Course Approval Form
(To be used to propose new courses or make changes to existing courses)
New Course: ARTH 212 African American Art
CAS 2003-2004 Item #22
Attach the following:
1.
A brief course description;
2.
A sample syllabus which includes:
a. student learning objectives and how they will be assessed;
b. an outline of topics to be addressed in the course;
c. assignments for readings, papers, oral projects, examinations, etc. and their relationship to 2.a.
3.
Rationale for the course, including how it fits with the existing curriculum; prerequisites (if any)
and rationale; and course level and rational.
4.
List of resources needed for the course: library, laboratory equipment, other special materials or
facilities; and
5.
A brief description of the evaluation procedures that will be used to determine the extent to which
student outcomes (given in 2.a) have been achieved. Indicate ways in which results of the
evaluation will be used not only to grade students but also to modify how the course is taught.
Initiator (Contact Person): Drs. M. DeMichele; J. Dunn; D. Miller-Lanning
Department(s): Art and Music Program, History Department
Suggested Course Number / Prefix: ARTH 212
Course Title (for Catalog): African American Art
Credit Hours: 3
Catalog Copy/Course Description: (50 word limit)
This course considers African Americans in the visual arts, including varied ways of thinking and writing
about African American art and culture. African American Art topics include Slavery and Emancipation;
the Harlem Renaissance; the Civil Rights Movement; African American Women Artists; and Collecting
African American Art.
Frequency of Offering:
Every Year
Anticipated Initial Offering:
Year
_________
Every Other Year
X
2004
Semester
Spring
Will this course replace an existing course (or courses?) __________ Yes
If so, list course(s) to be replaced: N/A
X
No
Purpose of Course (Check all that apply)
Major Requirement
________
Major Elective
Cognate
________
Other Elective
X
Other (specify) Art History Minor
General Education
________
(Must be reviewed by Conference Committee on Curriculum)
Please indicate the proposed category(ies):
Writing Intensive
Humanities
_________
Natural Sciences
X
_______
_____________
Cultural Diversity
Social/Behavioral Sciences
_______
Theology/Philosophy
Quantitative Reasoning __________
X
_________
Explain how the proposed course will fulfill the indicated requirements
Writing is integral to the discipline of art history. Normal course writing projects, including
gallery reviews and reflection papers, allow students to demonstrate comprehension of important
concepts and/or data relating to the topic of African American Art. Six combined writing
assignments (20 pages @ 200 words/page) meet the 4,000 word minimum necessary to satisfy
writing intensive requirements. In order to satisfy cultural diversity requirements, students will
consider African American cultures and subcultures in the United States through a variety of
readings, and through discussions of ethnicity, race and gender perspectives.
Is this Course an Interdisciplinary Course? ______________Yes
Colleges Cooperating in Offering Course:
College of Arts and Sciences:
Panuska College of Professional Studies:
Kania School of Management
Graduate School
X
__________
__________
__________
Other, similar courses currently in the University’s course inventory: N/A
Discuss extent of overlap with existing courses: N/A
X
No
ARTH 212: AFRICAN AMERICAN ART
HYLAND 407; T/R 1:00-2:15
DARLENE MILLER-LANNING, PH.D
ART AND MUSIC PROGRAM
SPRING 2004
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course presents selected topics on African Americans in the visual arts, including the
history of African American’s achievements and struggles in the visual arts, and varied ways
of thinking and writing about African Americans, art and culture. Topics will include but are
not limited to: African American Folk Art and Slavery; African American Art After
Emancipation; African American Art and the Harlem Renaissance; African American Art
and the Civil Rights Movement; African American Women Artists; and collecting African
American Art. This course will utilize the Blackboard system for class research links, email
communications, discussions and paper submissions.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Students enrolled in “African American Art” will complete the following goals and objectives:
Goal I:
In order to gain a broader understanding of intellectual-cultural activities
and products of past and present societies, including diverse cultures and subcultures in the
United States and throughout the world, all students will:
Objective 1:
Objective 2:
Objective 3:
Identify and analyze key artists, movements and ideas in the history
of African American art.
Discuss ethnicity, race, class and/or gender perspectives related to the
topics covered in the course
Demonstrate through language and art a knowledge of cultures
different from their own.
Goal II:
In order to gain factual knowledge and, in turn, demonstrate the skills and
methodologies of art history, all students will:
Objective 1:
Objective 2:
Objective 3:
Examine primary historical and literary texts integral to the study of
African American art history.
Participate in themed group discussions considering the form and
content of particular works of art, and apply skills of visual analysis
to discover their structure and meaning.
Evaluate, through oral and written processes of analysis and
interpretation, the social, historical, literary, philosophical and
aesthetic features of works of art.
Goal III:
In order to demonstrate their knowledge of a particular subject matter, as
well as deepen their understanding of both the subject and discipline as a whole, students
will :
Objective 1:
Write a minimum of 4,000 words in a variety of phased assignments
which reflect the genres, techniques, processes and conventions used
by professionals in the discipline of African American art history.
Objective 2:
Objective 3:
Demonstrate through writing comprehension of important concepts
and/or data relating to the discipline of African American art history.
Analyze and synthesize through writing important concepts and/or
data relating to the discipline of African American art history.
TEXT AND READINGS
Class lectures, discussions and exams for “African American Art” will be based on a primary
text and several assigned readings. The primary text is Samella Lewis, African American
Art and Artists, Berkeley: University of California Press, 2003, available at the University of
Scranton Bookstore. In addition, eight readings, listed below, will be taken from a variety of
art journals. These are on reserve at the Weinberg Memorial Library. Internet links for
relevant artists and museums will also be posted on Blackboard.
READING LIST
Reading Discussion I
1.
Boime, A. “Henry Ossawa Tanner’s Subversion of Genre.” The Art Bulletin v.75 (September
1993). 415-42.
2.
Buick, K.P. “The Ideal Works of Edmonia Lewis: Invoking and Inverting Autobiography.
American Art v.9 (Summer 1995) p. 4-19.
Reading Discussion II
1.
Schwabsky, B. “Black Exodus. Jacob Lawrence: The Migration Series.” Art in America v. 84
(March 1996) p. 88-93.
2.
Sims, L.S. “Elizabeth Catlett: A Life in Art and Politics.” American Visions v. 13 no. 2
(April/May 1998) p. 20-5.
Reading Discussion III
1.
King-Hammond, L. “David Driskell: Memoir of a Painter cum Scholar.” International Review of
African American Art v. 14 no. 1 (1997) p. 4-9.
2.
Ringgold, F. “Those Cookin’ Up Ideas For Freedom Take Heed: Only A Watched Pot Boils.”
Art Journal v. 50 (Fall 1991) p. 84-6.
Reading Discussion IV
1.
“Twenty-Five Who Made a Difference.” International Review of African American Art v. 18 no. 1
(2001) p. 2-64.
2.
Marshall, C. “Jean-Michel Basquiat: Outsider Superstar.” International Review of African
American Art v. 16 no. 4 (1999) p. 32-6.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Students enrolled in “African American Art” will be graded on attendance and participation (4%); two
examinations (2 at 15% for 30%); three art critiques/projects (3 at 15% for 45%); and three reflection
papers (3 at 7% for 21%). All requirements are interrelated, and all carry substantial weight in the
calculation of the final class grade. No requirement should be neglected! All requirements must be
completed during scheduled times. Late assignments will be dropped a letter grade per day. Requirements
are described in detail below.
ATTENDANCE/PARTICIPATION
Classes conducted as part of this course will follow slide lecture and discussion formats. Given the media
dependent nature of class lectures and the interactive dimension of class discussions, absences are not
encouraged. Failure to attend class will adversely affect your grade.
EXAMINATIONS
Exams for “African American Art” include slide identifications and slide comparisons, and are timed.
ART CRITIQUES/PROJECTS
Students enrolled in “African American Art” will complete critiques/projects for the following events:
1.
“Successions: African American Prints from the Steele Collection”
Art Gallery Lecture and Opening Reception:
Sunday,.February 8, 2004
Lecture by David Driskell, University of Maryland, at 1 p.m. in Brennan 508
Reception from 2 to 4 p.m. at The Hope Horn Gallery / Hyland 407.
2.
Harlem Studio Center
Art and Music Bus Trip to New York:
Saturday, April 17, 2003.
Leave Scranton from St. Thomas Circle at 8 a.m.; Leave New York from Studio Center at 3 p.m.
3.
“Basquiat”
In-Class Film Screening:
Directed by Julian Schnabel, 1996
Tuesday/Thursday May 11/13, 2004
Since critiques will be based on both theory and practice, students are encouraged to review art events in a
way that is both critically sound and personally significant: a good critique will use visual and historical
evidence to support individualized interpretations of works, events, or lectures being reviewed. While all
critiques will be unique, each should contain an introduction completely identifying the sites/events you are
reviewing; an analysis outlining the relationship of major concepts and ideas embodied by these
sites/events; and an evaluation of how and why these relationships exist. Completed critiques should be
approximately five pages in length. Any referenced materials (texts, films, internet et cetera) must be
properly acknowledged.
REFLECTION PAPERS
Students enrolled in “African American Art” will complete three short two-page reflections papers relating
the form and content of three artworks to the historical and biographical circumstances of their producers.
These papers will be posted on the course Blackboard site and read by all students prior to discussion days
listed on the syllabus. They will then provide the starting point for group conversations which may take
place in class, or, if possible, at other relevant nearby locations.
ACADEMIC CODE OF HONESTY
Students are expected to act in accordance with the Academic Code of Honesty of the
University of Scranton. If you are unfamiliar with this policy, contact your instructor or the
CAS Dean's Office to obtain the policy brochure.
In Addition:
Students enrolled in more than one art history course are asked to meet with all art history
instructors regarding duplicate assignments (all art history classes require museum and
gallery reviews, et cetera). Individual assignments can not be submitted for credit in more
than one class!
GRADE SCALE
The following grade scale is used by the Art and Music Program:
A (93-100); A- (90-92); B+ (88-89); B (83-87); B- (80-82); C+ (78-79);
C (70-77); C- (70-72); D+ (68-69); D (60-67); F (below 60).
CONTACTING THE INSTRUCTOR
Darlene Miller-Lanning, Ph.D
St. Thomas 208B/University Art Gallery
Rosemarie Pryle, Secretary
St. Thomas 261/History Department Office
(570) 941-4214
(570) 941-7625
CLASS SCHEDULE
Date
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01/29
02/03
02/05
02/10
02/12
02/17
02/19
02/24
02/26
03/02
03/04
03/09
03/11
03/16
03/18
03/23
03/25
03/30
04/01
04/06
04/08
04/13
04/15
04/20
04/22
04/27
04/29
05/04
05/06
05/11
05/13
Classwork
Topic
Introduction:
Syllabus
Historical Overview:
African American Art and Culture
Gallery Discussion:
“Successions” Exhibition
1. Cultural Deprivation and Slavery All Sections
2. Emancipation and Cultural Dilemma
All Sections
Reading Discussion I:
Henry Ossawa Tanner/Edmonia Lewis
3. New Americanism and Ethnic Identity
Harlem Movement Section
3. New Americanism and Ethnic Identity
Individualist Section
4. Social and Political Awareness
All Sections
Reading Discussion II:
Jacob Lawrence/Elizabeth Catlett
Reflection Discussion I:
Reflection Paper I
Review I
Chapters 1-4
Test I
Chapters 1-4
Spring Break
None
Spring Break
None
5. Political and Cultural Awareness: Painting/Flag Sections
5. Political and Cultural Awareness: Reality/Symbolism Sections
5. Political and Cultural Awareness: Mixed Media/Sculpture Sections
Reading Discussion III:
David Driskell/Faith Ringgold
Reflection Discussion II:
Reflection Paper II
5. Political and Cultural Awareness: Drawing/Graphics Sections
5. Political and Cultural Awareness: Craft/Performance Sections
Trip Discussion:
Harlem Studio Center
6. Into the New Millenium
All Sections
Reading Discussion IV:
Bettye Saar/Jean Michel Basquiat
Reflection Discussion III:
Reflection Paper III
TBA
TBA
Review II
Chapters 5-6
Test II
Chapters 5-6
Film:
“Basquiat”
Film:
“Basquiat”
COURSE APPROVAL ATTACHMENTS
ARTH 212: AFRICAN AMERICAN ART
COURSE DECRIPTION
This course presents selected topics on African Americans in the visual arts, including the
history of African American’s achievements and struggles in the visual arts, and varied ways
of thinking and writing about African Americans, art and culture. Topics will include but are
not limited to: African American Folk Art and Slavery; African American Art After
Emancipation; African American Art and the Harlem Renaissance; African American Art
and the Civil Rights Movement; African American Women Artists; and Collecting African
American Art. This course will utilize the Blackboard system for class research links, email
communications, discussions and paper submissions.
RATIONALE FOR COURSE
ARTH 212: African American Art provides an introduction to African American Art. It is
suitable for students of any grade level with a general interest in the subject, as well as those
pursuing an art history minor. Using lectures, discussions, gallery and museum trips, and
writing assignments, students will become familiar with issues related to African American
art; in order to contextualize these issues, they will also gain a broader background in
American art in general.
RESOURCES NEEDED
Current library and internet resources are sufficient for this course.
EVALUATION PROCEDURES
Students will be evaluated on the basis of class participation, documented, in part, through
attendance at assigned art events and use of the Blackboard system; midterm and final
examinations; and six writing assignments (approximately 20 pages at 200 words each for a
4000 word writing intensive minimum). Based on the results of these evaluation procedures,
the use of Blackboard research/discussion facilities and the scope of writing assignments, in
particular, may be adjusted and/or further developed.
Course Approval Form
Signature Sheet
Date Submitted to Department:
October 2, 2003
Date of Department Decision:
October 2, 2003.
Departmental Recommendation:
X
Approval
_______________ Deny Approval
Provide Rationale for Recommendation:
ARTH 212: African American Art will meet stated requirements for Writing Intensive courses based on a
4,000 word writing intensive minimum It will meet Cultural Diversity requirements through discussions of
culture and subcultures within the United States, as well as ethnicity, race class and/or gender perspectives.
Chairperson Signature: __________________________
Date: _______________
College Action: (Note if course is being offered jointly by more than one college, it must be approved by
all deans who are jointly responsible)
Date Posted on Curriculum Bulletin Board ______________
Recommendation:
___________ Approval
_________ Deny Approval
Dean’s Signature: ______________________________
(Attach Rationale)
Date:_______________
General Education Review (If necessary)
Date Discussed by Conference Committee on Curriculum ______________________
Recommendation:
______Approval for General Education (Check all that apply)
Writing Intensive _______ Cultural Diversity
Humanities
_______ Social/Behavioral Sciences
Natural Sciences _______ Theology/Philosophy
Quantitative Reasoning __________
Signature: ____________________________________
_________
_________
_________
Date: ________________
Provost’s Action:
_______________
Approve _____________ Deny
Provost’s Signature: _____________________________
(Attach rationale)
Date:
_______________