Albany Senior High School/Coursebook/2ARH

What is this course about?
In 2012, the Level 2 Art History course will focus on Gothic art - a style that began in France at the end of the 12th century and spread throughout Europe to become the most dominant style for the next two hundred years. Originally labelled 'gothic' as a derogatory term, this style led to the development of soaring cathedrals such as Notre Dame in Paris, stained glass windows and illuminated manuscripts. It also saw a move towards greater realism in art.

In this course, we will explore Gothic art in stained glass windows, in book illumination, and in paintings on plastered walls and wooden panels. We will examine developments in sculpture and the architecture of cathedrals, castles and other important buildings. Along the way we will look at how Gothic art and architecture reflected the world of its time in areas such as everyday life, feudalism and the world of knights and religious beliefs. We will also learn of the changes in society that moved art from the medieval Gothic period into the Renaissance.

While the central focus of this course is on Gothic art, you can also expect to be viewing and discussing New Zealand art throughout the year.

What will I learn?
You will learn to recognise different methods and materials in art making, to closely read art works and understand their meaning, to understand the type of influences that affect how art is made and valued, about the different values that are attached to art, to understand and use the language associated with art, to identify the different styles of artists and time periods. You will also gain confidence in speaking about art and appreciation of its links to other areas of study.

What sorts of things will I do?
You will use a variety of learning strategies to explore and analyse art works and their contexts. You will examine art as projected images, on film, on line and, when possible, on site (we will visit art galleries and sites). In class, you will work independently as well as collaborating with others in pairs and groups. Contributing to class discussion is important in order to explore and clarify ideas, and you will be expected to visit galleries and read around the areas of study independently to build your knowledge. Keeping an open mind when confronting art and ideas unfamiliar to you, is vital.

Frequently asked questions:
Do I need to know anything about art?

No, you do not. For many students, Level 2 art history is their first real contact with art. You need no previous knowledge of practical art or art history to take this course.

Why is this learning important?

Building an understanding of art enriches our lives, broadens our understanding and empathy with others, and helps develop our conceptual skills. It increases the pleasure we can take in viewing and participating in art, and the knowledge gained and ideas explored are relevant to many other areas of study. Literature, Design and Media are just some of the fields that often draw from the art of the past to express ideas in our own time. Classical architecture, for example, is often referenced in modern buildings while the design of filmmaker Tim Burton's gothic figures and settings owes much not just to Gothic style, but also to German Expressionist art of the early 20th Century.

How is this learning related to future pathways?

Art History continues through Level 3, Scholarship and into tertiary study. It provides knowledge many of us will use in future careers. These careers include journalism, advertising, teaching, furniture design, stage design, interior design, writing, architecture, reviewing, acting, directing, art curating, art conservation, auctioneering, public relations, collecting, antique dealing or restoration, a variety of roles in art galleries and museums, art making, film making, scriptwriting, historian, costume design, publishing, valuation and many more.