Art History & Architecture
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This class chronologically examines the history of art and architecture, beginning with the Art of Prehistory and continuing to Modern Art. Each lesson starts with a basic review of the significant historical events of the time, in addition to cultural norms, traditions and practices. We then examine the significant artwork of the period and discuss artistic impulse, materials and techniques used, historical significance, meaning, and more.
Each class, students are encouraged to step into a historian’s shoes. They give presentations, read scholarly articles, use their creativity to design their own versions of famous artworks and architectural monuments, and have in-depth discussions (and sometimes debates!) about what they are learning and viewing.
Students use their critical-thinking skills to examine artwork from an archaeologist’s point of view - who made it, what myths or traditions lie behind it, what it is made of and how. Each semester students give a presentation about a significant artist or artistic trend from the period being studied.