AP Art History * Summer Assignment * 2008

First, I would like to welcome each and every one of you to AP Art History! This is a great class and I am sure that you will be glad that you decided to come on board.

Everyone needs to purchase a copy of the text: Art History by Marilyn Stokstad, Third edition. There is a copy of Portrait of Catharina Hooft and her Nurse by Frans Hals on the cover. You can buy a used text online from Amazon for a lot cheaper than purchasing one from Varsity. If you purchase a used text, make sure that it includes the CD, Art History Interactive. The book is also available in a two-volume paper back edition and that is okay too.

Now for the summer work! Once you have your book, read very carefully p. xxi-xlvi. Using the five elements of art, line, color, shape, texture and space, create a full-size that includes a definition of each elements. You must also include TWO examples of art that illustrates each of the elements, one two-dimensional (painting, photograph, print) and one three-dimensional (sculpture or architecture). Those of you who are feeling especially creative can create your own examples. The poster will be due September 4/5-whatever day is the first class^th.

You must also read Chapters 1, 2, and 3. Complete the study guides posted on the web page: http://home.comcast.net/~llefler/. The individual chapter study guides will not be due until we complete each chapter, but doing them over the summer will put you ahead of the game. Create flashcards for the terms!! You will notice (hopefully) that many of the terms discussed in chapter 1 and listed on the study guide will be repeated in future chapters. Learning the term and its definition the first time around will also save you valuable time throughout the school year.

Throughout this course, the works that we read about and see in class will fall into some general thematic categories: Art as a Social Activity, the Human form in Art, Art/Architecture as Sacred Space, Narrative Art, and Art as Power and Authority. I want you to create a second poster using art examples from chapters 1-3 to illustrate the themes mentioned above. You do not need to use every illustration, but you should try to have at least one example from each chapter for each theme. This poster will also be due September 4/5-again, whatever day is the first class.

AP Art History is an intensive reading as well an intensive visual course. You have seen the size of the book!! So, here is an important suggestion…do as much reading as you can over the summer. Do as many study guides as you can. That way, when we cover the chapters in class, all you will need to do is skim over what you have already read! Students from past years will tell you that they did not always do the reading. Okay, maybe they got away with it and still passed the exam. If you are content to get just a passing grade, then go ahead and blow off the reading assignments. Take your chances with the pre-class quizzes and writings. However, if you want to get the most you can from the class and do an outstanding job on the exam, DO THE READING BEFORE COMING TO CLASS!!!!!!! USE THE SLIDE LISTS. Look at the images before coming to class. Take notes as you read using the following: Identify completely (title, date, medium, size, and the stylistic period or culture), Subject/Iconography (Who is it? What is the idea/concept? Where is all of this taking place?), Style/Technique (Describe the ways in which the artists handles the five elements. What kinds of material does the artist use? How does the artist apply technique and sense composition? In what ways do size and point of view come into play? Describe the artist’s use of design principles).Significance/Function/Purpose: (How does the work convey social, political, popular or religious values of that culture? What is the unique vision of the artist or patron? Why is this work considered an important piece in the art history continuum? Note the theme!!)

This year, for the first time, you will be able to complete summer work that can be submitted during those stressful times during the year when you just do not have the time to complete your study guide! Read the directions carefully. You must have all "Dig" assignments done BEFORE the school year begins. They cannot be done during the year!