COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
GOVERNORS STATE UNIVERSITY
DIVISION OF LIBERAL ARTS
ART PROGRAM
COURSE SYLLABUS
Index Number: ART 523
Course Title: Pre-Columbian Art: Mexico-Guatemala
Professor: Dr. Arthur P. Bourgeois
Credit Hours: 3.0
EXPECTED STUDENT OUTCOMES: Upon completion of the course the student has acquired: 1. The ability to analyze a number of art objects with regard to their form and content. 2. Is familiar with the iconography of select examples from differing styles within this subject. 3. Has conducted research on a particular object within the scope of this subject matter.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS: 1. Attendance at lectures and participation in discussions are mandatory. Required readings are therefore essential. 2. Required research paper on an approved topic in an acceptable format. 3. Mid-term and final examinations consist of slide identification (what, where, date, significance) and essay questions to be prepared before hand. Only one make-up examination will be offered for students absent from initial exam, highest possible grade for a re-scheduled examination is the grade of "B".
TEXTS: Miller, M.E. The Art of Mesoamerica, from Olmec to Aztec.
Schele, Linda and Peter Mathews. The Code of Kings.
TOPICAL OUTLINE:
1. Introduction: geography, time periods, peoples, and common themes
2. Preclassic Central Mexico: Tlatilco, Quicuilco
3. Olmec Monuments and Lapidary Work: San Lorenzo, Tres Zapotes, LaVenta
4. Izapa and Proto-Classic: Kaminaljuyu
5. The Western Fringe: Mezcala; Colima-Jalisco-Nayarit
6. Urban Teotihuacan: Structures, Frescoes, and Sculpture
7. The Gulf Coast: Remojadas, Napiloa, El Tajin
8. Valley of Oaxaca: Monte Alban Ceremonial Acropolis, Mitla
9. Early Classic Maya: Uaxactun, Tikal
10. Classic Lowland Centers: Palenque, Piedras Negras, Yaxchilan, Copan, Quirigua, Bonampak Murals
11. Yucatec Maya: Rio Bec, Chenes, and Puuc Styles
12. Terminal Classic Chichen Itza and Toltec Imperial Arts: Tula
13. Mixtec Codices and Metallurgy: Dynasties of Tilantongo, Mixteca-Puebla Style
14. Arts of Aztec Empire: Tenayuca, Tenochtitlan
15. Theognic Sculpture: Tlaloc, Huitzilopochtli, Tezcatlipoca, Xipe Totec, Quetzalocoatl, Xochiquetzal, Chicomecoatl
EXAMINATIONS: a) Mid-term slide identification quiz. b) Final slide quiz and essay. What is the material? Where does the object come from? Country, State, locale. When? Archeological time period & approximate dating. Why? What function did it serve, what does it mean? e.g., symbolism.
TAKE-HOME STUDY QUESTIONS FOR FINAL EXAMINATION:
1. Compare and contrast two architectural examples of Pre-Columbian Mexico-Guatemala-Honduras giving attention to: dating, plan, construction, decoration, function, and symbolism. Utilize texts, lectures, and books on further reading list.
2. Coe, Michael D. "Death and the Ancient Maya." in Death and the Afterlife in Pre-Columbia America. pp. 87-104 (E59.R38D42) "Funerary Ceramics of the Classic Maya" and "Scenes on Maya Pottery," photocopy from Maya Scribe and His World pp. 11-16. What is the Popul Vuh and why is it significant for the interpretation of Mayan funerary Ceramics: What personages and symbols frequently appear?
3. Duran, Fray Diego "The God Huitzilopochtli," and "The God Tlaloc," in Book of the Gods and Rites and The Ancient Calendar pp. 78-89, 154-171 (F 121 D951) What was distinctive about Huitzilopochtli? How was he represented and what was involved in his ceremonies? What sacrifices were made to Tlaloc, where was he worshipped? How was Tlaloc depicted?
RESEARCH PAPER IN ART HISTORY
A research paper is required of all students who are taking this course for three units of credit. The topic should be selected in consultation with the Instructor.. Research papers must be typed (double-spaced). The bibliography should include complete information on the author, publisher, edition, and date of publication of the sources utilized. It should be carefully proofread. S. Barnet, A Short Guide To Writing About Art, is recommended as a guide. Sample papers are available for consultation upon request. A research paper is intended as an introduction to the methods and approaches used in the study of an art object. Whatever your topic, you will be expected to seek out the latest sources on the subject, including current periodical literature. For information on bibliographies, guides to research and periodicals, consult the instructor. If the library lacks necessary sources you are expected to obtain them from other libraries or utilize inter-library loan, allowing sufficient time (one month) for delivery. You are expected to exhaust standard library procedures before applying for assistance elsewhere. The following approach is suggested. You may select others with the permission of the instructor: Study one object of art falling within the subject matter of this course that is available for your research within the greater Chicago area. Describe object and formal organization, research techniques, tools, with which the object was made, and what is known regarding the artist. Research original context, symbols, like objects in the literature. Illustrate your paper with drawings, photographs, or photocopy. These are to be placed following the text and are not to be included in the total page count. Preparation of a map is often an excellent means to help clarify relationships and demark origins. Note: You must footnote any material you use in your paper that derives from other printed sources that cannot be considered as common knowledge. Plagiarizing is the taking of ideas, writings, etc., from another and pass them off as one's own. Papers that do not follow instructions will be handed back for reworking and rewriting.
RESEARCH AND STUDY LINKS
Smithsonian Institution Research Information System
Mike Ruggeri's Ancient America and Mesoamerica News and Links
amigo! Mexico Pre-Columbian Directory
Other GSU Courses: