JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY COURSE CODE: "AH 296" COURSE NAME: "Italian High Renaissance Art (Partially on-site; Mandatory Field Trip: students will pay for travel and lodging)" SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall Semester 2012

SYLLABUS INSTRUCTOR: Smyth Carolyn EMAIL: [email protected] HOURS: W 15:00-17:45 TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45 CREDITS: 3 PREREQUISITES: Partially on-site; mandatory 3-day trip to Florence OFFICE HOURS: TBA

COURSE DESCRIPTION:             Students will be expected to develop, in the course of the semester, the following: -          A familiarity with period and individual styles of High Renaissance art through a study of major works. Ready recognition of selected works, and knowledge of relevant factual information. -          Command of problems of interpretation in relation to the study of selected works; basic familiarity with subject matter and iconography, function, patronage and purpose -          An understanding of different art historical methodologies and views of the period through selected readings by major scholars in the field -          A familiarity with some contemporary sources and writings on High Renaissance art. -          A basic understanding of the historical, political and social context in which this art and architecture was produced and in which artists and architects were formed. -           Development of critical thinking about art and art history through course readings,  assignments and class discussion -          Improved research skills through use of not simply the JCU library (and ideally, others in Rome), Jstor, and use of bibliographical sources, published and electronic. -          Furthering of writing skills: declaration and development of a clearly stated theme, organization, discussion of distinctive views and approaches, written expression and structure.  -          Furthering of oral communication skills, through class discussion.

SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:             It would not be hyperbolic to state that the period in Italy from ca. 1470-1520 was a moment in which art and architecture represented one of the most crucial areas of human endeavor.  Art in the High Renaissance was regarded, by those who made and used it, not as a gratuitous luxury or ornament to society, but as an integral part of religious worship, intellectual inquiry, and the fabric of the state. The importance given to the visual arts by popes and rulers, writers and thinkers, churchmen and businessmen, and of course, by artists themselves was immense, and the aesthetic and intellectual level achieved in painting, sculpture and architecture was nothing less than stupendous. This course will investigate this phenomenon, in an effort not only to appraise and to understand individual artworks, but also to examine who and how art in this period was considered of vital interest to society, religion, investigative thought and political persuasion.             We will examine the works of some of the most accomplished figures of Western culture –Botticelli, Leonardo, Michelangelo, Raphael and Bramante, to name only a few – and the intellectual movements and social contexts in which these artists lives. The foundations of the High Renaissance begin largely, though not exclusively, in Florence; these explorations gather momentum as Central Italian artists, in Rome, lend their talents to the spiritual and imperial ambitions of the papal court. In these years artists and their patrons, along with influential men of letters, address the culture of the ancient past with renewed rigor and sophistication. Religious belief and doctrine, as well as the authority of the popes, are being defined and also challenged. In narrative cycles, altarpieces, mythologies and allegories, portraiture, ecclesiastical and civic building, some of the best minds of the period are enlisted to express contemporary ideas and debates.             Wölfflin’s denomination of this cultural production as “Classic Art” is descriptive of a style that established the perfect balance between natural observation and ideal form. Also “classic” is the attention given by High Renaissance artists and patrons to the precedent of ancient Rome: in literary movements and antiquarianism, in formal style and motifs, in the recreation of the plan of ancient Rome. Already in the Early Renaissance the humanist enterprise of reassessing and appropriating, for contemporary purposes, ancient achievement was underway. In High Renaissance Rome, especially during the ambitious papacy of Julius II della Rovere, study of the ancient splendor of Rome was part of a program of “renovation,” as both model and legitimization of papal power.             Some of the topics to be addressed will include: Medici culture in Florence and Neoplatonism; the rise of Savonarola and his legacy in religious art; continuity in della Rovere patronage between SIxtus IV and Julius II; private patronage in palace and chapel; public sculpture as commemoration and civic pride; the study of nature and art as science; portraiture as social image and speaking likeness; spatial illusion and new relationships beween art and the viewer; architectural theory and practice; the developing role of the artist in society; and the formation of the papal image through art and architecture.             This course has been scheduled as a double period, to allow several on-site classes to monuments, churches and museums here in Rome. In addition, there will be a weekend trip to Florence to examine painting, sculpture and architecture of the High Renaissance in person, often within the original context. (Weekend in Florence: from Friday 10:30 – Sunday 12:00, TBA.)

LEARNING OUTCOMES: See "Course Aims"

TEXTBOOK: Book Title Author Publisher ISBN number Library Call Number Comments Format Local Bookstore Online Purchase Hartt and Wilson (see course description)   XXXXX

REQUIRED RESERVED READING: Book Title Author Publisher ISBN number Library Call Number Comments Books XXX XXX Recommended, Required, forthcoming XXX XXX XXX   RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING: Book Title Author Publisher ISBN number Library Call Number Comments And a Bibliography will also be su0pplied   XXXX

GRADING POLICY -ASSESSMENT METHODS: Assignment Guidelines Weight Midterm Examination   15% Final Examination   20% Journal   15% Comparative Paper   20% Oral Research Presentation   20% Class Participation   10% -ASSESSMENT CRITERIA: XXXXXXX -ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:             Be sure to have completed the assigned readings before each class – these will consist of the textbook section, and the selected supplementary readings. Attendance is naturally a requirement of the course, since much material will be presented in lectures and discussions which is not available in the readings. More than two absences will lower your grade  – keep in mind that this class is a double period.  Active participation and discussion in class and visits is of course toward your benefit for the grade – but also, helpful contributions and questions relevant to the material under consideration also make the class more interesting and lively for all of us. (A reminder of classroom etiquette – Punctuality is important, since announcements concerning assignments and visits will be made at the beginning of the class; it is tiresome for everyone if these must be repeated because of tardiness. Please be sure to accomplish telephone conversations, snacking, and calls of nature before the class – rising from class and returning is extremely distracting for me and for your fellow students. Computers are not allowed in the classroom – the use of computers for non-class activity has been abused in the past. Notes must be taken by hand.)

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

Schedule Forthcoming