MCCCD Program Description

Art from Prehistory Through Middle Ages

Course: ARH101

First Term: 2023 Fall

Lecture 3.0 Credit(s) 3.0 Period(s) 3.0 Load
Subject Type: Academic
Load Formula: S - Standard Load

Description: History of art from the Paleolithic period through the Middle Ages.

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Analyze works of art through the application of various visual elements and principles of design. (I-V) 2. Apply art historical terminology in written and oral communication. (I-V) 3. Describe various techniques, media, and materials in art-making and their impact on the development of art throughout history. (I-V) 4. Compare and contrast stylistic characteristics of various historical periods and cultures. (I-V) 5. Attribute works of art from a variety of styles, periods, and cultures. (I-V) 6. Analyze how works of art are related to and influenced by the art and ideas from different cultures and traditions. (I-V) 7. Evaluate the impact that the socio-political and cultural context has on the creation and reception of art. (I-V) 8. Debate art historical scholarship, issues, and controversies. (I-V)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.

MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. Approaches to the study of art from the Prehistoric period through the Middle Ages A. Concepts 1. Applying art historical terminology 2. Function of art and artists (or lack thereof) in various cultures B. Art historical investigation 1. Developing visual acuity 2. Style, form, and content 3. Archeological and anthropological evidence 4. Methodologies and theoretical frameworks C. Art historical scholarship, issues, and controversies 1. Restoration and preservation 2. Patronage, collecting, and repatriation 3. Cultural heritage and identity 4. Innovation and creativity II. Art of global prehistory A. Themes 1. Materials, processes, and techniques 2. Limited evidence 3. Early communities B. Regional focus 1. Africa 2. The Americas 3. South and East Asia 4. Mesopotamia and West Asia 5. Europe III. Art of early cities and empires A. Themes 1. Materials, processes, and techniques 2. Power and politics 3. Religion, death, and afterlife 4. Sacred and secular architecture 5. Cultural identity 6. Early global networks B. Regional focus 1. Mesopotamia and West Asia 2. Egypt and Africa 3. East Asia 4. The Americas 5. Ancient Greece and Rome IV. Art and the rise and spread of religions A. Themes 1. Materials, processes, and techniques 2. Origins and disseminations of religions 3. Iconography 4. Rituals and worship 5. Sacred spaces B. Regional focus 1. The Mediterranean 2. North Africa 3. Asia 4. Europe V. Art of the Middle Ages A. Themes 1. Materials, processes, and techniques 2. Pilgrimage 3. Monastic communities 4. Trade and raids 5. Architecture for worship B. Regional focus 1. Europe 2. Asia 3. Africa

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: February 28, 2023

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.