Art 11 - Art History Survey (Writing Intensive)

Prof. MJ Mazzella Ben-Nun

Bliss Hall, Room 305
Office tel: (718) 289-5343
Email: mazben@optonline.net
Office hours:
Tue. 1 - 2; Wed. 12 - 2; Thu. 11 - 12.
 

A. Description:

This course is an introduction to the history of western art, spanning from pre-history to the modern era. By studying the course of art history students will come to understand the different styles and techniques used to create art. Students will learn about the meaning and purpose of art throughout various cultures. Two and three dimensional artworks as well as architecture will be discussed.

In WI courses, formal (graded) and informal (non-graded) writing assignments are used to help students master the course content while helping to develop their critical reading, thinking, and writing skills. WI instructors, trained in Writing Across The Curriculum techniques, use a writing-to-learn strategy. The 12-page requirement of this WI course is broken down in stages to make the writing process more manageable and meaningful. This WI course is capped at 22 students, allowing for more individual attention and feedback on writing assignments.

B. Course Textbook:

A History of Western Art, by Laurie Schneider Adams.

C. Writing Intensive Objectives:

  • To satisfy the BCC graduation requirement of completing two WI courses.
  • To prepare students for the CUNY CPE exam.
  • To help students develop and improve written communication skills.
  • To train students in proper research and citation methods.
  • To engage students in the course by writing about topics covered in class.

D. Formal Writing Assignment – Researching an artist:

Choose an artist to write about. The essay should concentrate on the artwork, not on biographical information. This essay should be six pages long, double-spaced, 12-point size. The initial 6-page draft and the final 6-page essay will combine to satisfy the 12-page WI requirement. All sources must be cited properly. Include visual examples to support your writing, in addition to the six pages.

The following are steps to follow when planning and writing your paper:

  1. Choose your Topic: choose an artist that interests you and that is well known.
  2. Preliminary Reading: gather as many resources, articles, and books on your artist. Skim through them and look for the following points: is your artist known primarily for one artwork or many? Is the artist known for a breakthrough in art? What happened as a result of the artist‘s idea or work?
  3. Freewrite due date: September 25 
    once you go over your research materials, write a paragraph or two on your topic.This will help you organize your thoughts, and articulate your research questions. What is it that you will discover in writing this paper?
  4. Planning your Paper: you should begin by taking notes as you research and later organizing them into the body of your essay. For additional help in writing the paper, from outlining to citing to proofreading, visit the following website:
    http://owl.english.purdue.edu
  5. First Draft due date: October 23
    once you complete your 6-page draft, wait a day and then read it through, aloud. Is the information organized well? Have you addressed your research problems? Are there any grammar or spelling errors? Revise your essay accordingly, then wait a day and repeat these steps until your essay is ready for submission. Feel free to contact our assigned writing fellow for help in providing feedback at this stage.
  6. Final Paper due date: November 27
    once you receive your edited draft back, revise and correct it accordingly. You should now turn it into a complete and professional research paper, and layout the format including cover, photos, and fonts.

E. Writing-to-Learn Activities:

You will be required to keep an art journal, in which you will respond to questions from the weekly readings and class discussions. In addition, collect in your journal found examples of interesting artwork, i.e. graffiti, murals, religious artwork, public art, etc. You can should include photos or sketches of the work you are writing about, in your journal. For each entry you should write at least one paragraph of analysis. Concentrate on one or two aspects of the work, i.e. form, color, meaning, medium, etc. You will be asked to give class presentations on your entries, so be prepared.

Example Questions:

  • How were cave paintings created?
  • What was the purpose of cave paintings?

Example Journal Tasks:

  • Choose an attractive mural in your neighborhood. Sketch it and describe it’s meaning.
  • Look at stained glass windows in a house of worship in your area. What is the subject of the window? What are the predominant colors?

F. Class Rules:

Students are expected to have a professional, serious attitude. Lateness and absences will not be tolerated; you must show up on time and to all classes. Three or more absences will result in debarment from the class. Assignments must be handed in by the deadline given and be up to professional standards.

G. Grade Evaluation:

  • Punctuality and Attendance – 10%
  • Participation, Presentations, and Art Journal – 10%
  • Research Paper and Draft – 30%
  • Quizzes – 10%
  • Midterm Exam – 20%
  • Final Exam – 20%

 

 

  

Writing-to-Learn Activities

 

links for research: