Spring 2003

This information effective for Spring 2003. Check with instructor the first day of class for any changes.

Art History

[ARTH-129] [ARTH-190J]

129. Themes in the Study of Medieval Visual Culture

Instructor: Virginia Jansen (on leave until spring 2003)
e-mail: goth@ucsc.edu

Course Description:

Many issues which we associate with contemporary artistic production and visual culture originated in the Middle Ages, though this millennium-long period is often considered to be simply one of transition. This course will explore various themes central to the study of medieval visual culture. These topics include the role of secular art in the Middle Ages, defining a medieval concept of beauty, questions of originality and artistic individuality, the distinction between monastic and lay piety and devotion, and the importance of women as artists and patrons.

There will be two papers (about 3-4 pp. and about 6 pp., or studio project option for art and architecture majors) and two examinations, consisting of identifying slides and writing about the works depicted as well as short-answer and essay questions. Some reading notes and attendance are required.

The course will proceed as a slide lecture class with plenty of time for student questions and discussion. The level is beginning upper-division, appropriate for sophomores, juniors, and seniors. The instructor will assume that students have no prior knowledge of the Middle Ages.

190J. Seminars in Visual Culture: Built Environments of Medieval Cities

Instructor: Virginia Jansen
Office: Cowell College 203
Phone: 459-2055; msg. x2609
E-mail: goth@ucsc.edu

Syllabus

Course Description: Upper-division seminar class studying roads, bridges, walls, market halls, civic buildings, hospitals, houses, churches, etc., in the economic, social, political and geographic/topographical environments of the medieval urban fabric. Course limited to 18 students.

Requirements: Discussion of required reading, oral class report, and long written report (15+ pages typed) on topic or medieval city. Class schedule of reports to be determined after students have selected topics. Non-art history majors welcome; willingness to write well important.

Attendance Requirement: Attendance is necessary since this course depends upon group participation and since the instructor will, at times, be presenting material which is not readily available in published form or in English. Students who miss classes may be dropped from the course. Necessary absences should be reported to the instructor ahead of time (message may be left at 459-2055 or sent via e-mail).

Reserves: Various books, primarily for background and illustrations, have been placed on reserve at the Reserve Desk in the main library (McHenry). A catalogue of these is located nearby. Slides are also available for student viewing by request in the Slide Library, also located on the first floor of McHenry. Instructor's slides may be made available by request, to be viewed also at the Slide Library.

Evaluations and Letter Grades: Based on class participation, the oral report, and especially the written report. Incompletes cannot be routinely granted. In cases of genuine medical emergencies, call the instructor.

Texts

Required texts at the Bay Tree Bookstore:

• Wolfgang Braunfels, Urban Design in Western Europe
  
• James E. Vance, Jr., The Continuing City
  
• Required Course Reader
  

Recommended texts:

• Hermann Kinder & Werner Hilgemann, Anchor Atlas of World History
  
• Blanche Ellsworth, English Simplified
  

If you have never taken a course in medieval art, I recommend strongly that you immediately skim for general comprehension the relevant sections in a medieval history of art text, such as:

• Nicola Coldstream, Medieval Architecture
  
• James Snyder, Medieval Art
  
• Marilyn Stokstad, Medieval Art
  
• George Zarnecki, Art of the Medieval World
  

or other survey text on medieval art.