Art History 11100

Episodes in
Western Art
Instructor: Josh T
Franco
Office: Gannett 107
Office hours: TR 2.30 3.45 pm, and by appointment
E-mail: jfranco@ithaca.edu

What the course is about

The course will introduce you to the study of art, by focusing on particular works and
artists that played key roles in shaping the cultures in which they existed. We will
investigate art that was produced around these crucial points in western art history, as
well as what preceded and what followed these turning points. We will also pursue
recurrent themes in western art history, such as conceptions of the body, forms of visual
narrative, the art of spirituality, images of death and mortality, and images of power and
propaganda. In addition, we will explore a number of the artistic techniques and
processes that have played major roles in shaping the way images appear and how they
impact human thought and action. The course pursues the Inquiry, Imagination, and
Innovation and A World of Systems themes through a "Creative Arts" perspective
within Ithaca College's Integrative Core Curriculum.

Learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this course will:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Identify and critically assess works of art from the western tradition
Analyze and evaluate readings through focused writing assignments
Apply art historical terms and methods to oral and written discussions of works of art
Demonstrate critical looking, thinking, writing, and speaking
Develop teamwork and problem solving skills
ICC: investigate how artists discover and transform the world into creative works

(III)
7. ICC: recognize how different systems of philosophical, literary, religious, economic,

and historical thought influence artists and shape societal values (Systems)

How the course will operate

Textbook

Marilyn Stokstad and Michael Cothren, Art. A Brief History, 5th ed., Volume 1 (2012) +
MyArtsLab; Weekly readings should be completed before coming to class every Tuesday

How I will determine your final grade (assuming good attendance and
constructive involvement in the course see below!)

3 exams (two during the semester and one during finals week): worth 22.5%
each
1 mindmap (ICC Portfolio! Handout with details forthcoming): worth 22.5%
weekly reading responses: Due every Thursday, responses to readingsrelated question posted on Sakai by instructor 10%

Note:
The percentages Ive assigned here are approximations; I will take into
account the level of commitment, class participation, and
improvement when assigning a final grade.
In order to pass the course, you must submit all of the required work. If
you fail to take an exam or hand in a paper or project, you will receive an
"F" for a final grade.
Cultural events requirement
To encourage shared cultural and intellectual engagement outside of the classroom, any
student enrolled in an art history course must attend two cultural or departmental events
during the semester and write a short response to each. Guidelines and a list of suggested
events are maintained on the Art History Department website (go to
http://www.ithaca.edu/hs/depts/arthistory/, then click on "Events and Opportunities in the
Art History Department," then click on "Events"; a sidebar then provides a link to a detailed
set of guidelines and questionnaire). I may suggest additional events relevant to this course.
The same events may be used for multiple art history classes, but they all must occur this
semester. These assignments will not be formally graded.
Attendance and class participation
Attendance is essential and required
We will approach the course material in class from perspectives not readily
obtainable outside of class, and listening, looking, and discussing while the
images are on the screens are the only sure ways of mastering the material.

Also, I not only encourage constructive class participation, but I take it into
account when I assign final grades. If you are not in class, then you are not
participating in the class.

Each student has up to three absences allotted to them during the semester. These
are intended to cover things such as illnesses, family emergencies, etc., so please use
them wisely. If you are absent more than three times, I will begin to lower your
grade, and I reserve the right to drop students with more than three absences
from the course . ICs complete attendance policy can be found here:
http://ithaca.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2013-2014/Undergraduate-Catalog/AcademicInformation/Registration-and-Course-Information/Attendance-Policy

Exams and make-up policy

I normally do not give make-up tests. The dates of the tests are given in this syllabus,
so plan your schedules accordingly. If, however, some unforeseen and documented
emergency arises, I will give a make-up test, but only if you let me know before the
date and time of the exam.
Late papers and assignments will suffer a 10% per day penalty. A paper scoring 100
points will only earn 90, etc. Assignments that are two days late, will suffer a 20%
penalty, so that the 100 paper will receive an 80, etc. No work will be accepted one
week after the due date. No make-up assignments will be provided; there are no extra
credit assignments. If you are thinking of turning this assignment in late, the best
policy is to err on the side of handing in unpolished work.

Use of classroom computers, laptops, tablets, smartphones, and other electronic devices
The computers with cinema display monitors will be our vehicles for in-class
interactions with the digital material that forms the core of this course.
If you wish to use a laptop or tablet computer in the classroom, you must first ask my
permission. If I do grant permission, you must use the laptop or tablet responsibly.
What does responsibly mean? An open discussion
Academic honesty
Course assignments may require that you consult books, articles, and web sites. You
must cite any source not only from which you quote, but also from which you
paraphrase words or borrow ideas. I will not tolerate any student using another
person's words or ideas, and passing them off as his or her own, even if
unintentionally. When in doubt, cite! If you have any questions about
documentation, ask me before you hand in the paper. Do not end up failing the
course or getting suspended because of an avoidable mistake.
Academic Support Services
In compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with
Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodation will be provided to students with documented
disabilities on a case by case basis. Students must register with the Office of Academic
Support Services and provide appropriate documentation to the college before any
academic adjustment will be provided.

Tentative sequence of topics

Note: I will periodically assign readings or other activities in addition to those in our
textbook, and may also assign responses to these readings. These additional readings or
activities will either be available on Sakai or on "MyArtsLab" (available in conjunction
with our textbook)
Week 1 (9/1 - 9/5):
Introduction
Systems of "art history": what is "western"? what is "art"? what is
"history"? Review Syllabis
Learning how to read an image: the form-context spectrum
Proprioception: engaging the whole body in experiencing art
Week 2 (9/8 - 9/12):
A Focus on Athens in the Time of Pericles: Manipulating Imagery of
the Human Figure
Analyzing art of the body: conventions of "naturalism" and "idealism"
Issues of style and status
Narratives that reflect the human condition
Assigned Readings: Stokstad & Cothren, 102-26

Week 3 (9/15 9/19):

A Focus on Greece: High Classical through Hellenistic Period
Assigned Readings: Stokstad & Cothren, 127-47
Week 4 (9/22 9/26):
A Focus on Etruscan and Roman Art I
Assigned Readings: Stokstad & Cothren, 156-170
Week 5 (9/29 10/3):
A Focus on Etruscan and Roman Art II
Assigned Readings: Stokstad & Cothren, 171-202
FIRST EXAM: THURSDAY, 10/2 (in our classroom)
Week 6 (10/6 10/10):
A Focus on Jewish and Early Christian Art
Assigned Readings: Stokstad & Cothren, 214-223
Week 7 (10/13 10/17; only meet on 10/14):
A Focus on Byzantine Art
Assigned Readings: Stokstad & Cothren, 232-258
October 15 17: No class: Fall Break!
Week 8 (10/20 10/24):
A Focus on Art of the Americas
Assigned Readings: Stokstad & Cothren, 382-401
4

Week 9 (10/27 10/31):

A Focus on Early Medieval Art
Assigned Readings: Stokstad & Cothren, 428-452
Week 10 (11/3 11/7):
A Focus on Romanesque Art
Assigned Readings: Stokstad & Cothren, 458-487
SECOND EXAM: THURSDAY, 11/6 (in our classroom)
Week 11 (11/10 11/14):
A Focus on Gothic Art (12 th , 13 th centuries)
Assigned Readings: Stokstad & Cothren, 494-525
Week 12 (11/17 11/21):
A Focus on 14 th century Art in Europe
Assigned Readings: Stokstad & Cothren, 530-57
November 22 - 30: No class: Thanksgiving Break
Week 13 (12/1 12/5):
Revisiting: What is the West?
Assigned Readings: TBD; will be distributed by instructor
Week 14 (12/8 12/12):
Mindmaps Workshop
Bring notes, rough versions, etc. to be considered by instructor and
classmates
THIRD EXAM (MINDMAP PRESENTATIONS):
during finals week