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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY
COURSE CODE: "AH 380"
COURSE NAME: "Selected Topics in Art History: Picasso"
SEMESTER & YEAR:
Fall Semester 2012
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SYLLABUS
INSTRUCTOR:
Smyth Carolyn
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS:
TTH 15:00-16:15
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS:
45
CREDITS:
3
PREREQUISITES:
Prerequisite: One course in Art History
OFFICE HOURS:
TBA
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COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Students will be expected to develop, in the course of the semester, the following:
- Ready recognition of selected works by Picasso and his contemporaries, and knowledge of basic facts related to them. A basic understanding of the development of styles, movements and innovations of the period.
- Development of the visual and analytical skills of looking and thinking about modern art.
- Awareness of problems of interpretation in relation to the study of selected works; familiarity with issues of iconography, meaning, and cultural issues relevant to selected works.
- A basic understanding of the cultural, historical and social context of the works of Picasso and his contemporaries. Familiarity with meaningful biographical material
– associates, collectors, literary figures and friends -who influenced his work, career and ideas, and those of his contemporaries.
- Development of the skills of critical reading of art-historical texts, and of critical discussion and writing about various scholarly approaches.
- Furthering of research skills, and critical assessment of appropriate sources. Skills of creating a bibliography and performing research using the JCU library, other libraries in Rome, and appropriate scholarly electronic sources
– books and articles, no Wiki-pedia!
- Development of writing skills: declaration and development of a clearly stated theme, development of methods of argumentation and organization, written expression and structure.
- Furthering of oral communication skills, through class discussion and oral presentation.
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SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
This course will present the art and life of Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) through careful study of a selection of works from each stage of his career, which will be investigated in lectures, discussion and readings. Students will explore the artist’s modes of visual representation, expression and levels of meaning in his works, and his contribution and relationship to twentieth-century culture
– from his beginnings in Spain and first trips to Paris through the invention of Cubism, experiments with collage, “Neoclassicism,” Surrealist associations, his involvement with politics in the late 1930’s and World War II, his variations on important European masterpieces, to the last private works of his old age. The course will address criticism of Picasso’s work through the writings of important scholars such as Steinberg, Rubin, Rosenblum, Poggi, Krauss and others, and the changing attitudes and appreciation of his accomplishment. Also to be discussed will be the inescapable relationship, in this artist’s case, between art and biography, and the “myth” of Picasso constructed by his admirers, the artist himself, and even his detractors.
The textbook for this course, (see below), supplies a basic outline of the artist’s development and a wonderful collection of excellent color plates. In addition, readings of several key texts will be assigned for each lesson; these will be available in books and photocopies on reserve or available on-line. The student is responsible for these reading assignments (50-100 pages per week); they must be completed on schedule to facilitate class discussion. Reading assignments are an essential aspect of this course; a level of maturity and responsibility on the part of the student is assumed in order to make the course function for everyone. Students will also be familiar with a selection of key works by Picasso and his contemporaries – a list of these works will be given out in advance of the examinations.
Textbook: B. Léal, C. Piot and M-L. Bernadac, The Ultimate Picasso, Harry Abrams, N.Y., 2000
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LEARNING OUTCOMES:
See "Course Aims"
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TEXTBOOK:
| Book Title | Author | Publisher | ISBN number | Library Call Number | Comments | Format | Local Bookstore | Online Purchase |
| The Ultimate Picasso | Leal, Piot and Bernadac | Abrams | XXXXX | | | | | |
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REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
| Book Title | Author | Publisher | ISBN number | Library Call Number | Comments |
| Other assigned readings | Are forthcoming | | XXXXX | | |
RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
| Book Title | Author | Publisher | ISBN number | Library Call Number | Comments |
| In addition to the required readings, | other readings wil be recommended | | XXXXX | | |
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GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
| Assignment | Guidelines | Weight |
| Final Examination | To be scheduled during the Final Examination Period - DO NOT make plans to leave Rome before December 15!
Similar format to the Midterm; in addition, an essay question on a theme or issue fundamental to Picasso's work as a whole. The Final will be cumulative, for all essay sections; only Part I (the slide identifications) will be "post-midterm" in scope. | 25% |
| Short Paper | A thoughtful and well-crafted essay which compares tow works by Picasso of the same subject or theme. A paragraph declaring your selected topic will be submitted some weeks in advance of the paper due date. | 20% |
| Oral Research Presentation | A 20 minute oral presentation, to be delivered in class, with extensive bibliography (books and articles - NO WIKI-PEDIA or similar unjuried sources!). <br />
The presentation will be accomanied by a submitted outline and annotated bibliography. Guidelines and suggested topics will be supplied.
This assignment will be accomplished in stages:
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- Submission of Topic in first weeks of semester
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- Submission of Bibliography and location (libraries, etc.) of sources, early in the semester
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- Consultation with Instructor<br />
- Draft of Outline
- Oral Research Presentation with Outline and Annotated Bibliography | 30% |
| Midterm Examination | To be taken during class period at mid-semester
Identification of works shown in slides; comparisons of works in essays; analysis of an "unknown" work and comparison to known works. Guidelines will be provided and sample questions discussed in the class before the examination. | 15% |
| Class Participation | Participation includes not simply attendance, but active contribution to the class lessons. See "Attendance" | 10% |
-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
Forthcoming as soon as file is transferred
-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Forthcoming - or course attendance is essential, since much material will be discussed in class which is not included in the textbook. Engagement with assigned readings outside the textbook is also essential for discussion.
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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.
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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.
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SCHEDULE
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Schedule is forthcoming
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