Syllabus
Description:
This is an Art History course divided into two sections. We will explore Art from its origins till the dawn of the Modern Era. We will have readings and discussions from the Introduction to “History of Art” by Jansonand Abrams. Each student will select a period of art, research it and give a presentation on that period. The presentation will be an abbreviated survey of their selected period followed by a discussion lead by the presenter. In the second half of the quarter the students will select an artist and focusing on one of that artist’s works; research, prepare, and deliverer an exhibition that will explore that artist in context of their personal life and historical times.
Evaluation:
The students will receive a weekly number on their WorkEthic (0 to 10). No item, product, presentation, or exhibition will be graded.Instead, I will by observing behavior and looking for evidence that the student is connecting with the subject matter; for example, does the student thoughtfully, by contributing researched information and asking questions that probe deeper into the subject, participate in discussions.
This way of evaluating is designed to help the student notget stuck or stay stuck. The emphasis is not on the product but on the process.I am not so interested in the students getting it right but that they can keep moving. Students that are worried and stressing out about trying to give me just what I want will not connect with the subject matter in any meaningful way. They will become bored.
More on "WORK ETHIC"
Your Artwork will not be evaluated or graded. Neither will Igrade/evaluate any objects such as presentations or Exhibitions. I consider the doing, whether it fails or not at achieving some goal, the essential action ofany of my courses. Never do I want to hear that you stopped your work becauseyou didn’t know what I wanted. Do not stop your work, your process, your research, or your preparations of an exhibition because you have gotten confused or don’t know what I want. You can’t go far wrong, in my courses, if you follow your questions, your curiosity, and your interest. Instead of getting stuck not knowing what I want ask a question that interest you and pursue an answer.
I will evaluate you and grade you on your Work Ethic. Your powerful Work Ethic is your highly focused, patient and persistent pursuit of knowledge and experience in a discipline. Essential to your success will be your openness to the resources available to you.
The following are the basic questions for evaluating your Work Ethic in the process of doing Art. Did you work with patience and persistence? Were you focused on the work in hand? Is the work your work – is it true to you? Did you take the risk of failing? Did you hear and consider with an open mind the advice or feedback of your coach or peers?
Dec. (1st – 5h) Class Presentations
January (21st – 23rd) Exhibitions
