This Subject is designed to introduce the student to the artistic tradition of civilization. It will provide an introduction to works of art as the embodiment of cultural, social, and political values from ancient civilizations to the present. The course will address various historical periods, creative practices, and themes through the study of ancient civilization artifacts, objects that exhibit unique and significant means of expression in visual form. It will focus on pieces that exemplify each period, practicing detailed visual readings in order to better understand their function within the original culture’s context as well as the impact which they have had on modern world ideals.

Learning Outcomes:

After the successful completion of this course students will be able to

• Define art within a cultural perspective.
• Explain the different roles art plays within different cultures.
• Define the categories realistic, abstract, and non-objective.
• Recognize, evaluate, and describe artistic styles.

Course Content:  

• Cave Art

• Paleolithic
• Mesolithic
• Neolithic

• Mesopotamia: The Oldest Civilization

• Introduction and Origin
• What made Mesopotamia a civilization?
• Early City States of Mesopotamia
• Art of Mesopotamia

• Indus Valley Civilization

• Introduction and Origin
• What made Indus Valley a civilization?
• Town planning of Indus Valley Civilization
• Art of Indus Valley Civilization

Recommended Books:

1. Janson, H. W., and Anthony F. Janson. History of Art: Prentice Hall and Harry N. Abrams, 2001.
2. Pointon, Marcia R., and Lucy Peltz. History of Art: a Students Handbook. Routledge, 1997.
3. Kleiner, Fred S. Gardner's Art through the Ages. US: Clark Baxter, 2009.