Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2025 - ARCH 301 OL01

Ancient Visual Art (3)

Class Number: 4883

Delivery Method: Online

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Online

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Jan 24, 2025
    Fri, 11:00–11:40 a.m.
    Burnaby

    Feb 14, 2025
    Fri, 11:00–11:40 a.m.
    Burnaby

    Mar 14, 2025
    Fri, 11:00–11:40 a.m.
    Burnaby

    Apr 4, 2025
    Fri, 11:00–11:40 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    45 credit hours.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A selection of major art traditions from Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, Mesoamerica and South America is explored. Issues of intellectual property rights, copyright and the use of ancient art in contemporary contexts are also addressed. Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

A selection of major ancient art traditions from Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, Mesoamerica and South America and Asia is explored. Issues of the purpose of art and meaning in ancient societies are investigated. Intellectual property rights, copyright and the use of ancient art in contemporary contexts are also addressed.

With a grounding in general archaeological concepts, this course then takes a journey through the world of ancient artworks, beginning with the earliest suggestions of intentional decoration (>500,000 years ago), and going forward to some of the most visually impressive ancient cultures, including Egypt, the Olmec, and Northwest Coast First Nations. Along the way, we will cover issues such as the role of ritual in ancient artwork (and vice-versa) and how art & architecture reflect social structures – such as the beginnings of state level society. Recorded lectures are abundantly illustrated and supplemented by a variety of online video sources and readings.

Grading

  • Quizzes (4 in total) (4 Fridays, 11 – 11:40 am Online) 60%
  • Term Project 35%
  • Personal Reflection 5%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Kelker, Nancy L. (2021) Art of the Non-Western World. Asia, Africa, Oceania, and the Americas. Oxford University Press.

https://sfu-store.vitalsource.com/products/art-of-the-non-western-world-nancy-l-kelker-v9780190263140?term=9780190263102


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.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.

Deferred grades will be given only on the basis of authenticated medical disability.

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.