Arts Department

Essential Knowledge and Skills

Art History offers the serious student the opportunity to explore the history of art from ancient times to the present. Through readings, research, slides, videos, and museum visits, students will view significant artworks from around the world. Writing skills will be important in the description, analysis, and comparison of these works. Students are encouraged to keep a notebook to record class discussion on significant historical events, art periods/styles, specific artworks, and issues/themes that connect these artworks, as well as their daily viewing of art. Art history is open to all students who accept the challenge it provides. The course is available at both general and Advanced Placement levels.

Indicators of Student Learning Upon the completion of this course, students will:

• Students will develop skills in identifying, describing, and analyzing works of art.

• Students will learn to identify common characteristics among diverse artworks based on periods/styles and themes.

• Students will develop strong writing skills when describing, analyzing, and comparing works of art.

• Students will cultivate an appreciation for all styles of art.

• Students will relate works of art to their proper cultural and historical origins.

Assessments

• Tests of identification of pieces studied such as artist, cultural period, chronological period, style, medium/technique, significance, and present location if possible.

• Presentation to class of summations of an artist via PowerPoint, one per day per student, of the life and contributions of significant artists.

• Writing exercises (descriptions of pieces in various mediums.

• Discussion of and examination on themes and styles of art through the ages.

• Presentation through the use of Power Point and essay of a theme as seen in various periods of art with description and analysis of stylistic and cultural changes through time.

• Question answering exercises in the style of the Advance Placement examination.