Art History 316

ARTH 316: Art Outside the Western Tradition

Credit Hours: (3)

A study in recognizing, understanding, and appreciating the art and architecture of one or more culture(s) outside the European tradition from a non-Eurocentric point of view. A focus on art forms as multireferential. The content of the course will vary depending on the culture(s) studied.

Note(s): Humanistic or Artistic Expression designated course.  May be repeated for credit with different topics with permission of the instructor. Students can not receive credit for both ART 486 and ARTH 316.

 

Detailed Description of Content of Course

This Course will study the art and architecture of one or more culture(s) outside the European tradition(such as African Islamic, Native American or Far Eastern) in their ontological and cultural context, focusing on the historical development of their iconography, symbols, and metaphors. The interrelationship of the total cultural context – its dynamics, messages, temporal dimensions and changes over time -- will be examined, in order to develop an understanding of the aesthetics and significance of the art forms and their contribution to world culture. The content will vary depending on the culture(s) selected for study. The course will fulfill a general education requirement.

 

Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

This is primarily a lecture and discussion course. Students will experience a wide variety of the visual forms through audio visual formats, actual works and experiences through field trips to museums when possible. Students will participate in these discussions and write about those experiences. In addition students will prepare presentations on researched material either individually or in groups. The instructor will attempt to direct the students toward specific, identifiable objectives in working with the art material selected as well as help facilitate communication among the students themselves and with other researchers in that field.

 

Goals and Objectives of the Course

Students will:

(1) Critically analyze the relationship between the cultural value system of the region studied and its art forms.

(2) Demonstrate, through the creation of course-related products, an understanding of the formal language and meaning of the art forms and their value within their own aesthetic structure.

(3) Illustrate, through methods agreed upon by both students and faculty, awareness of the connection between the art object and the environment in which it is produced; and the relationship between the individual activity of the artist and the historical circumstances and cultural values that condition that creativity.

(4) Develop a sensitivity both to aesthetic values in art of the culture studied and the ways in which those values are shaped by larger cultural values and assumptions.

 

Assessment Measures

An understanding of the relationship between traditions and art can be demonstrated through a number of assessment measures. These may include:

(1) Personal logs or journal dealing with readings, material presented in class, etc.

(2) Formal written assignments on course materials and/or relevant materials not explicitly covered in class.

(3) Oral presentations, both individually and in groups.

(4) Individual or group-developed multimedia projects.

(5) Individual or group-developed expressive units (art work or an assemblage).

 

Other Course Information

Students will be encouraged to deal with the art and artistic productions relevant to the cultures studied and to relate them to their own cultural background. Guest lectures and presentations will be arranged whenever possible as well as video, teleconferencing, and or electronic connections.

 

Review and Approval

2012

05/12/2011

March 01, 2021