Catalog Description
- Transfer Status
- CSU/UC
- Unit(s)
- 3.00
- Lecture: 51.00 Contact hours/102.00 Out of class hours/153.00 Total hours/3.00 Unit(s)
- Total: 51.00 Contact hours/102.00 Out of class hours/153.00 Total hours/3.00 Unit(s)
Course Description: This course is a survey of visual culture within select regions in Africa, Oceania, and indigenous North America. (C-ID ARTH 140).
Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
- Identify, examine, and assess representative works of art and architecture from the art historical periods covered in this course employing appropriate art historical terminology.
- Analyze, discuss, and differentiate works of art and architecture in terms of historical context and cultural values.
- Analyze, discuss, and distinguish the roles of art, architecture, and the artist from the art historical periods covered in this course.
Course Content
Topic Titles / Suggested Time Topic
Lecture
| Topics | Lec Hrs |
|---|---|
Introduction to the discipline of Art History, aesthetics, and connoisseurship. The following units are concerned with the reading and interpretation of the visual language of art and architecture in each region, and the understanding of the religious social, political meaning and functions of these works. | 1.00 |
Africa: Rock Art (prehistoric to present), Sub Sahara, West Africa, East Africa, South Africa | 17.00 |
Oceania: Melanesia, Micronesia, Polynesia, Australia | 16.00 |
Native Americas: South America, Mesoamerica, North America | 17.00 |
| Total Hours: | 51.00 |
Methods of Instruction
- Class Activities
- Discussion
- Homework: Students are required to complete two hours of outside-of-class homework for each hour of lecture
- Lecture
- Reading Assignments
Methods of Evaluation
- Exams/Tests
- Quizzes
- Research Projects
- Homework
- Class participation
- Written Assignments
Examples of Assignments
Reading Assignments
- Read about the Yoruba Egungun ceremony in the text. What role does visual language play in the ceremony, and how does this language communicate important meanings? Be prepared to discuss your thoughts in class.
- Read the handout on aesthetics in African Art. What kind of aesthetic principles does the author identify behind different kinds of African artwork? Be prepared to discuss your thoughts in class.
Writing Assignments
- Write a 1-2 page essay comparing the visual language, functions, and meanings of temple paintings of the Kings of Dahomey and the murals from the Tepantitla at Teotihuacan.
- Write a 1-2 page essay describing the materials used in the creation of Navajo dry-painting, and the process of its creation.
Out-of-Class Assignments
- Research the Kwakwaka’wakw’s Umista Cultural Center and prepare to discuss its significance. What different techniques does the community at the Center use to present and explain Kwakwaka’wakw culture?
- Research Asmat Bisj Poles and prepare to discuss their making process and function.
Recommended Materials of Instruction
O’Riley, Michael Kampen. (2012). Art Beyond the West. Pearson Publishing, Inc., 3rd. 978-0205887897.
Valluet, C. (2019). Collectors' Visions: Arts of Africa, Oceania, Southeast Asia and the Americas. Five Continents Editions Srl, 1st. 978-8874398157.
Penney, David W. and George Horse Capture. (2004). North American Indian Art. Thames & Hudson, 1st. 978-0500203774.
Willett, Frank. (2003). African Art. Thames & Hudson, 3rd. 978-0500203644.
Thomas, Nicholas. (2018). Oceanic Art. Thames & Hudson, 2nd. 978-0500204405.
Other Learning Materials
Handouts
Minimum Qualifications
Art (Masters Required)
Art History