Course Overview

Intermediate Art: World A is designed to complement the World History: From Prehistory Through the Middle Ages course. Following the timeline of the K12 History program, lessons introduce students to the artists, cultures, and great works of world art and architecture from ancient through medieval times.

• Investigate how artists from different civilizations used various techniques, from painting to mosaic
• Examine elements of design and styles of decoration, from the spiral to the solar disk. Compare and contrast works from many civilizations, from paintings to sculpture, architecture, pottery, mosaics, and more
• Explore some of the best-preserved works from ancient tombs, including the treasures of Egypt's "King Tut" and the terra cotta army of the Chinese emperor Qin Shi Huangdi
• Consider how humans have depicted themselves in art, from paintings and sculptures of the human figure to exquisite manuscripts that document human history and beliefs
• Examine beautifully decorated objects that people used in their daily lives, from drinking vessels to horse gear
• Study some of the great works of ancient and medieval architecture, from the Parthenon in Greece to the cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris
• Create artworks inspired by the works of art studied, using many materials and techniques; for example, after studying ancient Mesopotamian, Egyptian, and Roman relief sculptures, students make a relief by carving a clay slab and after studying grand gateways leading to architectural sites, students construct a model gateway