In this course, we will study the history of Western art, beginning with the first objects created by prehistoric humans around 20,000 years ago and ending with the art and architecture of the High Gothic period in fourteenth-century Europe.
The information presented in this course will provide you with the tools to recognize important works of art and historical styles, as well as to understand the historical context and cultural developments of Western art history through the end of the medieval period. Introductory readings paired with detailed lectures will provide you with a well-rounded sense of the history, art, and culture of the West up through the medieval period.
At the end of this course, you will be able to identify key works of art and artistic periods in Western history. You will also be able to discuss the development of stylistic movements and relate those developments to important historical events.
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the general arc of the history of the Western world, from Prehistory through the end of the medieval period.
- Identify the major historical events in Western history and the roles of various religious and political leaders in these events.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the vital role that imagery played as various cultures have sought to perpetuate religious, political, and cultural ideologies.
- Understand the relationships between various cultures over time—how cultures build on the traditions of older cultures to create something new.
- Identify the major stylistic developments in Western art from Prehistory through the end of the Medieval period.
- Discuss the different techniques used by Western artists from the Prehistoric through the Medieval periods and understand which techniques were favored by which cultures.
- Demonstrate an understanding of how technological developments over the course of history changed the appearance, function, and reception of works of art.
- Identify the culture and art-historical period in which works of art were created, based on an understanding of distinctive stylistic features.
- Demonstrate an understanding of how cultures coexisting in different geographical regions related to one another, and how artistic styles were transmitted from one region to another.
- Identify specific monuments and be able to provide basic identifying information: title, date, location, artists, patrons, and art-historical period (i.e. Prehistoric, Egyptian, Ancient Near East, Gothic, etc).
Course Requirements:
Have completed Art Appreciation and Techniques from “The Core Program” of the Art History discipline.
