Course Description:
This course provides a comprehensive overview of the history of Western art, focusing on the major artistic movements, styles, and artists that have shaped the art world. Through the study of the textbook “Janson’s Basic History of Western Art,” students will explore the development of Western art from prehistoric times to the present day. The course aims to develop students’ understanding and appreciation of art, as well as their critical thinking and analytical skills in art interpretation.
Course Objectives:
Understand the major artistic movements, styles, and key artists in Western art history.
Analyze and interpret artworks from different periods and understand their cultural and historical contexts.
Identify the characteristics and influences of various art movements in Western art.
Develop critical thinking skills in evaluating and discussing art.
Cultivate an appreciation for the diversity and evolution of Western art.
Course Content:
Unit 1: Prehistoric and Ancient Art
Paleolithic art and the birth of representational art
Ancient Egyptian art and its religious and funerary purposes
Greek art and its focus on humanism and idealized forms
Roman art and its appropriation of Greek artistic styles
Unit 2: Medieval and Gothic Art
Early Christian and Byzantine art and its religious symbolism
Romanesque art and its connection with pilgrimage and religious architecture
Gothic art and its innovations in architecture and stained glass windows
Unit 3: Renaissance Art
Italian Renaissance art and the revival of classical forms and humanistic ideas
Northern Renaissance art and its focus on everyday life and meticulous detail
High Renaissance art and the works of Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael
Unit 4: Baroque and Rococo Art
Baroque art and its dramatic and theatrical compositions
Rococo art and the emphasis on decorative and ornate styles
Unit 5: Neoclassicism and Romanticism
Neoclassical art and its inspiration from classical Greek and Roman art
Romanticism and the exploration of emotions, nature, and individualism
Unit 6: Impressionism and Post-Impressionism
Impressionism and its emphasis on capturing the fleeting effects of light and atmosphere
Post-Impressionism and the individual artistic styles of artists like Van Gogh and Cézanne
Unit 7: Modern and Contemporary Art
Cubism and the deconstruction of form pioneered by Picasso and Braque
Abstract Expressionism and the focus on expression and emotional intensity
Pop Art and its incorporation of popular culture and mass media imagery
Assessment Methods:
Class discussions and participation
Quizzes and examinations
Written assignments and essays analyzing artworks
Group presentations and projects
Note: This syllabus is based on the textbook “Janson’s Basic History of Western Art,” and actual course content may be adjusted according to the discretion of the instructor and the specific edition of the textbook being used.