Courses

CVSP 250:      Introduction to Art Appreciation

Spring Semester 2008

Class Times:    TT 12:30 – 1:45 p.m.

Room:            Nicely 108

Lecturer:        Dr. Hadi Maktabi              (email: hadi@maktabi.com)

Office Hours:   TT 12:00pm – 12:30pm, Nicely 109 (by appointment)

Course Description

What is art?  How do we discuss beautiful objects?  And what on earth is ‘good’ art?  This introductory course gives an overview, through a chronological and thematic progression, of the dominant genres and themes in art history.  Along the way we encounter a variety of pretty things which raise stimulating questions.  Were these items functional or decorative?  Do we know anything about the artists who created them?  What was their cultural context and what did they symbolize?  We will look at artistic influences and interactions between cultures, as well as the distinctive traits of each.  Moreover, you will discover the differences between the various types of art.  Through a discussion of major artistic genres, you will be exposed to the great works within each domain.  The course relies on a recommended textbook [E.H. Gombrich (2002). The Story of Art. London: Phaidon, 16^th ed.] although further readings are assigned.  These will be placed on library reserve.

Course Requirements and Grading

There will be a quiz worth 20% tentatively scheduled for Week 6.  You are required to give a 15 minute presentation (20%) using Powerpoint.  Please discuss the topic with me beforehand; you need to have it confirmed no later than Thursday of Week 7 (March 27).  Presentations are due as of Week 10, proceeding in an alphabetical progression of names.  You also have a take-home assignment to complete worth 15%.  Class participation and attendance are 10% of your final grade. This means that coming late to class and disturbance in class have a negative impact on your grade. Any absences exceeding 8 will mean that you have to drop the class. You are required to read all texts listed below.  The final exam is worth 35%.  Plagiarism of any kind in the written or oral work is not permitted and is contrary to university policy.

Quiz                                               20 %

Presentation                                    20 %

Assignment                                     15 %

Final Exam                                       35 %

Participation & Attendance                10 %

Syllabus

• What is art?                                  (Weeks 1 & 2)

Larry Shiner (2001). The Invention of Art: A Cultural History. Chicago: The University of  Chicago Press; pp. 3 – 8 & 19 – 38.

• Artistic Genres & Themes          (Weeks 3 & 4)

    Gombrich (2002); Introduction, pp.15 – 37.

• Greece & Hellenism                    (Weeks 5 & 6)

          Gombrich (2002); Chapters 3 & 4, pp.75 – 115.                           

• Rome & Byzantium                     (Weeks 7 & 8)

Gombrich (2002); Chapters 5 & 6, pp.117 – 141.

• Islamic Art                                    (Weeks 9 – 10)

    Oleg Grabar (2006). The Dome of the Rock. Cambridge MA: Belknap Press; Chapter 2,

    pp.59 – 119.

    Richard Ettinghausen, Oleg Grabar & Marilyin Jenkins-Madina (2001).  Islamic Art and    

    Architecture 650 – 1250.  New Haven & London: Yale University Press;

    Chapter 1, pp.3 – 11; Chapter 2, pp.15 – 26 & 73 – 79.

• Asian Art                                      (Weeks 11 – 12 )

   Jessica Rawson (1984).  Chinese Ornament: The Lotus & The Dragon. New York: Holmes &

   Meier; Introduction, pp.10 – 16; Chapter 5, pp.145 – 198.

   Sheila Blair & Jonathan Bloom (1995).  The Art and Architecture of Islam 1250 – 1800.  

   New Haven & London: Yale University Press; Chapter 12, pp.165 – 182.

• Carpets & Textiles                      (Weeks 13 & 14)

   Jon Thompson (1983). Carpet From the Tents, Cottages and Workshops of Asia. London,   

   1983: Introduction, pp.5 – 31; Chapters 3 è 6, pp. 65 – 153

   Richard Ettinghausen (1974). “The Early History, Use and Iconography of the Prayer Rug.” 

   In Prayer Rugs. Washington: The Textile Museum Press; pp.10 – 25.

• Modern Art                                  (Weeks 15 & 16)

   Gombrich (2002); Chapter 27, pp.557 – 597.