ARTH 411: Medieval Art (WI)
Credit Hours: (3)
Instructional Method: Three hours lecture and seminar.
Prerequisites: ART 215 or ART 216 or permission of instructor
Exploration of the origins, evolution, themes, and visual characteristics of European art of the early Christian through Gothic periods.
Description of the Content of the Course
The course is designed for upper level art students and as a humanities elective for students in other concentrations. It fulfills a General Education requirement. The focus is on painting, sculpture, and architecture of Europe from the time of Constantine (4th century) through the 14th century. The content and style of the art in each period will be examined in key works of art. The course covers the following periods in chronological order:
Early Christian Art
Byzantine Art
Early Medieval Art
Romanesque Art
Gothic Art
Description of the Conduct of the Course
This is a lecture course, but class participation in the analysis of works of art is encouraged. Slides of the art under discussion will be projected onto a large screen to provide all students with a clear visual image of each work of art. An occasional film will be shown to allow a more in-depth study of a specific topic.
Students are expected to attend class. By accepting admission to Radford University, each student makes a commitment to understand, support, and abide by the University Honor Code without compromise or exception. Violations of academic integrity will not be tolerated. This class will be conducted in strict observance of the Honor Code. Students are referred to the Student Handbook for details.
Goals and Objectives of the Course
At the conclusion of the course, the students will be able to:
1. discuss characteristics of Western art and civilization of the Middle Ages beyond the scope of the survey course.
2. analyze a work of art with regard to style and iconography.
3. use the necessary vocabulary and basic concepts associated with the study of art history in discussion and writing.
4. recognize the basic stylistic characteristics of the art in the various Medieval periods and in specific works of art.
5. identify major works of art of each Medieval period.
6. define the role of art within the cultural, political, and sociological context of the Middle Ages.
Assessment Measures
The final grade is based upon a series of tests/quizzes, and possibly an oral presentation and/or a short research paper. Additional short responsive writings and attendance at outside lectures may also be required.
Other Course Information
There are no extra credit options for this course.
If the student has a learning disability recognized by the Disabled Student Services Office at Radford University, he or she should advise the professor of the nature of the disability during the first week of class.
Tape recording of class lectures is not normally permitted unless the student has a learning disability recognized by Radford University and the professor receives a formal request from the Disabled Student Services Office. At his or her discretion, the professor may allow tape recording under other special circumstances.
Review and Approval
May, 2011
May, 2012
June, 2023