Course Description
Where do artists find their inspiration? How can you tell a Rembrandt from a Renoir? Art History and Appreciation surveys artwork and architecture from different periods of human history. Students learn how artists use their abilities to observe and interpret reality and create unique artistic styles and works. Part 1 focuses on the art and architecture of Europe, Africa, and the Americas, while Part 2 moves east to Asia and Oceania. In each part of the course, students note the development of different art movements, the variation in artistic techniques, and the influence of significant artists and designers. Lessons explain the tools, skills, and techniques artists use to create their works. Students also learn how to differentiate between art movements in significant periods of history. At the end of this course, students can recognize different artistic styles, movements, and techniques, and identify specific pieces of artwork by period and origin.

Course Breakdown

Prehistoric art of Europe and Mesopotamia
Ancient art of Egypt and Rome
Medieval architecture and Gothic paintings
Renaissance architecture, painting, and sculpture
European and American art of the nineteenth century
Classifications of modern art Art of the Indus Valley
Art of Southeast Asia
Japanese art
Chinese art
Art of Micronesia and Polynesia
Australian art

Course Goals
Identify the key characteristics of work created in prehistoric art of Europe and Mesopotamia and examine artifacts of ancient Greece, ancient Rome, and the Early Renaissance.
Assess significant themes, works, and individuals associated with Western art from prehistory through the postmodern period.
Examine the emergence of new painting and sculpture techniques applied in periods from the High Renaissance through the Baroque and Rococo periods.
Survey artists from the impressionist through postmodern eras and explain how their personalities changed the purposes of and opportunities for artistic expression. Identify key characteristics of world art as it developed in the early Indus Valley, Southeast Asia, and Japan.
Examine the artistic history and traditions of Chinese dynasties and the tribal art and artifacts found in Micronesia.
Investigate key elements of Polynesian and Australian art.