6/30/16 Art History II

Today's Class- I opened today with an overview of the world as it existed in Europe in the 14th century.  We discussed governments (Rome, Holy Roman Empire, Hapsburgs, Moors), movements of peoples (Vikings, international exploration) or the lack of movement (East Asia, Egypt), religious conflicts (Crusades, Catholic vs. reformation), technological advances (tempera versus oil, invention of paper, pigment sources), all of which had major effects of the world of art.  After the break, I started discussing specific works and artists of early 14th century Italian art, the beginnings of the renaissance.  

Important works- The Effects of Good and Bad Government (Lorenzetti), Baptistry doors (Pisano), Virgin and Child Enthroned (Cimabue, Giotto), Arena Chapel frescoes (Giotto)

Important terms- relief sculpture, fresco, ceramics, embroidery, genre painting, gilding, iconoclasm, oil painting, parchment, perspective, tapestry, tempera, vellum

Homework- More details to come on writing assignments, but the first current events art article will be due on Thursday, July 7, 2016.  I'll have more information at our next class meeting, but meanwhile if you find a good article, set it aside.

For next class Tuesday, July 5- Bring the first book (Volume 4, 5th edition) if you have it, though I am hoping to also have a functioning projection system by then.  I would suggest reading Chapters 18 and 19, which will likely get to that day.

6/29/16 Art History II

Today's Class-  Today was mostly going over the syllabus and the student surveys.  I discussed a little bit the kinds of topics that will come up.  Our study of art really begins tomorrow.

Important Artworks-  The Last Judgment (Sistine Chapel) by Michelangelo.  (We'll discuss with much more detail when we get to the Renaissance)

Next class- We start looking at art.  We'll begin with an overview of western culture and the effects of political powers, technology, religions, etc.  If there is time, maybe start on early Renaissance art.

Welcome to the Summer 2016 Session

This is the blog site I have set up for my classes at Ocean County College.  Information specific to Art History II will be shown in red text.  Other information will appear in black text.  

After each class I will post a brief description of the material covered in class, including the sections of the book covered.  I will also list important terms that were discussed in class, things that may eventually appear on a test.  Each post will also list key artworks that were discussed, items that are especially important to the topics covered, and things that could appear on a test.  I will also list any homework, provide reminders for things that are due, etc.

This is not an online class and this blog is not a substitute for attending class.  However, if you happen to miss a class for whatever reason, it will provide important information, useful in a very short class session like we have.  It is available 24/7, and will have answers to the most common questions that come up.  If there is information you need from me before the next class meeting and it's not here, you are welcome to e-mail me and will reply as soon as I get it, likely later that day.