Apr 24, 2024  
2021-2022 Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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ETH 215 - African Art/Artifacts in the Cycle of Life


Credits: 3
3 Lecture Hours

Description
This course examines those items known as African Art, when referenced by non-African societies. It explores the difference between art and artifacts in reference to this form of material objects used in traditional African societies. These items, that decorate our walls and knick-knack shelves, and are displayed in European museums as art pieces, are really artifacts, carriers of the varied cultures of traditional African societies. Students explore the rationale for their creation, as well as their use in those societies. Students learn how these items influenced and became the basis for non-representational schools of art created by European “masters.” Students examine the role collectors of art forms played in the acceptance of African art/artifacts. In addition, students explore the actual cultural use of these items as well as how their use and form differ by kinship group and region.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, the student will:

  1. Discuss the differences between the notion of “art” and “artifact.”
  2. Explain the difference between the concept of artist and artisan in different cultures.
  3. Identify the role of art in non-European societies.
  4. Discuss the different roles of artists and artisans in Western and non-Western societies.
  5. Discuss the different roles of secular and religious “art” in Africa.
  6. Differentiate between tourist, airport and religious art in Africa.
  7. Illustrate the role of collectors of African art and its acceptance in non-African societies.
  8. Explain the role African traditional art played in the influence of modern European art.
  9. Identify particular African art forms by function, name and use in, at minimum, three different African societies.
Listed Topics
  1. The difference between art and artifacts
  2. The difference in European and African ideas about the role of art
  3. Materials used in African art and artifacts
  4. The role of the artist or artisan in Africa
  5. The role of gender in the production and use of African Art
  6. The difference between “tourist,” “airport” and art/artifacts in Africa
  7. African art by function
  8. The difference in styles of African art by culture
  9. Collecting African art and its acceptance in non-African societies
  10. African art and its influence on European masters and their various form of abstract and other “non-representational” schools of art
Reference Materials
Textbook/materials as required by instructor.
Students who successfully complete this course acquire general knowledge, skills and abilities that align with CCAC’s definition of an educated person. Specifically, this course fulfills these General Education Goals:
  • Communication
  • Culture Society & Citizenship
Approved By: Dr. Quintin B. Bullock Date Approved: 5/14/2021


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