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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY
COURSE CODE: "AH 240"
COURSE NAME: "Introduction to Art Historical Thinking"
SEMESTER & YEAR:
Fall 2015
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SYLLABUS
INSTRUCTOR:
Carolyn Smyth
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS:
TTH 4:30 PM 5:45 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS:
45
CREDITS:
3
PREREQUISITES:
Prerequisite: One previous course in Art History
OFFICE HOURS:
Wednesday 14-15:00
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COURSE DESCRIPTION:
What questions do art historians ask, and how do they justify their answers? This beginning course, required for AH majors, introduces basic components of the discipline of art history in its many diverse branches, its technical terminology, and basic research skills. Types of visual evidence are differentiated: content, form, formal organization, style, iconography, identifying conventions vs. original inventions. The course contains a brief survey of “classic” approaches to studying art, describing the emergence of the specific discipline of art history, standard methods, and recent developments. Case studies are important in this course; one, for instance, examines how a work of art was treated by contemporary commentators, and subsequently by art historians of various schools through the centuries. New motivations, contexts, and available technologies have constantly led to new understanding.
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SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
Each class will concern discussion of the selected writing. Different approaches will be analyzed in depth in class discussion and in written assignments. Texts will include the early (classical and Renaissance) beginnings of art history; formal and stylistic analysis; biography and psychoanalysis; iconography and semiotics; perception; social history and art; gender studies; post-structuralism; and other approaches. Some matters of discussion will involve, for instance: what basic structure does the writer create for understanding art, what intellectual framework? What previous views or methods is the writer debating, critiquing, even overturning? What are the questions the writer asks, and what type of evidence is used? What techniques of persuasion does the writer employ, and what is the nature of the writer's own literary style? What is the major contribution of the writer, and what is valuable for your own perceptions of art and art history? What types of models does the writer use, perhaps from other fields of study? These and other issues will enrich the students understanding of the history of art history.
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LEARNING OUTCOMES:
See "Course Aims"
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TEXTBOOK:
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REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
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GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
| Assignment | Guidelines | Weight |
| Participation and Discussion | | 20% |
| Midterm Examination | | 15% |
| Two short papers | | 30 % |
| Oral Presentation | | 15% |
| Final Examination | | 20% |
-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:
Due the emphasis on class discussion attendance is of course essential! Absence from more than two lessons will affect your letter grade.
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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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The specific schedule of the course is forthcoming;
a good idea of the readings to be addressed in this course can be formed by consulting the textbook, Eric Fernie, Art History and its Methods, London: Phaidon, 2008 edition. Other readings will supplement this textbook.
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