Art History Prehistory to the Renaissance

Explore the fascinating history of art from its earliest beginnings to the dawn of the Early Renaissance. This comprehensive course offers a foundational survey of art history, spanning from the Prehistoric Era through the beginning of European Renaissance art.

Delve into the rich artistic traditions of ancient non-Western art across the Americas, Asia, and Africa. This college-level art history course provides a clear and accessible introduction to the subject, perfect for students aiming to succeed in AP Art History or introductory art history surveys.

You'll gain a deep understanding of art and architecture through detailed examinations of individual works. We'll analyze the physical properties of each piece, including the technology, color, medium, materials, composition, and shading employed.

Uncover the symbolism embedded within each artwork and learn how to interpret the complex relationships between symbols. This course, based on content from a course taught at Ohlone College in California, provides a solid foundation for further study.

Key topics covered:

• Ancient Art & Architecture: Explore the monuments, techniques, and media of ancient civilizations.
• Classical Art: Understand the stylistic differences and modes of expression in classical art.
• Medieval Art: Discover the unique artistic traditions of the medieval period.
• African Art: Examine the diverse and powerful art of Africa.
• Asian Art: Journey through the art of India, China, Japan, and Southeast Asia.
• Mesoamerican Art: Learn about the art and architecture of Mesoamerican cultures.
• Early Renaissance Art: Witness the transition from medieval to Renaissance styles.

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Develop a working knowledge of Ancient, Classical, Medieval, African, Asian, and Mesoamerican art.
• Recognize the monuments, techniques, and media used in these periods.
• Identify stylistic differences and unique modes of expression across cultures.
• Become familiar with significant examples of ancient art and architecture.
• Gain a heightened sensitivity to art from both European and non-Western cultures.
• Prepare for more advanced art history courses.

This course utilizes clear, jargon-free video lectures and texts to ensure a smooth learning experience. We'll equip you with the language of art history and provide helpful study guides and worksheets.