This class will present a survey of major artistic traditions dating from the early Renaissance (circa 1400) to contemporary periods. Art will be presented in a context (political, social, religious, economic), and we will examine how art is shaped by the functions it serves in different societies and periods. The course will consist primarily of slide lectures and discussions, which will focus on painting, sculpture, architecture, and decorative arts. This course is worth three credits.

In this class, you will:

• examine art from diverse cultures. The focus will be on European art, but we will also consider Eastern, American, Pacific, and African art.
• define and use common terms of art history
• identify works of art according to stylistic characteristics and attribute works of art to an artist, country/civilization, and period.
• consider works of art holistically:
  • How was the work made?
  • Why it was made?
  • What does it mean?
• gain an understanding of art's dynamic presence in the world.
• sharpen your visual, analytical, and writing skills.

Each 50 minute class will consist mainly of lecture, with accompanying slides. Good note-taking skills are essential; we will be moving quickly through time periods and in some cases, we will cover many artists in one day. Most of the works we will study can be found in your textbook, but there will be supplemental images and information included in the lectures. Occasionally, we will have small peer group discussions and activities which you will be expected to participate in.

Exams: There will be two exams, which will consist of slide identifications, comparisons of images, and essay questions. We will have review days before each exam, which will include slide viewing and question periods.
Essay Project: You will be expected to write one essay, which will take the form of a visual assessment of a work(s) of art. This essay will be graded on your interpretation of the work, arguments supporting your opinions, and quality of writing.
Class participation: Part of your grade will be determined by your participation in the class. Class participation consists of attendance, participation in small group discussions, and any other class activities, including the field trip.

Exam 1:	30%
Exam 2:	30%
Essay Project:	30%
Class participation:	10%

Grading

A	Performed well above expectations of the course Outstanding participation and mastery of techniques and concepts Exceptional effort and creativity poured into artwork
B	Above average assignments Good participation and mastery of techniques and concepts Great effort and creativity evident in assignments
C	Average execution of assignments Average participation and mastery of techniques and concepts General effort found in assignments Room for progress!
D	Below average assignments Poor participation, no mastery of techniques and concepts Not enough effort put into assignments

Field Trip

We will take one field trip in the second half of the semester. We will go to a local art exhibition venue, the Rahr West Art Museum in town or the Kohler Center in Sheboygan. This trip may run over class time, but we will schedule the trip to be as convenient as possible. If you cannot attend, you must make other arrangements with me for an alternate visit or project.

Attendance

Attendance is absolutely mandatory. Information and images presented during lectures and discussions may not be in the text, and you will be responsible for this information on exams. Attendance also affects grades, any more than three absences will result in your grade being lowered. Exam days are particularly important, these should not be missed! Absences are only excused by written explanation from a doctor's office or university department. You are still responsible for lecture notes and assignments during an excused absence.

The text we will use for this course is Marilyn Stokstad's Art History Volume Two, available in the campus bookstore. I will pass out other readings as needed.