Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2024 - HUM 106 D900

Art and the Humanities (3)

Class Number: 4340

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Surrey

    Oct 15, 2024: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Surrey

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

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

COURSE DETAILS:


This class introduces the art and architecture of the middle ages from a global perspective. Representations of the middle ages are all around us—from The Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones to Harry Potter and Assassin's Creed—the medieval world continues to be appropriated (and misappropriated) to this day. But what were the middle ages? Once described as a “dark age,” we now understand the “middle ages” as a time of diverse religious identities, ongoing engagement with ancient traditions, and rich cross-cultural encounters. The sumptuous art and architecture of the medieval world still dazzles us today, offering a window through which to look back and understand the premodern age that preceded our own. 

This course focuses on examples of art and architecture from Europe, Africa, and Asia, c. 4th–15th centuries. Our primary subject matter will be works of art and architecture, although we will also consider how primary written and visual sources can mutually illuminate one another. We will consider a variety of artistic formats and media, including painted icons, monumental mosaics, illuminated manuscripts, stained glass windows, carved stone portals, and more. We will learn how to look carefully at medieval artworks—a highly transferable skill in today’s image saturated world—applying formal, iconographic, and contextual analysis to describe and discuss the art of the middle ages. And we will unveil a wide range of historical functions of medieval art, including personal adornment, commemoration of the dead, private devotion, pilgrimage, imperial and religious ritual, the construction of political power, and more.  

Each week, students will read, watch, and take a quiz on assigned readings and videos (all of which will be provided by the instructor at no cost to students). Class sessions will combine lectures with group discussions and other activities. In-class writing exercises offer students an opportunity to hone their visual analysis and writing skills. Additionally, a test and a group project will assess students’ achievement of course-level educational goals.

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

  • Weekly online quizzes 20%
  • Class attendance and participation 20%
  • In-class writing exercises 20%
  • Test 20%
  • Group project 20%

NOTES:

No previous knowledge of art or art history is expected.

This course fulfills the Global Humanities requirements for the  

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

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 term 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.