COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course traces the development of man’s artistic accomplishments from prehistory to the present. Emphasis will be placed on learning to analyze art in terms of its visual nature, as well as being able to understand and describe the time frame and culture situation from which a work of art was produced. The course will be taught in the manner of a college-level art history survey course and students who pass the A. P. exam may receive college credits.

TEXTS

Main= History of Art, Janson Additional= Gardner’s Art Through the Ages

SUPPLEMENTAL BOOKS & REFERENCES

Art History, Marilyn Stokstad The Annotated Mona Lisa, Carol Strickland

The Bulfinch Pocket Dictionary of Art Terms, David Diamond, ed.

From Abacus to Zeus, James Smith Pierce A Short Guide to Writing About Art, Sylvan Barnet

HOMEWORK

Daily assignments, including reading, will be given to support your class work and to develop your ability to think and write critically about works of art. Most assignments are placed in your notebook which is checked periodically. A late assignment is accepted for half credit if it is one day late. Late work is not accepted after one day late.

TESTS/QUIZZES

These are extremely important to monitor your progress and mastery of the material. Makeup exams will be given once/week, usually during lunch, at the convenience of the instructor. It is your responsibility to make up all tests and quizzes. If you have any special circumstances, it is your responsibility to speak with Mr. Johnson. Quick, short (less than 10 pts) quizzes cannot be made up. Larger quizzes & tests not made up within the following week will be converted to “F” for grading purposes.

PRESENTATIONS

You and your partner will be responsible for presenting course material to the class periodically during each quarter. These presentations are worth 10/15 points/student and will greatly enhance your understanding of a particular period, movement, or artist. These will usually last about 5 minutes and include text information, research information, and reference to visuals for support.

After the A. P. Exam you will choose an art-related topic to present to the class. This individual presentation--worth about 100 points--will take the place of a final exam. Information regarding this presentation will be given second semester.

PARTICIPATION

Contributing to class discussions, participating in class activities, and being prepared for class are important keys to learning to be articulate about art and visual culture. The more you participate, the more you will learn. This also allows your instructor to monitor your mastery of the subject matter.

MUSEUM/ART EXHIBITION ATTENDANCE

Each semester a museum or art exhibition visit will be assigned. Details and arrangements will be discussed in class. You may also choose a museum visit for your final project.

NOTEBOOK

Your notebook is graded for the first three quarters. It is extremely important to organize your notes and other course materials. This will facilitate your learning and contribute to your success in the class.

During this course you will learn about art and architecture from every period of human history. Keep your notes and handouts together and organized—they will be a valuable resource for review.

GRADING

Your grade is determined by the number of points you earn divided by the number of points possible each quarter. Your semester grade is determined using the total number of earned points for both quarters.

Scale= 100-90%= A 89-80%= B 79-70%= C 69-60= D

Grade %= Exams/Quizzes/Final Project appx. 75%

Notebook/Homework appx. 15%

Presentations/Projects appx. 10%

REMINDERS

Be kind and courteous to everyone at all times
Be respectful of all persons, property, and opinions of others
Take responsibility for your own learning
Be on time and prepared for class
Do your fair share of pair and group work activities
Keep your learning environment clean and safe
Remember that all AHS policies, as outlined in the Student/Parent Handbook and AHS

Curriculum Guide will be enforced in this class

IT IS NEVER OKAY TO

To use any electronic device during class without permission, this includes: cell phones,

iPods, GameBoys, etc.

Sleep, or appear to be sleeping, during class

~If you need fresh air, water, or a restroom, take the pass, make sure I see you, and go

Work on school work other than A. P. Art History during class
Bring meals/drinks into class--if you have to ask "Is it okay if I eat just . . . ?", It probably isn't . . .

CLASSTIME EXPECTATIONS

This course, for the most part, will be taught in an interactive style. You are expected to be prepared, demonstrate that you have done the reading and/or assignment, contribute to the discussion, take notes on all works/topics discussed in class, and grow in your understanding and respect of the human condition throughout history and how it contributes to the wonderful world of visual culture.

CONTACT MR. JOHNSON

johnson.kian@gmail.com

kjohnson@ausd.net

http://teachers.ausd.net/kjohnson

http://groups.msn.com/aparthistory

626.821.8370 x6461