JCU Logo
JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "AH 376"
COURSE NAME: "Michelangelo"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Summer Session I 2015
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Paul Tegmeyer
EMAIL: [email protected]
 HOURS: MW 9:00 AM 12:45 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: Prerequisite: One previous course in Art History or permission of the instructor. Partially on-site; mandatory overnight trip to Florence; activity fee: €25 or $33
OFFICE HOURS: Immediately after class or by appointment or email
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Michelangelo (1475-1564) was one of the most famous and influential artists in his own time and has continued to be ever since. This seems reason enough to examine his work in detail as it forms an essential facet for understanding not only Italian Renaissance art but art in general, as many of the issues involved in trying to comprehend his imagery are applicable throughout art history. 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 Michelangelo’s visual thinking and communicative processes and their development and influence. Along with classroom lectures and site visits in Rome (50% on-site classes), there will be a required overnight trip to Florence. Mandatory field trip classes require a fee of €25 or $33.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
The aim is to arrive at an understanding of Michelangelo's visual thinking and communicative processes and their development and influence.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
See Summary of Course Content
TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
MichelangeloHoward HibbardPenguin Books9780140225938     
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Attendance and Participation 10%
Sistine Chapel Visit short paper 10%
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 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:
ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS AND EXAMINATION POLICY
You cannot make-up a major exam (midterm or final) without the permission of the Dean’s Office. The Dean’s Office will grant such permission only when the absence was caused by a serious impediment, such as a documented illness, hospitalization or death in the immediate family (in which you must attend the funeral) or other situations of similar gravity. Absences due to other meaningful conflicts, such as job interviews, family celebrations, travel difficulties, student misunderstandings or personal convenience, will not be excused. Students who will be absent from a major exam must notify the Dean’s Office prior to that exam. Absences from class due to the observance of a religious holiday will normally be excused. Individual students who will have to miss class to observe a religious holiday should notify the instructor by the end of the Add/Drop period to make prior arrangements for making up any work that will be missed. The final exam period runs until June 26.

Students are required to attend all classes to receive 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 and visits:

1.  Mon., May 25 - Introduction to the course and Michelangelo’s Beginnings

 

2.  Wed., May 27 - Early Works: Florence, Bologna, Rome (1490-1501)

 

3.  Mon., June 1 - Back in Florence (1501-6)

 

4.  Wed., June 3 - Rome of Julius II: His Tomb and the Sistine Chapel (1506-12)

 

5.  Mon., June 8 - Working under the Medici Popes: Rome and Florence (1513-34)

 

[Wed., June 10 – No Class! (To be made-up in Florence)]

 

6.- 7.  Fri.-Sat., June 12-13 - Florence Field Trip

 

[Mon., June 15 – No Class! (To be made-up in Florence)]

 

8.  Wed., June 17 - Final Years in Rome (1534-64)              [Sistine Chapel Paper Due]

 

9.   Mon., June 22 - Site visit: S. Maria degli Angeli; Campidoglio; St. Peter’s Basilica

 

10. Wed., June 24 - Site visit: S. P. in Vincoli (Julius’ Tomb); S. M. sopra Minerva (Risen Christ)

 

      Friday, June 26  -  FINAL EXAM