Course Syllabus

JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "AH 374"
COURSE NAME: "Donatello"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring 2015

SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Paul Tegmeyer
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: T1:30 PM 4:15 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: Prerequisite: One previous course in Art History or permission of the instructor; mandatory overnight trip to Florence
OFFICE HOURS:

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
To thoroughly examine the sculpture of Donatello within the context of 15th century early Renaissance Italy.

SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
This upper level course is structured as a graduate seminar which places strong emphasis on student participation. Donatello (c.1386-1466) was unquestionably one of the central figures in the creation and divulgence of a new artistic imagery we now call Early Renaissance. Throughout his long and prolific career, he never ceased to challenge both himself and the observer with novel, imaginative images which, taken as a whole, define the desires and possibilities of '400 sculpture. The course will have a global monographic approach, meaning that the artist's entire output will be discussed and analyzed from an array of historical, thematic and methodological points of view. The aim is to arrive at an understanding of his visual thinking and communicative processes as well as his artistic culture, development and influence.
Along with the class lectures and a site visit to St. Peter's Basilica and Tesoro, there will be a required two-day visit to Florence (Mar. 13-14, Fri.-Sat.).

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 Donatello during the early Renaissance.

TEXTBOOK:

NONE

REQUIRED RESERVED READING:

NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:

NONE

GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:

Assignment	Guidelines	Weight
Attendance and Participation		20%
Oral Presentation		40%
Final Exam		40%

-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 cours
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:
The students should attend all classes to receive the full percentage grade.

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 Italian Renaissance (Jan. 20)

2. Donatello’s early life and works (Jan. 27)

3. Public sculpture in Florence (Feb. 3)

4. The Renaissance of Reliefs (Feb. 10)

5. Tombs by Donatello (and Michelozzo) (Feb. 17)

6. Site Visit in Rome - St. Peter's Basilica and Tesoro (Feb. 24)

7. The Old Sacristy Decoration and Other Works (Mar. 3)

8. No Class (Substituted by the Florence field trip) (Mar. 10)

Overnight Field Trip to Florence (Mar. 13-14, Fri.-Sat.)

9. No Class (Substituted by the Florence field trip) (Mar. 17)

10. Hermit Saints and Medici Commissions (Mar. 24)

11. S. Lorenzo Pulpits and Late Works (Mar. 31)

Spring Break

12. Student presentations (Apr. 14)

13. Student presentations (Apr. 21)

14. Discussion and Conclusion (Apr. 28)