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UMUC Europe Syllabus for ARTH 199F-489F

Common Syllabus for ARTH 199F-489F

Course Title:

Northern Renaissance Art

Course Materials:

James Snyder, Northern Renaissance Art, Prentice Hall Press, 1985. ISBN: 0131833480

Course Description:

(Fulfills the historical or international perspective requirement.) An examination of artistic developments in the Netherlands and northern France during the 15th and 16th centuries. Emphasis is on painting, but architecture, sculpture, and tapestry are also studied. The relationship between the development of bourgeois communal society and Northern Realism and the artistic exchanges and influences between Italy and the North are explored. Visits to Bruges, Gent, and Antwerp are included. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: ARTH 199F or ARTH 489F.

Course Goals/Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  • explain what the Northern Renaissance was all about - its inherent qualities
  • discuss the underlying socio-religious situation that gave rise to this particular style - especially the philosophy of Nominalism
  • identify the Northern Renaissance style and within this period, the personal styles of the different artists
  • analyze the relationship between the different forms of artistic expression: painting, sculpture, architecture as well as manuscript illumination
  • discuss the similarities and differences between the Northern Renaissance and the Italian Renaissance

Course Introduction:

The 14th, 15th and early 16th centuries were an exciting period for the history and culture of Northern Europe. The development of commerce led to a flowering of the arts - in all disciplines. Art will be influenced by a world vision dominated by Nominalism - so its ultimate expressions will vary greatly from those of the Italian Renaissance.

Students will study the precursors;
The reality and symbol in early Flemish art;
The pioneers: van Eyck, Campin and vanderWeyden
The second generation: Bouts, vanGent, vanderGoes, Memlinc & David
Bosch and the problem of Millennialism
Sculpture, Architecture, Tapestries (briefly) & Manuscripts
Painting in France & a brief look at painting in Germany
Durer, Grunewald & Altdorfer
A new Flemish Generation: Metsys & Patinir
Brueghel
The status of the artist in the North

Grading Information and Criteria:

The final grade is based on the following calculation:

                    Upper Level  Lower Level
A student journal       25%         35%
A final examination     40%         55%
A research paper        25%      not required
Class participation     10%         10%

The examination will last 2-3 hours and will be on the last day of class. It will be divided into 3 parts:
  A slide identification section
  Short questions/multiple choice etc
  Essay questions
The essay questions concern themes that have been discussed throughout the class: for example: reality & symbol in early paintings: development of landscape painting etc. There will be a review the day before the exam.

Other Information:

All lectures will be held at the hotel and begin at 12:30 on Saturday. Hotel information (name, address, phone number and directions) will be sent as students register. Rooms have been reserved for everyone on a double occupancy basis: All rooms have private baths and continental breakfast is included.

During an introductory lecture, the final schedule, maps history outlines will be given out and class requirements discussed with students.

For any special problems or questions contact Prof. O'Brien directly via e-mail: l.obrien@tin.it

It is a good idea to bring a clipboard for taking notes in the museums as well as an overnight bag for the trip to Paris. Last but not least - we walk a lot so, comfortable shoes are a must.

READINGS:
Snyder: Part I: I & III
PART II: V< VI< VII< VII< IX<X<XII - Pacher only; XIII - Intro, Foquet,
              Masters of Moulins, Aix & Avignon, Froment, Charenton; XV (brief)
   PART III:  XVI, XVII, XVIII - Altdorfer; XXI Metsys & Patinir; XXVI.

Project Descriptions:

The journal helps students to organize the notes taken during the various visits and field trips, encompassing architecture, painting sculpture etc. Unfortunately the works cannot be seen in chronological order, so the students may wish to use a loose-leaf binder so they can set up their notes in the manner they find best. The journal will involve the identification of art works and a discussion of them - period, artist, purpose, material etc. It can be presented at the end of the class or sent in later - within the deadline.

For UPPER LEVEL students only, the research paper must be typewritten, 6-8 pages, and include footnotes and a bibliography. The student will be able to choose from a number of subjects. They must consult at least one other major source for their paper.

Academic Policies:

Cases of plagiarism are handled consistent with current UMUC guidelines. See the UMUC policies at the following URL: http://www.umuc.edu/policy/

Course Schedule:

Session 1 Intro to the class requirements
  Introductory lecture
  Visit to cathedral and Grand Place
  Lecture over
  Intro to Art History for students without a background

Session 2 Train to ANTWERP:  Fine Arts Museum; van den Berg Museum
  Cathedral (time permitting)
  Lecture at the hotel

Session 3 Visit to Royal Library & Sablon
  Lecture

Session 4 Train to BRUGES:  Groeningen & Memling Museums, Town Hall
  Train to GENT:  St. Bavo, Graslei & Fine Arts Museum
Session 5 Train to PARIS:  Cluny Museum, Notre Dame, Ste. Chapelle, St. Severin

Session 6 Visit the Louvre Northern painting & medieval Art sections
  Unstructured museum visits
  Train to BRUSSELS:  review sheets handed out
  Question time on train

Session 7 Visit Ancient Art Museum and perhaps the Cinquantenaire
  Lecture
  Review for the exam

Session 8 Question period
  EXAM

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