ART 320: ANCIENT GREEK ART AND ARCHITECTURE
MIDDLE BRONZE AGE TO 31 BCE
Fall 2016
3 credits
Professor Dr. Priscilla West
[email protected]
(541) 729-9866
Office 203 Fairbanks
Hours: W 12:30-13:30 p.m. or by appointment
Class Meetings: M/W 14:00-15:20
314 Fairbanks
Course Description:
Ancient Greek Art and Architecture focuses on the major artistic developments in
Ancient Greece from the Middle Bronze Age to 31 BCE, and especially on the city-state
of Athens during the Fifth Century. The student should expect to arrive at a clear
understanding of the evolving elements of style in painting, sculpture, architecture, and
the decorative arts during the historical period under consideration. Further, when it is
possible and appropriate, the student should be capable of addressing change in
individual, regional and period styles. Seeking to better understand the creation,
function, and reception of art, this class will delineate political, economic, religious,
intellectual and social context of different art historical periods and then it will use this
contextual understanding as a framework for a more comprehensive understanding of art
and artistic movements.
You should plan to have each reading prepared in advance of the class for which it is
assigned. Not only will your exams cover the reading content, but also exams will
contain sections requiring knowledge of word meanings. These words appear in your
Canvas lectures and their definitions are found in the Glossary at the end of both Pedley
and Hurwit.
Learning Resources: The required text is:
1. John Griffiths Pedley, Greek Art and Archaeology 5th ed. (Upper Saddle River, New
Jersey: Thames & Hudson, 2012). ISBN: 978-0-205-00133-0
Since this book is expensive, I suggest renting an e-version. I have seen it at
Amazon.com. The advantage of renting the e-version is that you have access to
support documents such as a slide review system.
However, I have also purchased a print copy that is on reserve in Valley Library.
Suggested texts are:
1. Jeffrey Hurwit, The Athenian Acropolis (New York: Cambridge University, 1999).
ISBN: 0-521-42834-3
Since the readings are brief in Jeffrey Hurwit, I will reserve a copy of his text.
2. Sylvan Barnet, A Short Guide to Writing About Art 10th ed. (Upper Saddle River, NJ:
Prentice Hall, 2010).ISBN: 978-0-205-70825-3
This is a valuable source of information for all students of art and art history.
3. Web-Based Resources: This syllabus and other course documents will be posted on
Canvas and may be accessed from the OSU homepage. All images will be found in your
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texts or posted on Canvas. Lecture notes will not be posted on the web: it is your
responsibility to be in class and to take your own notes.
4. CD-rom image reserve:
Though you will see various comparative images in class, the images that will appear on
examinations are all in the course textbooks. In addition there is a CD available in the
Hurwit book. There will not be a separate web-based image reserve for this course.
Course-specific Student Learning Outcomes: At the end of this course students will be
able to:
1. Identify significant architectural and artistic monuments from Ancient Greece
• Demonstrated by image identification sections of the midterm
and final exam
1. Interpret the influence of philosophical, historical, and/or artistic phenomena of
Ancient Greece in relation to contemporary Western culture.
• Demonstrated by midterm and final exam essay discussions
2. Apply specific art historical vocabulary to the analysis of Ancient Greek art
• Demonstrated by vocabulary definitions and essay questions of
the midterm and final exams
3. Analyze aspects of Western culture in relation to broader cultural, scientific, or
social processes.
• Demonstrated by discussion within term paper
4. Recognize the seminal importance of Homeric literature to art of Ancient
Greece and to the Western world.
Baccalaureate Core
Successful completion of this course fulfills OSU’s Baccalaureate Core requirements in
the Perspectives category under Literature and the Arts.
Study of Literature and the Arts gives students the ability to recognize artistic
methods by which pattern and meaning are found in human experience and to
critique those methods. Through literature and the arts, students engage their own
and other cultures, examine their values, and discover sources of lifelong
pleasure.
Baccalaureate Core Student Learning Outcomes for Perspectives/Literature and the Arts
Students taking this course will:
1. Recognize literary and artistic forms/styles, techniques, and the
cultural/historical contexts in which they evolve.
2. Analyze how literature/the arts reflect, shape, and influence culture.
3. Reflect critically on the characteristics and effects of literary and artistic works.
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Course-Specific Outcome Alignment with Category Learning Outcomes of the
Baccalaureate Core (Perspectives/Literature and the Arts)
Course Learning Outcome
1. Identify significant architectural and
artistic monuments from Ancient Greece
Bacc Core Learning Outcomes
2. Interpret the influence of philosophical,
historical, and/or artistic phenomena of
Ancient Greece in relation to contemporary
Western culture
3. Apply specific art historical vocabulary
to the analysis of Ancient Greek art
4. Analyze aspects of Western culture in
relation to broader cultural, scientific, or
social processes
CSLO-L&A #1, 2: Recognize
cultural/historical contexts; Analyze how
literature/the arts reflect, shape, and
influence culture
CSLO-L&A #1 Recognize forms/styles
5. Recognize the seminal importance of
Homeric literature to art of Ancient Greece
and to the Western world.
CSLO-L&A #1: Recognize literary and
artistic artistic forms/styles and the
cultural/historical contexts in which they
evolve
CSLO-L&A #1, 3: Recognize
cultural/historical contexts; Reflect
critically on the characteristics and effects
of literary and artistic works
CSLO -L&A#1, 2,3
How Do These Baccalaureate Core Outcomes Apply to ART 320?
By taking ART 320, you will learn how art reflects its culture and society by connecting
particular developments in art to events such as the defense of Athens in 480 BCE. You
will also consider how art changes culture and society, and how changes in art might be
reflected in other forms of culture. You will learn to recognize artistic styles and
techniques and situate them historically. You will understand the values and meanings
that drive artistic production in a given Western cultural context and during a particular
historical period—and reflect critically on those values and meanings, considering them
from your own point of view.
These Baccalaureate Core outcomes will be assessed through the exams (Midterm and
Final) and writing assignments of the course (Term Paper).
Evaluation of Student Performance:
1. Class Discussion:
To facilitate the direct interaction of the students with artworks we will have frequent
short, open discussions. These are your opportunity to ask questions about art and to test
your mettle by analysis of the works. They extend from comparative formal analysis to
considerations of cultural, historical, and textual context.
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2. Lecture Attendance:
More than two recorded absences will result in a lowering of your final grade. Perfect
attendance will result in a boost to your final grade. Absence (in the event of illness or
other extraordinary circumstances) may be excused, but in advance only. All requests
should be communicated to the professor no later than 30 minutes before class time of the
day of absence. Use my onid address provided above.
3. Examinations:
There will be a midterm exam and a final exam that will involve a combination of image
identification questions, vocabulary definitions, and essay questions based upon artistic
monuments and your readings. Makeup exams will not be allowed except under
extraordinary circumstances. Please note the exam dates on your calendar at the
beginning of term, and if you anticipate scheduling conflicts, you should consider
withdrawing from the course before the add-drop deadline.
4. Term Paper:
After a week I will offer a variety of paper topics along with a reference to a related art
journal article. You are required to prepare a study on the art journal article focusing on
the specific topic. This study should include an extensive analysis of the thesis topic, the
organization of discussion, the evidence and the manner in which it is presented, a
summary of the conclusion, and your assessment of the effectiveness of the evidence to
support the thesis topic. Your paper should address whether the references are accurately
quoted, cited, and whether they are reflective of the original author’s intent. Since most
of the articles will be about specific art pieces, your analysis should include but not be
limited to a consideration of the patronage of the piece, its function, its cultural sources
and relevance, its artistic antecedents, and a judgment of how the formal qualities reflect
these issues.
A thorough consideration will require at least a 12-page annotated text. Although the
images required to illustrate your ideas do not count towards the 12-page limit, they are
required, and should be presented at the end of the paper, one image per individual pages
and with appropriate numbers that correspond to your textual discussion. Your labels
should indicate the artist (if known), title, place, material, size, and the precise source of
your image. Throughout the term you will be asked to contribute to class discussions
regarding your subject.
Grades: Course grades will be calculated to the following formula:
Midterm exam
20%
Final exam
35%
Term paper
30%
Class Discussion
10%
Attendance
5%
5
Your letter grade will be assigned to the final weighted total for the class in the following
manner:
A
100-94.0
A93.99-90.0
B+
89.99-86.66
B
86.65-83.32
B83.31-80.0
C+
79.99-76.66
C
76.65-73.32
C73.31-70.0
`
D+
69.99-66.66
D
66.65-63.32
D63.31-60.0
F
59.99-0.00
Link to Statement of Expectations for Student Conduct: It is assumed that all students in
this class will conduct themselves honorably and in observation of the university’s code
of academic integrity. Should plagiarism, cheating or academic misconduct occur, the
cases will be pursued energetically. For details on the university’s academic integrity
policies, see http://studentlife.oregonstate.edu/studentconduct/
Statement Regarding Students with Disabilities
Accommodations are collaborative efforts between students, faculty and Disability
Access Services (DAS). Students with accommodations approved through DAS are
responsible for contacting the faculty member in charge of the course prior to or during
the first week of the term to discuss accommodations. Students who believe they are
eligible for accommodations but who have not yet obtained approval through DAS
should contact DAS immediately at (541) 737-4098.
Diversity Statement:
The School of Arts and Communication strives to create an affirming climate for all
students including underrepresented and marginalized individuals and groups. Diversity
encompasses differences in age, color, ethnicity, national origin, gender, physical or
mental ability, religion, socioeconomic background, veteran status, sexual orientation,
and marginalized groups. We believe diversity is the synergy, connection, acceptance,
and mutual learning fostered by the interaction of different human characteristics.
Religious Holiday Statement
Oregon State University strives to respect all religious practices. If you have religious
holidays that are in conflict with any of the requirements of this class, please see me
immediately so that we can make alternative arrangements.
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SCHEDULE OF CLASS MEETINGS AND READINGS
WEEK 1
Day 1
Day 2
WEEK 2
Day 3
Day 4
WEEK 3
Day 5
Day 6
WEEK 4
Day 7
Day 8
WEEK 5
Day 9
Day 10
WEEK 6
Day 11
Day 12
Introduction
Historiography
Geography
[Pedley 10-29]
Third Millenium Aegean c. 3000-2000 BCE
[Pedley 30-43]
Middle Bronze Age c. 2000-1550 BCE
[Pedley 44-59]
Late Bronze Age c. 1550-1100 BCE
[Pedley 60-101]
Dark Age and Geometric Greece c. 1100-700 BCE
[Pedley 102-119]
Orientalizing Period c. 700-600 BCE
[Pedley 104-145]
Archaic Greece c. 600-480 BCE
[Pedley 146-205]
Archaic (cont.)
[Hurwit 49-86]
Transition Period c. 480-450 BCE
[Pedley 206-247]33
Transition Period (cont.)
High Classical c. 450-400 BCE
[Hurwit 87-154]
The Acropolis
[Hurwit 155-163]
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WEEK 7
Day 13
Day 14
WEEK 8
Day 15
Day 16
The Acropolis (cont.)
[Hurwit 164-180]
The Acropolis (cont.)
[Hurwit 181-191]
PAPER DUE
The Acropolis (cont.)
[Hurwit 192-223]
Fourth Century c. 400-300 BCE
[Pedley 288-375]
WEEK 9
Day 17
Fourth Century (cont.)
Day 18
Fourth Century (cont.)
WEEK 10
Day 19
Day 20
Hellenistic Period c. 323-31 BCE
[Pedley 338-385]
Conclusion
[Pedley 386/7]
FINAL EXAM:
During time designated by the Registrar’s Office for this course
COMPREHENSIVE FOR TERM MATERIALS
BRING ONLY 2 PENS and NO PENCILS, one 4 x 6” card
no cell phones-pagers-etc. permitted in class
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Additional Recommended Learning Resources
The following articles are available online through Valley Library:
Alexander, Caroline. “Ascent to Glory,” National Geographic, (Aug 2004),
108-139.
Frommolino, Ralph. “A Goddess Goes Home,” Smithsonian (November 2011): 40-49.
Hadingham, Evan. “Unlocking Mysteries of the Parthenon,” Smithsonian,
(Feb 2008), pp 36-43.
Lobell, Jarrett A. “Search for the Mycenaeans: …Homer’s Greece,” Archaeology,
(Jan/Feb 2008), pp.28-35.
“Greece and the Olympics: Past and Present,” National Geographic, (Aug
2004), “Geografica”
“Greece welcomes return of antiquities,” New York Times, (Sept 4,
2008).
Riorden, Elizabeth, “Visions of Troy,” Archaeology, (Jan/Feb 2000), pp.52-59.
Romey, Kristin M. “All that Glitters is Scythian,” Archaeology, (Jan/Feb
2000), pp.60-62.
Relevant books available in Valley Library include but are not limited to:
Biers, William R. The Archaeology of Greece (Ithaca, New York: Cornell University
Press, 1987).
DF77 .B58 1987
Boardman, John. Greek Art (New York: Thames & Hudson, 1973).
N 5630 .B58 1973b
Boardman, John. Athenian Red-Figure Vases: the Archaic Period (New York: Oxford
University Press, 1979).
NK 4649 .B62 1979
Boardman, John. Athenian Black-Figure Vases (New York: Oxford University Press,
1974).
NK 4648 .B62 1974
Boardman, John. Greek Sculpture: the Archaic Period (New York: Oxford University
Press, 1978).
NB90 .B62 1978b
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Boardman, John and Donna Kurtz. Greek Burial Customs (Ithaca, NY: Cornell
University Press, 1971).
DF101 .K87 1971
Hurwit, Jeffrey. The Art and Culture of Early Greece: 1100-480 BC. (Ithaca, NY:
Cornell University Press, 1985).
NX551 .A1 H87 1985
Pollitt, J.J. Art and Experience in Classical Greece (Cambridge: Cambridge University
Press, 1972).
N 5630 .P54 1972
Richter, Gisela. A Handbook of Greek Art (NY: Phaidon, 1969).
N5630 .R5 1969
Richter, Gisela. Perspective in Greek and Roman Art (NY: Phaidon, 1970).
N5610 .R5
Robertson, Martin. A Shorter History of Greek Art (Cambridge: Cambridge University
Press, 1972).
N 5630 .R632
Robertson, Martin. Greek Painting (Geneva: Skira, 1959).
ND 110 .R6
Robertson, Martin. The Parthenon Frieze (NY: Oxford University Press, 1975).
NB 91 .A7 R62
Robertson, Martin. Hellenistic History and Culture (Berkeley: University of California,
1993).
DF77 .H5464 1993