201 Ancient Art                                       

 

Spring 2007

 

Course Instructor:

Dr. Heather Holian

email: hlholian@uncg.edu

office: Cone 229, phone: 334-5884

office hours: M 9:30-10:30, 2:00-3:00 and by appointment

 


Required Textbooks:

1.       Cyril Aldred, Egyptian Art. New York: Thames and Hudson, 1980. ISBN: 0-500-20180-3.

2.       John Griffiths Pedley, Greek Art and Archaeology, 3rd Ed. New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 2002. ISBN: 0-13-098111-7.

3.       Nancy and Andrew Ramage, Roman Art, 4th Ed. New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 2004.

ISBN: 0-13-5404878

 

These texts are available at the UNCG Bookstore. Copies of these texts are also available on closed reserve, for this course, at Jackson Library.

Nearly all of the assigned readings for this class will come from these texts, as will most of the exam images, therefore access to these books is crucial for success in this course. Readings which do not come from these texts will appear on e-reserve, accessible via Blackboard.

 

Course Description:

This course will examine art produced by the three major ancient Western cultures: Egyptian, Greek, and Roman. The art of each culture will be surveyed chronologically, and studied in terms of form, style, and content. Each work will also be discussed within the cultural, social, and political environment to which it is inextricably connected, providing a deeper understanding of the work’s important place within its culture. Attention will also be given to patrons of the arts, the role, training, and status of the ancient artist, as well as the methods and materials they employed.

 

Learning Outcomes:

At the conclusion of this course a successful student will be capable of—

·         discussing the major stylistic trends present in ancient Western art, and identifying the characteristics of these styles.

·         comparing and contrasting works of art verbally and through written words.

·         thinking critically about art.

 

AND, will have an understanding of the interconnectedness between ancient art and its cultural environment.

 

Course Requirements:

1.       Attend lectures. Some of the material discussed in class cannot be found in the course textbook, yet it will be included on exams, therefore, regular attendance is essential to success in the course. Attendance will also count towards the final grade.

 

2.       Read assigned readings and come prepared to contribute to any class discussions.

 

3.       Complete one architecture “scavenger hunt.”

 

4.       Complete two video assignments.

 

5.       Take all four exams.

 

Grades:

Grades will be composed of the following components:

 

            Four exams                                                       400 (100 points each x 4)          

Architecture “Scavenger Hunt”                          50 points

            Video assignment                                              40 points

Attendance                                                       75 points                                  

                                                                                    __________

            Total:                                                                565 points

 

Final grades will be assigned according to the following grading system:

 

100-99=A+, 98-93=A, 92-90=A-, 89-87=B+, 86-83=B, 82-80=B-, 79-77=C+, 76-73=C,

72-70=C-, 69-67=D+, 66-63=D, 62-60=D-, 59 and below is an F

 

Attendance Policy:

Beginning the second week of the semester, attendance will be taken in class, each day, by way of a sign-up sheet, which will be circulated after class has begun. Each student is responsible for signing this paper, during the class period, to record their individual attendance. Signing the sheet for another student is not acceptable. Signing the roster and then leaving class is not acceptable, and will also count as an absence.

 

Each student is allowed three absences, either excused or unexcused, during the semester. Beginning with the fourth absence five points will be deducted from the attendance grade for the course, for each subsequent absence.

 

Classroom Etiquette:

Remember to turn off all cell phones and pagers before lectures begin as a courtesy to those around you, as well as the instructor. CD players and tape recorders are also not allowed. Also note, food and drink are not permitted in Cone 103.

 

Please be punctual for class and remain seated for the duration of the class time. Class will begin promptly at 1:00, and will end no later than 1:50. Latecomers distract other students as well as the instructor, as do students who get up in the middle of lecture to use the restroom, or pack up early and prepare to leave. Please refrain from doing either. The class is only 50 minutes, please make sure that bathroom needs, drinking fountain trips, etc. are attended to before class begins.

 

Since art history classes are taught with the lights turned down you may be tempted to sleep. Please do not do that in class. Nor should you be reading the newspaper or other material not relating to class. Instead, come prepared, take notes and be ready to engage intellectually with the course material.

 

Course Materials on Blackboard:

Information for this course will be posted on Blackboard, including lists of terms given in lecture, course assignments, exam study guides, additional readings, a copy of the syllabus, and all required images not reproduced in the textbook. The site will be updated as the semester progresses to correspond with lecture. Obviously the site should not be considered a substitute for attending class, however, you will find that printing out the terms, or copying them down before each lecture, and bringing them with you, will make note-taking easier. These terms are provided on Blackboard not only as a study aid, but also as a way of saving valuable class time, and will therefore not be spelled again in lecture.

 

Address to access Blackboard: http:blackboard.uncg.edu

Items to keep in mind when accessing Blackboard—

1. You will need to know your Novell password. This is the password used to log into campus computer labs. You do not have to access Blackboard only from a campus lab, but you will need the Novell password to get onto the page, regardless of your computer’s location.

            2. Use Internet Explorer when accessing Blackboard. Problems occur with Netscape.

            3. You will need Microsoft Word on your computer to view items posted on Blackboard. If your computer does not have Word, you may download a free viewer for Word on the Blackboard page. Go under “Student Resources,” and then click on “hardware and software.”

            4. Any e-communication you may want to do within the Blackboard system can only be sent to UNCG email addresses.

 

Academic Honor Code:

Students are required to sign the Academic Integrity Policy on each exam. Please refer to the UNCG Undergraduate Bulletin.

 

Test Format:

All exams are “closed book.” All four exams will contain some fill-in-the-blank, definitions, and short answer questions. Exams may also contain at least one essay question, resulting in fewer short answer questions. The short answer and essay questions will be illustrated by slides taken from the exam review sheet. In these cases, the slide identification will also be necessary for full points. Exams will take approximately 45 minutes to complete. Material for all four exams will be taken from lectures and assigned readings. Review sheets will be posted on Blackboard one week prior to the exam. Each exam will contain a few points of extra credit.

 

All exams should be written in a blue book with a blue or black pen, no pencil please. Blue books are available at the UNCG Bookstore, as well as Addams Bookstore on Tate Street, and you should come prepared with at least one blank blue book for each of the four exams.

 

Mandatory “Progress Meetings” with Dr. Holian:

Students who receive a failing grade on EXAM 1 will be required to meet with Dr. Holian during the week following the return of the graded exam. Failure to do so will result in a deduction of 10 points from the student’s earned grade on EXAM 2. Sign-up sheets for meeting times will be available in class. It is the student’s responsibility to make the appointment and attend the meeting. The only acceptable, documented excuses for missing appointments are those accepted for missed exams (see below).

 

These meetings are in place to aid struggling students early in the semester with study skills, note-taking, attendance problems, or other issues preventing a student from performing to their full potential in the course.

 

Policy Regarding Missed Exams:

Make-up exams will not be given. Should you miss Exam 1, 2 or 3 due to illness or grave family emergency you must notify Dr. Holian within 24 hours of the missed exam, and produce documentation of your illness or personal emergency. If you must miss an exam for one of these documented reasons, your final grade will be averaged minus the points of the missed exam. Should you miss both exams you will receive a grade of zero for the second missed exam. The final is required of all students (see the Undergraduate Bulletin under “Grading Policies and Grades”).

 

Video Viewing Assignment and Extra Credit:

As part of the course requirements, each student must view “Pyramid” during Weeks 2 or 3 and answer the accompanying questions, which will be available on Blackboard by January 15. The 58-minute video will be on reserve at the Teaching and Learning Center (TLC) under Dr. Holian. The video cannot be checked out of TLC and therefore must be watched on the premises. However, the film will also be shown once in our classroom, on Friday, January 19 from 2-3. The completed assignment is due at the beginning of class Monday, January 29.

 

Two extra credit video viewing opportunities are also available to students who wish to take advantage. Students may watch ONE of the following videos on reserve at TLC and complete the accompanying questions posted on Blackboard, and receive 15 points toward their total points for the semester. While students are welcome, and even encouraged, to watch both videos, only one assignment will earn the student extra points. Video 1: “Seven Wonders of Ancient Egypt” (45 minutes), questions posted February 2, assignment due February 12. Video 2: “Seven Wonders of Ancient Greece” (53 minutes), questions posted March 16, assignment due March 30. Late extra credit assignments will not be accepted, no exceptions.

 

Architecture “Scavenger Hunt”:

During Week 13 the Architecture “Scavenger Hunt” assignment will be posted on Blackboard. The assignment will involve finding and identifying local buildings (both on campus and around Greensboro), which contain examples of the architectural forms and Orders learned in class. The completed assignment sheet will be due at the beginning of class on Friday, April 20.

 

Policy on Late Assignments:

Late assignments will be deducted the number of points equaling half of a letter grade for each day they are late. No exceptions. Late assignments may be turned into the instructor’s mailbox in Room 139 of the Gatewood Studio Arts Building, or slid under Dr. Holian’s office door during Weatherspoon building hours.

201 Ancient Art

Lecture Topics and Schedule of Required Readings

 

PLEASE NOTE: Readings should be completed prior to class meetings

 

Week 1

 

JAN. 8                         Introduction to Course

 

JAN. 10                        Introduction to Egyptian Art and Culture

                                    Reading: Aldred, pp. 7-33

 

JAN. 12                        Early Dynastic Art

                                    Reading: Aldred, pp. 34-44

 

Week 2

 

JAN. 15                        NO CLASSES—Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

 

JAN. 17                        Art and Architecture of the 3rd Dynasty: Djoser Complex

                                    Reading: Aldred, pp. 45-54

 

JAN. 19                        Finish 3rd Dynasty Sculpture, Begin 4th Dynasty Architecture

                                    Reading: Aldred, p. bottom of 56-top of 63, e-reserve reading on pyramids

                                   

                                    **Video viewing today from 2:00-3:00 in our classroom**

 

Week 3

 

JAN. 22                        The Pyramids of Giza, Begin 4th Dynasty Sculpture

                                    Reading: Review Friday’s reading

 

JAN. 24                        Finish 4th Dynasty Sculpture

                                    Reading: Aldred, bottom of p. 67-77

 

JAN. 26                        5th/6th Dynasty Sculpture, Sculpture of 1st Intermediate Period

                                    Reading: Aldred, pp. 78, 91-top of 100, 106-111              

 

            Week 4

 

JAN. 29                        Middle Kingdom: 12th Dynasty Sculpture

                                    Reading: Aldred, pp. 113-middle of 118, top 124-133

                                   

                                    **Video assignment is due at the beginning of class**

 

 

JAN. 31                        Early New Kingdom: Art and Architecture under Hatshepsut

                                    Reading: Aldred, p. 139-top of 158

           

FEB. 2                          EXAM 1

 

Week 5

 

FEB. 5                          New Kingdom: The Art of Amarna

                                    Reading: Aldred, pp. 170-186

                                               

FEB. 7                          King Tut and the Art of the Late New Kingdom

                                    Reading: Aldred, pp. 187-202    

 

FEB. 9                          Introduction to Early Aegean Culture and Art

                                    Reading: Pedley, pp. 10-25, 27-30, 32-top of 37, 42-44 (“introduction to

chapter”), 46-49 (“Sculpture”)

 

Week 6

 

FEB. 12                        Finish Middle Bronze, Begin Late Bronze Age Art

Reading: Pedley, pp. 52-54 (“Pottery”), 59-60 (“Troy”), 63-top of 68

 

FEB. 14                        Late Bronze Age continued

                                    Reading: Pedley, pp. 68-70, p. 85, start with “Thera,” and read to p. 88,

stopping at “Melos: Phylakopi IV,” 89-top of 94

                       

FEB. 16                        Finish Late Bronze, Begin Geometric Period

                                    Reading: Pedley, pp. 94-top 97, 99-109, 112-top of 113

 

Week 7

 

FEB. 19                        Finish Geometric Period, Begin Orientalizing Period

                                    Reading: Pedley, pp. 114-top of 124, 127-top of 136        

 

FEB. 21                        Finish “Orientalizing” Sculpture, Begin Archaic Greek Architecture

                                    Reading: Pedley, p. 143 start with “Sculpture,” and read to p. 151, 137-

143 (for background), 152-top of 157

                                   

FEB. 23                        Archaic Greek Architecture and Sculpture

                                    Reading: Pedley, p.157-stopping at “Sicily and Southern Italy” on p. 166,

174-175

 

Week 8

 

FEB. 26                        Archaic Sculpture continued, Archaic Greek Pottery

                                    Reading: Pedley, pp. 176-middle of 185, 190-91, 192 (“Pottery”)-194

 

 

FEB. 26                        Finish Pottery, Early Classical Architecture and Sculpture

                                    Reading: Pedley, pp. 198-207, 209-top of 218, 225-226

 

MAR. 1                        EXAM 2

 

Week 9

MAR. 5-

MAR. 9                        NO CLASS—SPRING BREAK

 

Week 10

 

MAR. 12                      Finish Early Classical Sculpture

                                    Reading: Pedley, pp. 226-238

 

MAR. 14                      High Classical Architecture and Architectural Sculpture

                                    Reading: Pedley, p. 244-middle of p. 254

 

MAR. 16                      Finish High Classical Architecture and Sculpture

                                    Reading: Pedley, pp. 254-268, 275-79

 

Week 11

 

MAR. 19                      Greek Art and Architecture of the 4th C. B.C.

                                    Reading: Pedley, pp. 287-290, 293-297, 300-303, 305-309

 

MAR. 21                      Finish 4th C. Sculpture, Begin Hellenistic Art and Architecture

                                    Reading: Pedley, bottom p. 309-313, 322-323, 336-339, 342-45 stopping

at “Athens”

 

MAR. 23                      NO CLASS—Dr. Holian away at an art history conference

 

Week 12

 

MAR. 26                      Continue Hellenistic Art and Architecture

Reading: Pedley, p. 345-top of 348, p. 350-top of 355

 

MAR. 28                      Finish Hellenistic Art, Begin Etruscan Art

                                    Reading: Pedley, pp. 355-359, middle of p. 363-top of  368, Ramage and

Ramage, Introduction, pp. 9-27, 29-top of 33, 36-37

 

MAR. 30                      Finish Etruscan Art, Begin the Art of the Roman Republic

                                    Reading: R and R, pp. 38-top of 52, 57-59, 61, beginning at “Sanctuaries”

p. 63-top of 66

 

Week 13

 

APRIL 2                      EXAM 3

 

APRIL 4                      Art of the Roman Republic continued

                                    Reading: R and R, bottom of p. 66-stopping at “Funerary Reliefs,” p. 79  

                       

APRIL 6                      NO CLASS—Spring Holiday

                                                                                   

 

Week 14

                                   

APRIL 9                      Finish the Republic, Begin Art and Architecture under Augustus

                                    Reading: R and R, pp. 79-90, 99 (“Overview”), 101-105

 

APRIL 11                     Augustan Art

Reading: R and R, pp. 111-113, 116-top of 123   

 

APRIL 13                     Finish Augustan art

                                    Reading: R and R, pp. 127-131, and

pp. 91-91 (“3rd Pompeian Style”)

                                   

Week 15

 

APRIL 16                     Finish Augustan Art, Begin Art of the Julio-Claudians

                                    Reading: R and R, pp. 127-131, 91-top 93 (“3rd Pompeian Style), 133-134,

bottom of p. 140-42

 

APRIL 18                     Finish Art of the Julio-Claudians

                                    Reading: R and R, pp. 142-49, 108-109 (the arch), 150-155, 93-95

 

APRIL 20                     Flavian Art and Architecture

                                    Reading: R and R, bottom p. 157-top 174

                                   

**Architecture “Scavenger Hunt” is due at beginning of class

 

Week 16

 

APRIL 23                     The Art and City of Pompeii, Begin Art and Architecture under

Trajan

                                    Reading: R and R, pp. 175-191, 193-198

 

APRIL 25                     Finish Trajan, Hadrian and the Classical Revival

                                    Reading: R and R, pp. 198-top of 206, 211 (“Overview”), 213-218, 219

222, 231-239

                                   

APRIL 27                     Art under the Antonines and Severans

                                    Reading: R and R, pp. 241-top 243, 246-267, 269-top of 278, 288-293

 

Week 17

 

APRIL 30                     Art and Architecture under the “Soldier Emperors” and the

Tetrarchs

                                    Reading: R and R, pp. 295-304, 307 (“Overview”), 309-311, 315-323

 

MAY 1                         Art and Architecture during the early reign of Constantine

                                    Reading: R and R, pp. 325-330, 314-top 315, 332-336

 

FINAL EXAM—Friday, May 4 from 3:30-5:30 p.m. in our classroom