UMUC Europe Syllabus for ARTH 198M/489M

(Fulfills the historical or international perspective requirement.) An introduction to modern art, focusing on Vincent Van Gogh and his influence on modern painting. How Van Gogh's experiments with color and form opened the door to a new era is explored. His influence on Fauvism, German Expressionism, Abstract Expressionism, Neo Expressionism, and painters like Matisse, Kandinsky, and Jawlensky is also examined. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: ARTH 199M or ARTH 489M.

Course Goals/Objectives:

Successful students will be able to: * Identify major styles in painting. For example, Classical Romantic, Realism, Impressionism, Expressionism, Cubism, etc. * Recognize in Van Gogh's work the influences that have shaped his style. For example, Rembrandt, Millet, Impressionism, Gauguin, Cezanne, Seurat, etc. * Explain/discuss the role that Van Gogh has played in the history of modern art. * Discuss the role of art and the artist in our society.

Course Introduction:

An introduction to art as history, this class considers Vincent Van Gogh as a pioneer in the modern movement in art. It examines the significance of his experiments with color, structure and form. The class also considers Van Gogh's exploration of the subjective and the birth of expressionism. Finally it will look at Van Gogh's contribution and it's influence on the art of today.

Grading Information and Criteria:

100-90 = A 89-80 = B 79-70 = C 69-60 = D below 60 = F All students will complete the following : Journal 20% of final grade Museum Project 30% of final grade Discuss/participation 20% of final grade Comprehensive Final 30% of final grade Upper level students will also write a 10 page paper This paper is due four weeks after the completion of the Field Study. The paper will count as 50% of the Final grade.

Other Information:

Any other information the instructor wishes to add. This might include: * General expectations of students, such as hours per week students should expect to devote to the class * Turnaround time for faculty to respond to email and return papers *Unique class procedures or activities (such as cooperative learning * Exercises, panel presentations, case study methods, class journals or learning logs) * Supplemental objectives (such as development of skills like teamwork, writing, oral presentation; integration of knowledge on focus topics) * Optional activities such as study groups

Project Descriptions:

Museum Projects. These projects will focus on the collection where we will be working. The emphasis will be on method and the significance of style. Journal. Hands/on Eyes/on exercises designed to explore concepts introduced .For example, color , line, etc., as expressive tools.

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:

1. Introduction to art as history. 2. Background. Vincent's early years. 3. Vincent's struggle. To be or not to be: The lure of art. 4. The Early Work: pre Paris. Vincent and Theo 5. Impressionism. A new way of seeing. Methods and materials. 6. Derivative styles: Cezanne, Gauguin, Seurat, Monet, etc. 7. The move to Arles. Vincent comes into his own. The setting. 8. Descriptive vs Expressive color. A shift in focus. 9. Descriptive vs. Subjective. Content. The Human Condition. 10. Van Gogh and Gauguin. An explosive relationship. Who influenced whom? 11. San Remy: The breakdown and the art. 12. Auver-sur Oise. Dr. Gachet. Vincent's suicide. The Paintings. 13. Summary: 10 years. Changing the direction of art. 14. Van Gogh. DeKooning, neo Expressionism. Etc. Where do we go from here? Speculating about the future of art. 15. Review/Final