FINA 104
A Survey of Western Art I
3.0 Credits
College or University
Description
FINA 104 is an introductory art history course that surveys Western art from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages. A companion course, FINA 105, A Survey of Western Art II, carries on the survey from the Renaissance to present times.
Art reflects culture; it speaks of the needs, hopes, beliefs, activities and knowledge of the people who make it. Thus we try to understand art in terms of its social and historical contexts. This course introduces students to some of the main works of art -sculpture, architecture, and painting-that have survived from ancient times, and discusses the art in its cultural context.
Delivery Method
Delivery is self-paced, allowing you the flexibility to proceed through the course according to your own schedule. TRU-Open Learning has no admission requirements and you can register for this course at any time throughout the year.
Prerequisites
None
Objectives
By the completion of this course, students should have achieved the following:
- Become aware of the art forms, media, subjects, and styles of the art of early Western cultures.
- Understand the relationship between gods, kings, and art in early civilizations.
- Understand the religious, social, and ritualistic functions of art.
- Appreciate the similarities and differences of the art of different civilizations.
- Know the concepts, beliefs and, assumptions that underlie art of different cultures.
Course Outline
- Unit 1 The Birth of Art
- Unit 2 The Art of the Ancient Near East
- Unit 3 The Art of Ancient Egypt
- Unit 4 The Art of the Pre-Historic Aegean and Ancient Greece
- Unit 5 The Art of the Etruscans, Ancient Rome and Late Antiquity
- Unit 6 The Art of Byzantium, Early Medieval and Romanesque
- Unit 7 Gothic Art
Maximum Completion
30 Weeks
Required Text and Materials
- Kleiner, Fred S. and Christen J. Mamiya. Gardner's Art Through the Ages. Volume 1. 12th. ed.. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth-Thomson Learning, 2005.
Type: Textbook: ISBN: 0534640598
- Cohen, Kathleen. Study Guide to Accompany Gardner's Art Through the Ages. Volume 1. 12th. ed.. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth-Thomson Learning, 2005.
Type: Textbook: ISBN: 0534640966
Tutor Information
A course tutor is available to assist students. Primary communication is by phone if you are taking the print version of the course or by email if you are taking the online version. You will receive a welcome letter or email from the tutor providing contact information when you start the course.
Assessment
In order to successfully complete this course, you must obtain at least 50 % on the final mandatory examination and 50 % overall. It is strongly recommended that students complete all assignments in order to achieve the learning objectives of the course. The total mark will be determined on the following basis:
Students must pass the final exam to receive a passing grade in the course.
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