Assignments for this course take the form of written summaries, research, and analysis. They are designed to help us work through the course objectives, while keeping a focus on our spiritual growth through conceptual learning.

For each assignment, please develop a document and submit it to me in either Microsoft Word or HTML format (your word processing software should permit you to do a "save as" and choose either of those formats).

Each assignment can be completed by consulting Web-based materials listed on the course Resource page.

Reading Assignment #1:

Modern and Ancient Christian Artwork 

The importance of Christian artwork throughout history is undeniable. For thousands of years, Jesus Christ has been the most important subject in fine art.  Biblical art, Christian paintings, sculptures of Jesus, and other Christian artwork comprise the most important artistic pieces in the history of mankind.

Christian artwork was practically the only Western art being made during the Middle Ages. Each country had its own unique take on the stirring subject matter of the New Testament. From the icons of Russia to the tapestries of France, Jesus was the dominant subject. Christian art became even more beautiful with the arrival of the Renaissance.

Artists like Leonardo and Michelangelo created religious works of incomparable beauty. The great Spanish painters returned to Christian topics again and again. Paintings of saints were extremely popular, defining Spanish art for hundreds of years.

Today, religious art is still alive and well. Angels have become very popular subjects for paintings.  In an age of cynicism, paintings of childlike angels are very meaningful to many Christians.  They bring hope and joy in dark times.  Paintings of Jesus and paintings of scenes from both the Old and New Testaments are still extremely popular, of course. Fortunately, some of the finest artists working today paint almost exclusively in Christian subject matters.  In this course we will explore Christian artwork not just paintings but all kinds of art inspired by Jesus Christ.  The artwork available is so vast there is no way that we can cover all that there is so we will concentrate in this course on two eras -  Early Christian Art and Byzantine art.  This week we will look at Early Christian Art.

1st century-c. 526 - Early Christian Art

Early Christian art falls into two categories:  that of the Period of Persecution (up to the year 323) and that which came after Constantine the Great recognized Christianity:  the Period of Recognition.  The first is known primarily for construction of catacombs, and portable art which could be hidden.  The second period is marked by the active construction of churches, mosaics, and the rise of book-making.  Sculpture was demoted to works in relief only (anything else would have been deemed "graven images").

The Museum Of Antiquities:

http://www.usask.ca/antiquities/Collection/Medieval_Art.html

Early Christian Art Slides:

http://employees.oneonta.edu/farberas/arth/arth109/arth109_sl16.html

Ecclesiastical Art:

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/05248a.htm

Early Christian Architecture:

http://arthist.cla.umn.edu/aict/html/medieval/echart.html

  Week #1 Work Assignment:

This week’s work assignment is writing a 6-8 page paper on the Early Christian Art period. Also please write a complete history of an art piece from this period of your choice and what intrigued you about the piece. feel free to use online search engines for further information for all assignments.

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 Reading Assignment #2:

c. 526-1390 - Byzantine Art

Not an abrupt transition, as the dates imply, the Byzantine style gradually diverged from Early Christian art, just as the Eastern Church grew farther apart from the Western. Byzantine art is characterized by being more abstract and symbolic and less concerned with any pretense of depth - or the force of gravity - being apparent in paintings or mosaics.  Architecture became quite complicated and domes predominated. This week you will be exploring the Byzantine period.  Please go to the site links provided below and add any research of your own as well.

Byzantine Monuments:

http://www.worldheritagesite.org/sites/thessalonika.html

Byzantine Works of Art:

http://www.metmuseum.org/explore/Byzantium/gallery.html

Byzantine Icons:

http://www.metmuseum.org/explore/Byzantium/byzsub_1.html  

  Week #2 Work Assignment:

This week using the website links provided above and any other online resources of your choosing,  write either a 6-8 page paper comparing the  two  art periods or write on a art piece of Byzantine art that appeals to you. Write a complete history of the art piece of your choice from this period and what intrigued you about the piece.

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 Reading Assignment #3:

This week we will explore the various art mediums used to create Christian art.  Also you will be examining the early Christian symbols and their meaning with regard to the early church.  This week you will be reading the texts from the following link as well as any other online research.  It is suggest that you do some key word searches on some of the topics found.

Wilkipedia on Christian Art:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_art

   Week #3 Work Assignment:

This week based on the article you read and other online research of your choosing, prepare a 6-8 page paper on one of the following art mediums and the history behind this art medium. Or, you may research the Christian symbols presented below and write about the history and use of symbolism in Christian art.

Iconography

Paintings

Fresco

Sculpture

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 Reading Assignment #4

This week we will examine the motive behind creating Christine Art.  The Christian artist prime motive should be to glorify Jesus Christ.  There are many themes and areas of inspiration that artists go by to create their artwork.  One of the great themes portrayed in Christian art is the passion of Christ.  Please review the following site links. If you click on the picture of the paintings on the right, a complete history is made available to you.  Do additional research on your own on the artists and additional facts about them and their paintings.

The passion of the Christ:

http://www.artcyclopedia.com/featuredarticle-2001-04.html

http://www.artcyclopedia.com/feature-2001-04-links.html#christs-entry-into-jerusalem

Week #4 Work Assignment:

This week using the reading and research assignment, prepare a 6-8 page paper in your own words on one artist and their paintings.  What impressed you about the artist and painting?  Also ask yourself these questions and answer them in your paper.

·   How has your life been effected by the passion

·   How would a painting that you would create be different or the same as these artists interpretation.

·   What about Jesus has touched your life so that if you were gifted in art you would illustrate it and what art medium would you use?

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Reading Assignment #5:

This week’s lesson will focus on the impact of Christian Art on believers.  Many people have many ideas about Christian Art.  Some people believe that the Arts have little or no value to the life of the believer, yet some are very opposed not only to the Arts we have been discussing in the course, but they are opposed to Christian interpretive dance and other forms Christian arts.  Please read the following articles on the Christian Art:

 Art and the Christian:

http://www.probe.org/docs/artandxn.html

The Creature’s Creation: Is Art ‘Helpful’ to Faith?:

http://www.religion-online.org/showarticle.asp?title=1299 

 Week #5 Work Assignment:

This week’s assignment is to write a 6-8 page paper on the above two articles in your own words about your view of Christian Art and its value to believers. 

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Week #6:  FINAL PAPER

Final Paper: 

Objective:  Develop a paper on your personal views of Great Christian Art

Assignment:  Write a paper on what you learned from this course and the research you investigated on Great Christian Art.

Format:
Your paper should be 10-12 pages in length and your strategy documentation should be developed in good report form, using either MLA or APA style for all external resources.