ARTH 304 Great Discoveries in Art and Archaeology SI, XC Winterim 2012 Wed. Jan. 4 -Tue. Jan. 17 12:30-4:30 p.m. Brainerd 202 Prof. Caroline Downing Brainerd 222, Tel. x2368 Office hours 11:00-12:00 daily Course description. This course will examine some of the great discoveries made in the history of art and archaeology. We will begin with a look at the disciplines of art history and archaeology, and how they have changed from their beginnings to the present time. A number of different cultures will be examined, including some from Africa, the Americas, China, and ancient Greece and Rome. As we examine these cultures, we will be concerned with the role and concept of art in each society. We will look at stylistic change, technological advancements, and interactions between cultures. Student Learning Outcomes. 1. Students will explore the principles and history of the fields of art history and world archaeology via textbook, lectures, and audiovisual presentations. 2. Students will learn about art and archaeology in several non-European cultures, including the Americas, Africa, and China. 3. Students will demonstrate understanding of the technical aspects of art historical research and archaeological field and library research. Methods of achieving outcomes: 1. Students will take periodic short tests on textbook material, class presentations, and audiovisual presentations. 2. Class discussions will focus on comparison of art and technology of European and non-European cultures, and on the interaction of those cultures. 3. Students will prepare a research paper using correct citation, prepare short speeches, and participate in debates on current issues in art and archaeology. Required textbook. L. Robbins, Stones, Bones, and Ancient Cities (Waveland, 1990). Available at college bookstore. Course requirements and grading. Three quizzes, two speeches (to be assigned) and one 7-10-page paper, on any topic related to the course material. The first speech will be a short informative speech on one aspect of the daily topics; the second will consist of a comparison of an art work or art form, or an archaeological discovery, from a European-derived culture, and one from a non-European derived culture. In addition to the two formal speeches, debates will be held daily on controversies in art and archaeology. Grading: Quizzes 30% Speeches 40% Paper 30% Research paper. Students will complete a 7-10 page research paper on any topic related to art and/or archaeological discoveries. Papers must include references and a separate bibliography page, using the Chicago Style of reference format (see SUNY Potsdam library website for assistance using this format). You must use at least three library sources (books or professional journal articles) in addition to the text or internet sources.Plagiarism. You must give references for information, for ideas, even if not quoted directly, and of course for quotes. Failure to reference is plagiarism, and can result in disciplinary action. ARTH 304 Great Discoveries in Art and Archaeology Winterim 2012 Course schedule Wed. Jan. 4 Introduction to disciplines of art history and archaeology Vocabulary and terms. Contemporary movements in art history and archaeology. Role of art in society. Practice Debate: Indiana Jones Paleolithic cave art of Europe. Text: 38-63, and ”Postscript” xiii-xix Discovery and acceptance of authenticity. Style and subjects depicted. Old and new theories on the meaning of cave art. Signs and symbols. Narrative. Human images. Recent discoveries of cave art in France. African rock art: the Neolithic paintings of Tassili. Protection of rock art around the world Thu. Jan. 5 King Tut's tomb and Egyptian art and archaeology Text: 88-97, 197-200 Egyptian land and society, and its influence on art. The cult of the dead. The power of the ruling class and its reflection in art and architecture. Egyptian queens and female pharoahs. Animals in Egyptian art. Changes in the field of Egyptology; modern excavations and inquiry. Interaction of Egyptians and other African cultures. 1:30 Library research session Fri. Jan 6 Paper topics and bibliographies due. Debate: Do art historians and archaeologists focus too much on death in Egyptian art? Troy and the Bronze Age of Greece Text: 98-108, xxii-xxvii The mythological underpinnings. Schliemann's role in the "discovery" of the Bronze Age. Excavations at Troy, Knossos, Mycenae, and Thera. Role of women in Bronze Age society. Cultural interactions with Egypt and the Near East. The bull cult of Knossos. Decline of Bronze Age: economic, social, political theories. Mon. Jan. 9 Quiz on intro through Bronze Age Debate: Did women rule at Knossos? Bronze technologies of the world Text: 81-85 Independent invention of bronze-making in Africa, China, and Europe. Discussion of different techniques of bronze casting. Uses and purposes of bronze in each society, including practical (weapons, vessels) and ritual (“idols,” religious dedications). Tue. Jan. 10 Debate: Do archaeologists see too much ritual purpose in artifacts? Excavations of Pompeii and Herculaneum Text: 108-120Eruption of Vesuvius and burial of Roman town and landscape. Spectacular quality of preservation of art, architecture, artifacts, and victims. History of discovery of Pompeii and its influence on society, from the 18th century to today. A "time capsule" of Roman life: what we can learn of art, politics, religion, daily life, economics. Greek/Roman art. Wed. Jan. 11 Quiz on Troy through Pompeii Debate: Should we “restore” Greek and Roman sculpture? Art and archaeology of Pre-Columbian America Text: 135-147 Theories on origins of native peoples of the Americas. Discoveries of the great sites of Maya, Aztecs, mound-builders and cliff-dwellers. Art in politics, religion. Clash of European and native societies. Eurocentrism, neglect of study of ancient America Text: 155-160, 185-189 Thu. Jan. 12 Debate: Should all Native American artifacts and remains be repatriated? Ceramic technologies of the world Text: 85-88 Study of selected pottery of the world: Greek, Chinese, African, European, and contemporary American. Materials and methods of ceramic production: clays, glazes, hand-building, wheel-throwing, kiln-firing, etc. Use of pottery in archaeology: its importance in studying chronology, economy, trade, migration, daily