FA 404 (M): Advanced Art History, Non-Western Art
Art and Artists of the Pacific: Themes and Issues
Spring 2007

Updated 3/7/07

Professor: Dr. Carol S. Ivory
Office: Fine Arts 5072D/F
Phone: 335-7043 (messages)
Email: ivorycs@wsu.edu
Office Hours: Tuesdays 3-4:30 PM and by appointment
Web page: http://wsu.edu/~ivorycs/FA404/FA404.html

Web page for Electronic Reserves: http://eres.wsulibs.wsu.edu/eres/coursepage.aspx?cid=625
Password: mz24ta

Description:
This course will:
- FIRST, provide a general introduction to the arts of Polynesian, Melanesian, and Micronesian peoples, from pre-contact to contemporary times. Aspects of architecture, sculpture, performance arts, and body decoration will be included.

- SECOND, focus particularly on issues relevant to Pacific Island art and artists at the beginning of the new millennium, such as increasing globalization, colonial and post-colonial legacies, and the impact of tourism, among others.

The course will be conducted in a seminar/discussion format, supplemented by lectures and videos. This is a writing intensive course that fulfills the requirement for an 'M' (Writing in the Major) course.

Required texts:
Art of the Pacific Islands by Anne D’Alleva, Abrahms Perspectives, 1998 (AD in syllabus below)
Oceanic Art by Nicholas Thomas, Thames and Hudson, 1995 (NT in syllabus below)
There will also be about 4-5 articles required during second half of the semester; these will be available online

Course Goals/Objectives:
1. An understanding of the history and cultures of Pacific Island peoples and their arts
2. An awareness of the changing role of art and the artist in these societies as a result of contact with the West.
3. An overview of some of the major contemporary issues/problems that have arisen, particularly regarding concerns about identity, discrimination, impact of tourism and the art market, white patrons and influence, conflicts and contradictions between "traditional" and Western cultures, and the legacy of colonialism.
4. An appreciation for the ways artists have mediated these issues through the arts, the role art plays in the lives of Pacific Islanders today, and the wide variety of media, styles, and subjects actively being made.

Course Requirements (300 points possible):
Attendance/preparedness/participation in discussions/reading summaries: 100 points total
Reflections (Assignment #1): 100 points total (25 points each)
Research project/paper (Assignment #2): 100 points total (see distribution below)

SCALE for course grade (i.e., number of points needed for each grade level):
A 280-300
A- 270-279
B+ 261-269
B 249-260
B- 240-248
C+ 231-239
C 219-230
C- 210-218
D+ 201-209
D 195-200
F 0-194

NOTE that grades are not curved. You EARN your grade with each assignment.

Disability Accommodations: Reasonable accommodations are available for students who have a documented disability. Please notify the professor during the first week of classes regarding accommodations needed for the course. Students needing accommodations must first have them approved through the Associate Director of Student Services, VSSB203a.

Academic Honesty
WSU is committed to principles of truth and academic honesty. Academic dishonesty includes cheating, plagiarism, and fabrication in the process of academic work, and can result in suspension or dismissal from the university. In this class, academic dishonesty will result in failure of the course and will be reported to the Office of Student Conduct.
See http://www.studentaffairs.wsu.edu/conductOffice/academicIntegrity.asp for more information.

WEEKLY SCHEDULE AND READING ASSIGNMENTS (subject to change)

WEEK 1: INTRODUCTION/PACIFIC ISLANDS
Mon. 1/8 Introduction(s)/Orientation: course goals, organization, requirements; islands, culture areas
Wed. 1/10 Histories (read AD 9-23; NT 9-25)

WEEK 2: INTRODUCTION (continued)
Mon. 1/15 HOLIDAY (MLK Day)
Wed. 1/17 Understanding context/issues of interpretation (read AD 23-29; NT 26-36)

WEEK 3: NEW GUINEA
Mon. 1/22 Men's arts (read AD 31-40 and 46-55; NT 37-57)
Wed. 1/24 Women's arts (read AD 40-46; NT 115-129)

WEEK 4: NEW GUINEA
Mon. 1/29 Asmat (read AD 55-mid 60; NT 79-88)
Wed. 1/31 Gift-giving and Exchange (read AD mid 60-65; 79-87; NT 88-mid-94)
RESEARCH PAPER TOPIC CHOICE/INITIAL BIBLIOGRAPHY DUE IN CLASS

WEEK 5: ISLAND MELANESIA
Mon. 2/5 Guest artist/speaker, Ake Lianga
REFLECTION #1 DUE IN CLASS
Wed. 2/7 Grade societies/ancestors/funerals (read AD 65-79)

WEEK 6: ISLAND MELANESIA
Mon. 2/12 Art, Leadership and Social Control (read AD 87-93)
Wed. 2/14 RESEARCH DAY (NO CLASS - work on annotated bibliographies)

WEEK 7: POLYNESIA
Mon. 2/19 HOLIDAY (President's Day)
Wed. 2/21 Intro/Gods and Ancestors (read AD 95-106; NT 94-97)
ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY DUE IN CLASS

WEEK 8: POLYNESIA
Mon. 2/26 Decorated Body I (read AD 107-116, NT 151-164)
Wed. 2/28 Decorated Body II (read NT 99-114)

WEEK 9: POLYNESIA
Mon. 3/5 Textiles and Ceremonial gifts - tapa (read AD 116-121; NT 131-147)
Wed. 3/7 Textiles and Ceremonial gifts - tivaevae/mats (NT 148-150); return annotated bibliographies; discuss papers/research
REFLECTION #2 DUE IN CLASS

3/12-3/16 SPRING BREAK

WEEK 10: POLYNESIA
Mon. 3/19 Architecture and space - New Zealand (read AD 121-122; NT 59-78)
Wed. 3/21 Architecture and space - Samoa/Rapa Nui (read AD 122-125; Kjellgren, Easter Island reading titled: Introduction: remote possibillities, 5th article on list)

WEEK 11: MARQUESAS
Mon. 3/26 Marquesas Islands (read online articles: Kjellgren, Adorning the World, and Ivory, Art and Aesthetics in the Marquesas Islands, 1st and 2nd articles)
Wed. 3/28 Festivals in the Marquesas (read online article: Carol Ivory, Arts Festivals in the Marquesas Islands)
DRAFT OF RESEARCH PAPER DUE IN CLASS

WEEK 12: MICRONESIA
Mon. 4/2 Micronesia (read AD 127-140)
Wed. 4/4 Micronesa (read AD 140-147; NT 165-183)

WEEK 13: CONTEMPORARY ISSUES
Mon. 4/9 Heiva in Tahiti (read online article: Karen Stevenson, Heiva: Continuity and Change of a Tahitian Celebration)
REFLECTION #3 DUE IN CLASS
Wed. 4/11 Tourism - e.g. New Guinea/Sepik (read online article: E. Silverman, Tourist Art as the Crafting of Identity in the Sepik River [Papua New Guinea])

WEEK 14: CONTEMPORARY "Western Style" ART
Mon. 4/16 Overview (read AD 149-156)
Wed. 4/18 New Guinea (read NT 184-197)

WEEK 15: CONTEMPORARY "Western" ART
Mon. 4/23 New Zealand (read AD 156-159; NT 197-208)
Wed. 4/25 Summary/evaluations, etc.

FRI. 4/27 REVISED PAPER DUE BY 5PM

THERE IS NO FINAL EXAMINATION IN THIS CLASS.
REFLECTION #4 DUE NO LATER THAN 5PM TUESDAY, MAY 1

ASSIGNMENT #1: REFLECTIONS
Due Dates:
#1 - February 5
#2 - March 7
#3 - April 9
#4 - May 1

Length: 2-3 pages each, typed, double-spaced (no exceptions)

These are personal reflections that summarize your understanding of and reactions to the ideas, issues, and/or artists discussed in class, in class readings and in videos viewed. Therefore, they should encompass and include assigned readings, class discussions, videos, and/or other activities related to the section of the course covered. They should be analytical, critical, comparative, but also personal and honest, discussing your reactions to things, or how your thoughts might have changed over the course of time as a result of class discussions, further thought on your part, etc. You are encouraged to include your own opinions and ideas about the subjects involved. You should keep notes on each class - write down at the end of class the main ideas that you remember, how you felt about the topic, the discussion, any audio-visual component, etc.

These 'Reflections' are required; each is worth up to 25 points. They should be well-written and thoughtful. There are no right or wrong answers or particular opinions expected - your familiarity with the material, ability to synthesize information, and express and defend your views will be the criteria for evaluation.

ASSIGNMENT #2: RESEARCH PROJECT/PAPER
The following deadlines apply to this project:
Topic choice/initial bibliography - Wednesday, January 31
Research day - Wednesday, February 14
Annotated bibliography - Wednesday, February 21
First draft of paper - Wednesday, March 28
Revised paper due - Friday, April 27th 5PM

The focus of this assignment will be an object/art form from a Pacific culture that you will choose from suggested images posted in the seminar room, and through initial research. There are both older/"traditional" ones, while others are contemporary/"modern". Once you have made your choice, you will begin to research the art form using books, journals, and the web, resulting in an annotated bibliography. With the information you gather, you will then draft a 4-5 page paper that summarizes the information you have found about the object/art form, and that specifically addresses the following question: To what extent and in what ways (specifically HOW) does this object/art form reflect the values, beliefs, identity, or other aspect of the people/culture that made it? After the papers are returned, you will have the option to revise your paper and turn it in again.

REQUIRED STEPS:
1) COMPLETE AND TURN IN TOPIC SHEET: WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31 (no later than, earlier is fine!)
Look at the postcards posted on the cork board in the seminar room and the Outline of artists/objects . Browse through your texts and the books on Seminar Reserve in the Current Journals room of Holland/Terrell Library (downstairs to the left across the atrium, all the way in the back of the room). Go online and Google the artist's name, tribal affiiliation, etc. Talk with Dr. Ivory. Complete and turn in the required Topic Sheet with your choice (attach your postcard!) and an initial short bibliography of 3-5 sources. These will be returned to you on Monday, February 5th. If not approved, you will need to meet with Dr. Ivory to discuss an alternative choice. The topic choice/sheet is 10 points of the final paper grade!

2) ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY: WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21
An annotated bibliography is a list of reference sources in which each reference is critically analyzed. In addition to citing the source, a short paragraph summarizes the usefulness of the source as it relates to your specific research project (depth and quality of information, usefulness of any illustrations, length and quality of its bibliography, etc.), and the credibility of the author or source. In this case, you will be searching for the best sources to help you in writing your research paper. Examples of annotated bibliographies are available for you to look over.

Your bibliography should consist of a minimum of 10 sources. These should include examples from a range of possibilities: books, catalogs, journals, web sites, etc. You should plan to look for at least TWICE this number, so that you can select the best, most relevant sources for your bibliography. NO MORE THAN HALF (5) should be from online web sites. This is 30 points of your final paper grade!

4) WRITE THE DRAFT OF YOUR PAPER: WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28
After researching your topic, write a paper between 4-5 pages. Think about the organization of your paper: the main points you want to make, how you will support/explain these points, how you will illustrate them, and what your main conclusions will be. Be sure to:
- First, introduce your art form and your answer to the question: To what extent and in what ways (how) does this object/art form reflect the values, beliefs, identity, or other aspect of the people/culture/artist that made it?
- Then, support your assertion(s)/conclusion through a discussion of your research findings. You should plan to include illustrations to enhance your discussion.
-Complete your paper with a brief summary of your main conclusions.

5) REVISE THE DRAFT AS NEEDED: FRIDAY, APRIL 27
Your draft will be evaluated and returned, after which you will have the opportunity to REVISE your paper. The paper grade will reflect your work on both the draft and final paper, and will account for the remaining 60 points for the assignment (Choice 10 pts; annotated bibliography 30 pts; paper [draft and final version] 60 pts). You will need to turn in both the first and revised drafts of your paper at this time.

CREDITING YOUR SOURCES
The ORIGINAL ideas of others must be acknowledged in a proper and acceptable format. So, you need to cite your sources of information and ideas (including those from the Internet). Credit specific quotes or passages in the body of your paper, even if paraphrased, with either footnotes or endnotes. Depending on citation format chosen, a bibliography (or Works Cited page) is often necessary. Manuals are available in Terrell Library and online. MLA STYLE IS RECOMMENDED FOR THESE ASSIGNMENTS. Plagiarism is a serious offense that will result in a failure for the assignment, and possibly, for the course.

Remember: When using library resources, please be considerate of others and careful with the books and journals. They are expensive, and often out of print and irreplaceable. Damage or loss of materials is a serious problem and is taken seriously

**PAPERS WITHOUT CITATIONS IDENTIFYING AND CREDITING SOURCES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.**

ALL OF THE ASSIGNMENTS ARE REQUIRED TO BE TYPED AND ON-TIME. NO PLASTIC COVERS, PLEASE.

Dr. Ivory's home page | Library Reserve list | Outline of artists/objects