FA 404 (M): Advanced Art History, Non-Western Art

NOVEMBER 30, 2009 NOTE: This course syllabus is now CHANGED - Class on Wed. Dec. 9 will be cancelled/converted to work day to revise papers.

FA 404 (M): Advanced Art History, Non-Western Art
Art and Artists of the Pacific: Themes and Issues
FALL 2009

Updated 11/30/2009

Professor: Dr. Carol S. Ivory
Office: Fine Arts 5072F
Phone: 335-7043 (and 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 elearning: http://lms.wsu.edu
Web page for Electronic Reserves: http://griffin.wsu.edu/
Code: yy2w6n

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.

Class meetings will combine lectures, video, and discussion. Coming to class prepared is essential to participating in the discussions. An atmosphere of collegial support respecting diversity and differences is essential and participation is encouraged and expected from all members of the class. This is a writing intensive course that fulfills the requirement for an 'M' (Writing in the Major) course.

Angel e-learning:
It is important to note that there will be an online component to this course. Students will need to access the Angel e-learning website to download and upload files. Please see me for any concerns or problems related to this, especially in case of a disability concern. The course website aims to comply with ADA guidelines regarding online material (see http://www.infouse.com/disabilitydata/accessibility/guidelines98.php ), so please let me know if there are any problems.

To access Angel, go to http://lms.wsu.edu/ , enter your user name and password, then select FA 404_01 (2009_Fall Pullman). This will take you to the course site, which will be developed over the duration of the semester. Reading summaries and other assignments will be delivered and submitted on this site, though in some cases, hard copy will also be requested.

Required texts:
Art of the Pacific Islands by Anne D’Alleva, Abrahms Perspectives, 1998 (AD in syllabus below)
The Pacific Arts of Polynesia and Micronesa by Adrienne Kaeppler, Oxford Univ. Press, 2008 (AK in syllabus below)
There will also be about 4-5 articles required during the semester; these will be available online through the library website - information will be added for access to these.

Course Goals/Objectives:
Students in this class should develop over the course of the semester the following:
1. Knowledge of the major Pacific Island art traditions from pre-history through the present, including various media, styles, theories of art, and conventions of seeing. (Relates to WSU Learning Goal #6. Specialty)
2. An historical understanding of art works and artists' practices in the Pacifid within the wide variety of social, cultural, political, and economic contexts, especially with regard to 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. (Relates to WSU Learning Goal #6. Specialty)
3. Critical reasoning skills by learning to analyze visual objects through art historical tools such as formal analysis, iconography, patronage studies, gender studies, visual studies, semiotics, etc. (Relates to WSU Learning Goal #1. Critical and Creative Thinking; Goal #2 Quantitative and Symbolic Reasoning)
4. Ways of thinking about yourself and the world, as you recognize, explore, and challenge cultural attitudes and stereotypes, enabling greater appreciation of and respect for cultural differences. (Relates to WSU Learning Goal #5. Self and Society)
5. The ability to move between visual and verbal forms of communication (both oral and written) by analyzing and discussing works of art and text written about them. (Relates to WSU Learning Goal #4. Communication)
6. Skills necessary to conduct disciplined and systematic art historical research and the ability to evaluate critically information and sources through a guided research paper/project. (Relates to WSU Learning Goal #3. Information Literacy)

Course Requirements (300 points possible):
Attendance/preparedness/participation in discussions/reading summaries (submitted online, 60 points): 100 points total
Reflections (Assignment #1): 75 points total (25 points each)
Research project/paper (Assignment #2): 100 points total (see distribution below)
Team project: 10 minute presentation on an object (Assignment #3): 25 points

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. All assignments are required.

Disability Accommodations: Reasonable accommodations are available for students who have a documented disability. If you have a disability and may need accommodations to fully participate in this class, please visit the Disability Resource Center (DRC). All accommodations MUST be approved through the DRC (Washington Building, Room 217). Please stop by or call 509-335-3417 to make an appointment with a disability specialist http://www.drc.wsu.edu.

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.

Emergencies
Please be aware of these web sites for information regarding any emergencies:
http://oem.wsu.edu/emergencies and http://alert.wsu.edu

Attendance
Attendance is required. More than 3 unexcused absences will result in the following penalty: Deduction of 5 points from overall grade for each additional absence (i.e., beginning with the 4th unexcused absence).

WEEKLY SCHEDULE AND READING ASSIGNMENTS (subject to change)

WEEK 1: INTRODUCTION/PACIFIC ISLANDS
Mon. 8/24 Introduction(s)/Orientation: course goals, organization, requirements; islands, culture areas
Wed. 8/26 Histories (1.read AD 9-23)

WEEK 2: INTRODUCTION (continued)
Mon. 8/31 Understanding context/issues of interpretation (2.AD 23-29)
Wed. 9/2 Men's arts (3.AD 31-40 and 46-55)

WEEK 3: NEW GUINEA
Mon. 9/7 HOLIDAY (Labor Day)
Wed. 9/9 Asmat (4. AD 55-mid 60; online: N. Thomas, The Art of War, 79-88)

WEEK 4: NEW GUINEA
Mon. 9/14 Women's arts (5. AD 40-46; online: N. Thomas, Maternal Symbolism and Male Cults)
RESEARCH PAPER TOPIC CHOICE/INITIAL BIBLIOGRAPHY DUE ONLINE
Wed. 9/16 Tourism in New Guinea/Sepik (6. online: E. Silverman, "Tourist Art as the Crafting of Identity in the Sepik River [Papua New Guinea]")

WEEK 5: ISLAND MELANESIA
Mon. 9/21 Grade societies/ancestors/funerals (7. AD 65-79)
OBJECT PRESENTATION CHOICES DUE ONLINE
Wed. 9/23 LIBRARY RESEARCH CLASS in Terrell Library (attendance mandatory)

WEEK 6: ISLAND MELANESIA
Mon. 9/28 Gift-giving and Exchange (8. AD mid 60-65, 79-87)**
REFLECTION #1 DUE ONLINE
Wed. 9/30 Art, Leadership and Social Control (9. AD 87-93)

WEEK 7: POLYNESIA
Mon. 10/5 Intro to Polynesia/carving (10. AD 95-106; AK 1-11, 50-55)
Wed. 10/7 Containers: Samoa and Tonga (11. AK 36-40); New Zealand (AK 46-49); Hawaii (AK 69-78)***

WEEK 8: POLYNESIA
Mon. 10/12 Decorated Body I Clothing and Adornment (12. AD 107-112; AK 117-135)*
Wed. 10/14 Decorated Body II Tattoo (13. AD 112-116; AK 114-117)
ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY DUE ONLINE

WEEK 9: POLYNESIA
Mon. 10/19 Textiles and Ceremonial Gifts I Bark Cloth (14. AD 116-121; AK 93-105)
Wed. 10/21 NO CLASS: research/work day

WEEK 10: POLYNESIA
Mon. 10/26 Textiles and Ceremonial Gifts II Mats and Maori Cloaks (15. AK 85-93; 105-106)*
Wed. 10/28 IN CLASS: paper writing workshop
REFLECTION #2 DUE ONLINE

WEEK 11: POLYNESIA
Mon. 11/2 Architecture and space I New Zealand (16. AD 121-122; AK 147-152, 60-69)
Wed. 11/4 Architecture and space II Samoa/Rapa Nui (17. AD 122-125; AK 78-81, 154-156; Kjellgren: Remote Possibilities online)*

WEEK 12: MARQUESAS
Mon. 11/9 Marquesas Islands (18. online: Kjellgren, Ivory)
Wed. 11/11 HOLIDAY (Veterans Day)

WEEK 13: MICRONESIA
Mon. 11/16 Micronesia I (19. AD 127-140; AK 81-83, 104-107, 111-114)**
CORRECTED/New readings for AK 81-83, 106-109, 111-114, 137-141. If you've already read the list above, no problem.
Wed. 11/18 Micronesa II (20. AD 140-147; AK 141-147)*
DRAFT OF RESEARCH PAPER DUE IN CLASS - hard copy (LATEST - to my mailbox Thursday 5PM!!!)

THANKSGIVING BREAK 11/23-11/27

WEEK 14: CONTEMPORARY SCENE
Mon. 11/30 Heiva in Tahiti (21. online: Karen Stevenson, "Heiva: Continuity and Change of a Tahitian Celebration")
Wed. 12/1 Contemporary art (22. AD 149-159)

NOTE CHANGES:

WEEK 15: CONTEMPORARY SCENE
Mon. 12/7 Contemporary art, summary/evaluations, etc.
Wed. 12/9 WORK ON PAPERS - NO CLASS

MON. 12/14 REVISED PAPER DUE BY 5PM

THERE IS NO FINAL EXAMINATION IN THIS CLASS.
REFLECTION #3 DUE ONLINE NO LATER THAN 5PM WEDNESDAY, DEC 16

ALL OF THE ASSIGNMENTS BELOW ARE REQUIRED.

READING SUMMARIES:
There are 23 days on which readings are assigned. Reading summaries will be required for 20 of these (that is, you can skip three). The additional three summaries can be completed for extra credit (the only way you can earn extra credit). Each reading summary can earn up to 3 points, for a total of 60 points (included in the 100 listed above for preparedness/participation in class). These do not need to be lengthy, but they should be thoughtful. The template/form can be downloaded from the Angel file, Reading Summaries. The summaries need to uploaded to Angel no later than 2PM on the date the readings are assigned.

ASSIGNMENT #1: REFLECTIONS
Due Dates:
#1 - September 28
#2 - October 28
#3 - December 16

Length: 3-5 pages each, typed, double-spaced (no exceptions), submitted as hard copy in class on the due date.

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 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 - Monday, September 14 (10 points) - submitted online
Library Research day - Wednesday, September 23
Annotated bibliography - Wednesday, October 14 (25 points) - submitted in hard copy on due date
First draft of paper - Wednesday, November 18 (65 points)* - submitted in hard copy on due date
Revised paper due - Monday, December 14 by 5PM - HARD COPY
* A grade will be assigned at the draft stage. If the paper is revised, this grade could be changed. If not revised, this grade would stand.

Note: Dr. Ivory will be available for extensive help in all aspects of this. The work will be done in three stages: an intensive first research period (in September, which will include a session with Research Librarian Bob Matuozzi, Monday, September 21st. This is a REQUIRED class). The second will be writing a draft paper. The third will be revising it for final submission.

Note that there is an online Bibliography to help with your research. Most of the books listed are on a Seminar Reserve Shelf in the Current Journals room (downstairs) in Terrell Library. These will be available there throughout the semester.

THE ASSIGNMENT
Contemporary Pacific Island art often reflects or draws on elements from "traditional" styles, media, and/or objects, while dealing with issues relevant to life in the twenty-first century.
For this paper, you will choose one contemporary artist from the Pacific (see List of Artists to help you get started). In your research, you will explore the work of this artist to determine to what extent and in what ways the first sentence is true of his/her work. Your paper will present your conclusion as your thesis statement, and then proceed to substantiate it. Assume that you are writing for your classmates, who will have some knowledge about Pacific art.

CHOOSE A TOPIC AND BEGIN RESEARCH:
In addition to a list of "Suggested Artists", Dr. Ivory will be available to consult on this aspect of the paper.
Once you have found an artist, you should complete and turn in an official "Topic Sheet". Final deadline for this is Monday, September 14th, though you are welcome to turn it in earlier. ONLY ONE STUDENT MAY WRITE ABOUT AN ARTIST!! The first stage of research will involve both a class with Research Librarian Bob Matuozzi (see above) and the completion of an annotated bibliography, which is due Wednesday October 14th.

FURTHER RESEARCH AND WRITING OF THE FIRST DRAFT:
Continue with further research on the topic. You may need to investigate various aspects of the the artist's heritage and culture, including the arts. Your research should be evenly balanced between internet and more traditional sources (books, catalogs, journal articles). This is a research paper that should demonstrate your ability to conduct research in various media and to synthesize the information found.

SUMMARIZE YOUR FINDINGS:
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 artist and your answer to the question: to what extent does the work of this artist reflect both traditional aspects and relevant issues.
- Then, support your assertion(s) 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.
DRAFT due: Wednesday, November 18
REVISED paper due: Friday, December 11 by 5PM

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!

CREDITING YOUR SOURCES
The ORIGINAL ideas of others must be acknowledged in a proper and acceptable format. Not to do so is academic dishonesty and a violation of WSU policy. So, you need to cite your sources of information and ideas (including those from the Internet - include URL address and search engine as well as the title, author and date of your source) and 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. In addition to the manuals available online and in Holland Library, sample papers are available to examine.
MLA STYLE IS RECOMMENDED FOR THIS ASSIGNMENT.

**PAPERS WITHOUT CITATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED!!**

THE USUAL FORMAT FOR A BIBLIOGRAPHY INCLUDES:
Author last name, first name. Title of Book. City: Publisher, Year.
Author last name, first name. "Title of Article." Title of Journal. Vol. (year):page numbers.

There are variations on this, but this is standard. The part that moves around most in other formats is the date, which can appear in numerous places. Items in a bibliography are listed alphabetically by author's last name. See MLA or other handbook/online guide for specifics.

PAPER GRADE INCLUDES EVALUATION OF THE FOLLOWING:
A. CONTENT/QUALITY OF IDEAS: Range and depth of argument; quality of research and analysis.
B. ORGANIZATION AND DEVELOPMENT: Logical and clear arrangement of ideas; good development of ideas through supporting details, illustrations, etc.
C. EVIDENCE OF RESEARCH: Citations, bibliography included? Consistently and properly formatted?
D. CLARITY AND READABILITY: Ease of readibility; appropriate voice; clarity of sentences.
E. MECHANICS: Proper length, typed, deadlines met, errors in spelling, grammar, etc.)

NOTE:
1. Spelling, grammar, appearance, organization, and quality of thought all count! They will all be considered in the evaluation of your paper. See above.
2. NO plastic covers, please!
3. DOUBLE SPACE, but no extra space between paragraphs
4. UNDERLINE or ITALICIZE titles of works of art and of books, also foreign words
(Mona Lisa or Mona Lisa; World of Art or World of Art; déjà vu or déjà vu)

QUESTIONS? COME TALK WITH DR. IVORY or EMAIL ME ivorycs@wsu.edu !!!

ASSIGNMENT #3: TEAM PRESENTATION OF AN OBJECT
On the syllabus you will see that several dates have from 1 to 3 asterisks(*). These are dates when teams of 2-3 students will present a short (10-minute max) explanation/overview of an object made by one of the peoples/cultures discussed in the reading for that day. There are 7 dates with 11 possible slots for these presentations. These are:
September 28 - 2 slots
October 7 - 3 slots
October 12 - 1 slot
October 26 - 1 slot
November 4 - 1 slot
November 16 - 2 slots
November 18 - 1 slot

First, find at least one teammate. Look at the images included in the reading assignments. I will also place some images/postcards on the corkboard in the seminar room that are related and could be discussed. Complete the Object Presentation form and submit it to Angel no later than Wednesday, September 9th. The final schedule of presentations will be posted on the class website shortly after that.

For the presentations, the team will need to research the object beyond the coverage in the reading assignments. The intent of the presentation is to look more closely at the object in terms of its formal qualities, materials used, process of manufacture, symbolic meaning, and/or function within the culture that made/makes it. The presentation should include a powerpoint (max 10 slides), handouts, etc. Both/all teammembers will receive the same grade (up to 25 points) that will reflect the depth of research as well as the thoughtfulness of the organization and professionalism of the presentation on the object. A written summary of the information presented, including research sources, will be due within a week of the presentation.

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