where the work was made, supporting their assertion by comparing the work to others discussed in class.
The completed essay should be approximately 500 words, following a consistent style with proper grammar and spelling, submitted online via Canvas (no hard copies please) at the midpoint of the semester.
Student Samples
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Final Essay
In a 500-800 word essay drawing on material and topics covered in class, students undertake a comparative analysis of artworks from two different periods discussed in class. Essays should discuss the influence of one art historical period or movement on the art and architecture of any other period or movement discussed in the class, analyzing specific examples.
Essays should include:
1. a clear thesis statement that outlines the argument and the evidence used to support it
2. formal and contextual analysis of specific artworks as well as other details specific to the question
3. discussion of themes covered in class how they apply to specific artworks of different cultures and periods
4. explanation of why these formal differences exist based on the works’ particular historical and cultural contexts.
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Student Samples
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Final Exams
