Course Syllabus

JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "AH 295"
COURSE NAME: "Early Italian Renaissance Art"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall 2023

SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Paul Tegmeyer
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: TTH 11:30 AM 12:45 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: Partially on-site; mandatory 3-day trip to Florence
OFFICE HOURS: Immediately before class or by appointment or email

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The first half of a two-part study of art and architecture in central Italy (Rome, Florence, and Siena) covering the period from the 14th to the mid-15th century. While attention is given to the ambience from which Giotto developed in the Trecento, and to the International Gothic style at the turn of the Quattrocento, major consideration is given to the momentous changes brought about in the first half of the Quattrocento by Brunelleschi, Alberti, Donatello, Ghiberti, Masaccio, and others. Numerous on-site visits in Rome and a trip to Florence are an essential part of the course. Mandatory field trip may require fees.

SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
Course Description: The course is designed with a survey format, presupposing a limited selection of important or representative artworks, from the Early Renaissance period (c. 1300-1450) in central Italy. We will explore not only the significance of the individual images within their original context, but also the meaning of the stylistic changes that can be noted over the period. Various artistic types, themes and media (painting, sculpture, and architecture) will be examined in an attempt to obtain a well-rounded and well grounded view of this complex and influential period of art. In addition to the classroom lectures, there will be an extra-cost required three day week-end trip to Florence.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
The goal of the course is to learn to employ sound methodological and historical approaches to arrive at an understanding of the visual thinking and communicative processes devised by artists and patrons during the Early Renaissance period in central Italy.

TEXTBOOK:

NONE

REQUIRED RESERVED READING:

NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:

NONE

GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:

Assignment	Guidelines	Weight
Attendance and Participation		10%
Mid-Term Exam		30%
Final Exam		30%
Research Paper		30%

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the course.
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.

-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Students are required to attend all classes to receive full grade percentage

ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.

STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.

SCHEDULE

Preliminary list of lectures:

1. Introduction to the course and to the Renaissance (Tues, Sept. 5; Thurs, Sept. 7)

2. Duccio and Giotto (Sept. 12; 14) No Make-up Class on Fri., Sept. 15 (Make up on Florence Trip)

3. Giotto (Sept. 19; 21)

4. Trecento Sienese Painters (Sept. 26; 28)

5. Later Trecento Florentine Painting (Oct. 3; 5 )

6. Brunelleschi and Early Renaissance Architecture (Oct. 10; 12)

7. Mid-Term Examination (Tues., Oct. 17) Ghiberti (Thurs., Oct. 19)

8. No Class - Tues., Oct. 24 (Make up on Florence Trip) Donatello (Oct. 26)

Week-end Field Trip to Florence

(Fri.-Sun., Oct. 27-29)

9. No Class - Tues., Oct. 31 (Make-up on Florence trip) Donatello (Thurs., Nov. 2)

10. Masaccio and Early Renaissance Painting (Nov. 7; 9)

11. Fra Angelico and Filippo Lippi (Nov. 14, 16)

12. Fil. Lippi (Tues., Nov. 21) Thanksgiving - No Class on Thurs., Nov. 23 (Made up on Florence Trip)

13. Paolo Uccello; Andrea del Castagno; Domenico Veneziano (Nov. 28; 30)

14. Piero della Francesca (De. 5; 7) [Research Papers Due on Thurs., Dec. 7]

Final Exam - Time and Place TBA