UMUC-Europe Syllabus

A study of the use of the female form in Western art and the intriguing contradictions underlying the representation and allegorical use of women. A brief survey of women in European art is included. Topics include the female nude, women and myth, the virgin and the whore, and meaning and use of allegory. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: ARTH 199U, ARTH 338, or ARTH 489U.

Course Goals/Objectives:

Upon completion of the course, students should be able to: 1. Analyze and evaluate art historical texts and research methods. 2. Find and use iconography. 3. Understand how social and cultural history can be included into interpretation of an artwork. 4. Have knowledge of the changing image of women over time. 5. Define gender role stereotypes.

Course Introduction:

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Grading Information and Criteria:

Class attendance/participation - 30% Homework assignment - 35% Final assignment - 35% Final grades will be determined on a curve, i.e. reflect student's performance in relationship to that of the others. Class participation, homework and final assignment will receive a letter grade. A=90-100 B=80-89 C=70-79 D=60-69

Other Information:

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Project Descriptions:

The homework assignment will consist of reading and research. A written version of the research has to be turned in no later than the second week of class. The final assignment will include comparing and contrasting of two artworks and an essay using the knowledge acquired in class.

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 * Introduction to the subject matter * Defining the position of feminist art history * Women in Christian iconography * Images of the working woman * Women as the companion of men Session 2 * Women artists * Women and goddesses in Greek/Roman mythology * The nude * Femme fatale * Allegory