Albany Senior High School/Coursebook/3ARH

What is this course about?
This course will comprise two main areas of content. In the first half-year, we will explore early Italian Renaissance art. This period, the 14th century, is a time of transition between the medieval period and the fully developed Renaissance - the period which saw the emergence of artistic giants such as Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael and Michelangelo. In the 14th century, the leading Italian artists were Giotto, Duccio, Ambrogio and Pietro Lorenzetti and Simone Martini.

In the second part of the year, we will focus on another period of enormous transition in art - Modern American art. This section covers art from the Abstract Expressionist period following WWII, through Pop art, Feminist art, Realism and Super-realism. Among those studied will be such well-known artists as Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol and Cindy Sherman. During this period New York reigned supreme as the western art capital and the challenges to traditional forms of art making came thick and fast.

Throughout the year we will also be making links between the main areas of study and modern New Zealand art. We will also visit art galleries and discuss contemporary issues in art as they arise.

What will I learn?
You will explore the links between art works and their contexts; develop your skills in visual analysis through investigating and discussing different styles, and the way meaning is created in art works. You will explore how and why values are attached to art. You will develop a vocabulary of art terminology and use this in discussion and critical writing on art. You can expect to develop your critical writing and analytical skills considerably during this course - building a skill essential in your 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 works as projected images, on film, on line and in situ (we will visit art galleries and art sites when possible as a class, and you will be expected to do this independently in your own time in order to enrich your learning). In class you will work independently as well as collaborating with others in pairs and groups. Contributing to class discussion is vital in order to explore, share and clarify ideas and you will be expected to read around topics being studied to build your knowledge. A questioning attitude is important as is maintaining an open mind when confronted with art and ideas unfamiliar to you. Working independently to build on what is covered in class is also essential for those working towards Scholarship.

Scholarship opportunities
Your teacher will explain the details of Scholarship to the class at the beginning of the year. Basically, Scholarship is a separate 3-hour examination for each Scholarship subject within the examination period at the end of the year. Scholarship in Art History rewards depth and breadth of knowledge, confident expression and independence. There are financial rewards for those who achieve the required marks in this examination.

Frequently asked questions:
Do I need to have taken art history or practical art courses before?

No, you do not. Students often have little knowledge of art and have not studied art history before beginning this course. As long as you are prepared to work to build your knowledge and skills, this is not a problem. Reasonable English skills are important, however, since much of the assessment, the final examination, and Scholarship, should you decide to do this, require written responses.

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 fields 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.

How is this learning related to future pathways?

Art history continues through universities and other tertiary institutions. It provides knowledge many of us will use in our future careers. The careers include art making, photography, journalism, advertising, teaching, furniture design, stage design, interior design, writing, architecture, reviewing, acting, directing, art curating, art conservation, auctioneering, public relations, collecting, antique dealing and restoration, a variety of roles in art galleries and museums, film making, scriptwriting, historian, costume design, research, publishing, valuation .. to name but a few

Are there costs involved in this course?

Class trips may incur transport and entry costs.