Advanced Studies in Medieval Art – ARTS 504

Course Description

This course will present an intensive study of Medieval Art and Architecture from the fall of Rome to the 15th century in the west, placing an emphasis on the development of painting, mosaic, and manuscript illumination, as well as upon the development of the Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles. The arts of this vast period will be analyzed from within the Christian worldview with particular attention to Christian iconography.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

Rationale

This course will enable the student to think critically about the relationship between art objects and meaning in the Medieval world and will enhance the student’s understanding of the visual culture of early Christianity. Understanding, looking at, and thinking about the way images communicate meaning is important to our understanding of the world in which we live. The critical study of the complex relationships between Christianity and the visual arts reveals a unique opportunity to combine faith and academics in a meaningful and enlightening manner. The student’s Christian worldview will be enriched by studying the history of divine-inspired human creativity.

Course Assignment

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (2)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to create a thread in response to the provided prompt for each discussion. Each thread must be at least 400 words, demonstrate course-related knowledge, reference an artwork, and include 2 biblical principles.  In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 2 other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be at least 200 words.

Virtual Tour and Journal Essay Assignments (4)

The student will complete virtual tours through various museums and historic locations. Each assignment must have a journal essay of at least 400 words and contain at least 1 citation. Current MLA format must be used.

Research Paper Assignments (4)

The student will write a 1,500 – 2,100-word research-based paper in current MLA format that focuses on the Chartres Cathedral: The Gothic Cathedral as a Heavenly City. 

Research Paper: Initial Bibliography Assignment

Student will carry out initial research to identify at least 10 sources that will help shape their paper and provide primary sources. Bibliography should be in MLA format. 

Research Paper: Annotated Bibliography Assignment

Students will create an annotated bibliography that identifies 5 – 7 main sources and provides 100 word description of each. Annotated Bibliography should be in MLA format. 

Research Paper: Introduction and Thesis Statement Assignment

Students will write an initial draft of their paper containing 400 – 500 words that demonstrate a solid thesis and introduction in MLA format. 

Research Paper: Final Assignment

The paper must include at least 4 sources in addition to the course textbooks and the Bible and demonstrate the student's knowledge of the subject matter gained through the research. The paper should be between 1500 – 2100 words excluding the bibliography and should follow MLA format throughout. 

Essay Critique Assignment

The student will read and critique the assigned article using the provided Essay Critique Template. The critique must be 800–1,000 words and written in current MLA format.

Quizzes (8)

Each quiz will cover the Textbook material for the assigned Module: Week. Each quiz will be open-book/open-notes, contain 5 multiple-choice, and are not timed.