ART 1012: Study Guide Suggestions and Test Info
Study guides for all three tests in ART 1012 will be compiled using the method of crowdsourcing,
defined by tech writer Jeff Howe as “the act of taking a job traditionally performed by a designated agent
(usually an employee) and outsourcing it to an undefined, generally large group of people in the form of
an open call.” Source: Jeff Howe, crowdsourcing.com
Approximately two weeks before each test, each student is required to submit a list of 20 works of art and
10 sample essay that they think is representative of the test material. Your study guide should include
works and/or questions based on material not yet covered by using the course reading schedule to preview
material. Based on student suggestions questions, I will compile a master study guide and make it
available on Blackboard one week before the test, and the test itself will be created with reference to the
study guide.
How to compile your suggestions for the study guide
By reviewing your class notes/readings and reading ahead of time based on the course schedule, you
will get a solid sense as to works of art, artists, and concepts are important for the test. You can check the
websites suggested at the beginning of the schedule for more information about a particular region/style
and to view examples of the works of art. When putting together your suggestions, think like a
professor, not a student by asking yourself “If I had to give this test, what works of art and ideas
would be on it?”
Requirements. Include at least 20 works of art and 10 sample questions, typed and submitted as a hard
copy in class on the date indicated in the course schedule. If you will be gone the day they are due, you
may submit your suggestions in advance but late submissions will not be accepted. Each study guide is
graded on a scale of 0-4 points; at the end of the semester, all three grades are averaged together.
Test information and format
There will be three (3) non-cumulative tests given this semester. Material that each test covers includes all
images shown in class, topics of class discussion/lectures, and required readings. Each test is worth 100
points and consists of three parts: slide identification, compare/contrast essay, and essay questions. You
should be prepared to identify slides from the image list on the master study guide (either on sight or by
name) and write short responses to questions about the course material.
Parts I-III
Part I: Slide
identification ID
4 slides, 40 points
Part II: Compare
and contrast
1 compare/contrast,
20 points
Directions
Identify the work shown by listing artist/architect (if known), title, date (within 5 years
before/after the date listed in this handout), and style/historical period; if it is a work of
architecture, include the location.
Each work of art has the same question: “What is the significance of this work of art?” There
are a number of different ways to answer this question but if you only describe the work of
art’s appearance, you will not receive credit. Your answer can address, for example:
 the artist (his/her influence on other artists)
 the historical importance (political, religious or social relevance. The work
as representative of a turning point in the history of art
 the style (distinctive characteristics, the use of particular techniques)
Suggested amount of time for each slide: 5 minutes
Two works of art are listed with a question; respond to the question with an essay that
compares and contrasts the works’ in terms of appearance, as well as artistic and cultural
contexts.
Suggested amount of time to write one essay: 15 minutes
Created by Alexis K. Carrozza | Page 1
Part III: ShortResponse Questions
4 questions, 40
points
These questions address broad themes introduced throughout the semester. Some questions
will reference works listed in the image list, and some questions will simply ask you to cite
an example. The purpose of the essay question is to demonstrate that you understand the
cultural context in which the object was created and how it relates to other cultures or
objects. The essay question is also to demonstrate your ability to expand upon your
knowledge of class lecture and the textbook.
Suggested amount of time to answer one question: 5-7 minutes
Study Resources and Guidelines
Check Blackboard. The “Resources” section at the course Blackboard site has a number of handouts and
links to help you study for the test.
Remember the goal of art history. The goal of art history is to “understand the meaning of art from the
past within its original cultural contexts, both from the point of view of its producers –artists, architects,
and patrons - as well as from the point of view of it consumers – those who formed its original audience”
(Stokstad, “Starter Kit,” required reading). Use this as a guideline to help you the significance of a work
of art.
“Compare and contrast” = “Prove a main point (claim, thesis statement) to your reader by comparing
and contrasting.” Most students think comparing and contrasting means presenting a list of similarities
and differences; that is only partly correct. Comparing and contrasting is a form of persuasion; providing
the similarities and differences helps you persuade, but not if you don’t know what point(s) you’re trying
to make.
Three questions to ask before writing a comparison essay:
1. “What is the basis for comparison?” Establish some common ground so that your comparison
has a place to start. You know the phrase “comparing apples to oranges”? One basis for
comparison is that they are both fruit that grow on trees!
2. “What will my reader learn about _____ after reading my comparison of these two works?”
There are two benefits to this question: you will determine if you have a basis for comparison,
and also help you figure out what factors to compare in your paper. You will save time, energy,
and probably write a better comparison if you have a tentative idea about the main points or
conclusions that your reader will take away from reading your essay.
3. “What are the most relevant factors to compare and contrast for my reader?” This will be
determined by your answers for the first and second questions. You will take the test in class so
you need to put forth strong analysis for select relevant factors (function, use, style, context,
subject, etc.) rather than simply comparing all the info, facts, and factors that can be crammed
into the allotted space/time.
Created by Alexis K. Carrozza | Page 2