COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Journey through time and place while examining some of the greatest masterpieces created. In this course, students will explore world regions and study the unique artifacts and works of architecture tat define ancient civilizations. From Mesopotamia, the world's first civilization, to the Roman streets of Pompeii, participants will learn the fundamental concepts of art, how to look at and evaluate art, and the intended function of natural history museums through hands-on-activities, discussions, written assignments, and objective assessments.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

After completing the course, students will be able to:

• Understand and explain the significance of artworks produced in various world regions
• Identify and discuss, utilizing relevant terminology, formal elements, principles of design, and stylistic characteristics found in artworks from various world regions
• Converse with others about art and the function of artifacts and architectural structures in relation to ancient cultural conditions
• Identify chemical and physical properties and classify matter based on these properties
• Understand the mission of natural history museums and how museum staff interprets acquisitions
• Analyze works, placing them in historical, social, and cultural context
• Create hands-on activities demonstrating an understanding of the construction of ancient architecture and techniques used by ancient artisans

PREREQUISITES:

None

COURSE LENGTH:

One semesters

REQUIRED TEXT:

None

COURSE OUTLINE:

• Orientation: Introduction to art appreciation, getting started, timeline of ancient history
• What is Art?: Art vs. artifact, careers, prehistoric cave/rock painting of France and Australia, Stonehenge
• Mesopotamia and Indus River Valley: Stele of Hammurabi, Ishtar Gate, Mohenjo-Daro, Great Stupa
• Egypt: Palette of Narmer, Pyramids of Giza and Great Sphinx, Egyptian painting
• China and Japan: Bronze vessels, terracotta warriors, scrolls, Jomon vessels
• Ancient Greece: Architectural orders, archaic sculpture, Greek pottery, Acropolis
• Ancient Rome: Colosseum, Augustus of Primaporta, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Pompeii
• The Americas: Olmec head, Great Serpent Mound, Pueblo Bonito of Chaco Canyon, Maya architecture
• Museums: Natural history museum, mission of museum, careers