Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2023 - HUM 106 D900

Art and the Humanities (3)

Class Number: 4580

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 6 – Oct 6, 2023: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Surrey

    Oct 11 – Dec 5, 2023: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Surrey

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 9, 2023
    Sat, 7:00–10:00 p.m.
    Surrey

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to the study of art across cultures and periods. Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:



This course introduces art of the middle ages from a global perspective. Focusing on the sixth–fifteenth centuries, class discussions and assignments will present works of art in a variety of media from across Eurasia, Africa, and the Americas. The course will explore the roles of art in religion, constructions of power and identity, and everyday life, highlighting issues of connection and exchange between cultures. Students will learn to describe, interpret, and critique works of art with formal and iconographic analysis, and to situate artworks in their cultural and historical contexts. Drawing on recent scholarship, students will critically assess traditional art historical narratives, question terms such as “medieval” and “middle ages,” and consider the enduring influence and afterlives of the middle ages today. 

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Describe and discuss art of the middle ages from a global perspective 
  • Employ art historical terms and methods to analyze and interpret visual material 

Grading

  • Attendance and Participation 10%
  • Reading Quizzes 20%
  • Short Writing Assignments 30%
  • Midterm Exam 20%
  • Final Exam 20%

NOTES:

No previous knowledge of art or art history is expected. 

This course counts towards a concentration in Art and Material Culture for students in a Humanities major or minor program.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

This course utilizes open educational resources and other materials that the instructor will make available to students at zero cost. 

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the semester are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.