ARHI 1001 Notes: World Art to 1400 (Syllabus Transcript)

Course Overview

  • ARHI 1001: World Art to 1400
  • Professor: Dr. Anne Dymond
  • University: University of Lethbridge, Department of Art
  • Term: Fall 2025
  • Class schedule: Mondays/Wednesdays, 3:00-4:15\;\text{pm}, in PE 275
  • Acknowledgement of place and learning environment
    • University of Lethbridge’s Blackfoot name: Iniskim, Sacred Buffalo Stone
    • Land acknowledgement: University is located in traditional Blackfoot Confederacy territory; intent to honour Blackfoot people and traditional ways of knowing
    • Blackfoot Elder Bruce Wolf Child described the meaning of the University’s name: “The rock is here -- it is The University of Lethbridge. Anyone who comes to study here can be wise and solid like the rock.”
    • Professor’s commitment to a learning environment that helps everyone become wise and solid

Getting in Touch with the Instructor

  • 5 Ways to contact and connect with the professor:
    • Right after class for quick questions or setting up longer meetings (pre-class time is used to prepare for class and can be hectic)
    • Email: anne.dymond@uleth.ca (aim to respond within 1 working day; delays may occur due to other responsibilities)
    • Student office hours: Mondays, 1:00-2:00\;\text{PM}, in office W816 (office hours are times when professors are available without appointment)
    • Wednesdays, 11:00-11:50\;\text{AM} (also by appointment; can arrange in person or via Zoom)
    • Drop-in policy: if the office door is open, you may stop by; if not available, schedule a time that works for both
    • Preference for how to address the professor: safest is Professor (last name) e.g., Professor Dymond; alternatives include Anne, Dr. Dymond, Professor Anne, or Dr. Anne
    • General expectation: professors of all genders don’t like being called Miss (a common switch from high school)

Course Description and Focus

  • Introductory survey of world art and architecture from prehistory to 1400 (leading into ARHI 1002)
  • Goals:
    • Understand and appreciate art from diverse time periods and cultures
    • Analyze the visual culture of diverse groups and link cultures through art
    • Examine representations of authority and power, cultural identity, and cultural exchange
    • Identify distinguishing characteristics of cultures, periods, and styles (e.g., Buddhist art vs. Islamic art)
    • Trace cultural influences across time and regions
    • Memorization of key details as a foundation for analysis
    • Develop critical thinking about contemporary categorization of art and the role of art and artists in shaping and challenging cultural norms
  • Important note on content and approach:
    • Some discussions involve different cultural belief systems, including religious beliefs
    • Some artworks include significant nudity; there will be no warnings in advance beyond this note
  • Required learning materials:
    • No textbook required; instructor uses class PowerPoints
    • Optional readings via SmArtHistory links (curated syllabus): https://smarthistory.org/curated-guide/prehistory-middle-ages-survey-syllabus/
    • Two required readings posted on Moodle
    • Optional readings linked in PowerPoint notes and from SmArtHistory, the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History (TOAH), the British Museum, or their podcast A History of the World in 100 Objects
    • Textbooks recommended but not required: Marilyn Stokstad, Art: A Brief History or Stokstad, Art History Volume 1 (print options for those who prefer a book)
  • Academic integrity and content sharing:
    • Course content (including class recordings or videos) may not be shared outside the course

Course Evaluation and Grading

  • Overall structure (rubrics and details provided in separate assignment handouts):
    • Virtual Museum 1: 20\%, due Oct.\;8,\;2025
    • Virtual Museum 2: 20\%, due Nov.\;6,\;2025
    • Virtual Museum 3: 20\%, due Dec.\;13,\;2025
    • Reading Assignment 1: 5\% (individual quiz at start of class) + 10\% (group in-class work); in class Oct.\;1,\;2025
    • Reading Assignment 2: 5\% (individual quiz at start of class) + 10\% (group in-class work); in class Nov.\;3,\;2025
    • In-class quizzes: 10\% (roughly weekly; unscheduled); not permitted to use generative AI for these assessments
    • All assignments have clear rubrics and must be completed in the prescribed format; late submissions may incur penalties
  • Important policy notes on AI and originality:
    • Generative AI (e.g., ChatGPT) is not permitted for in-class work related to the reading assignments or for in-class quizzes
    • Attempts to submit AI-generated works that are not real artworks will result in a 0 for the assignment and a disciplinary letter
    • Concerns about the quality of AI-generated art history content are acknowledged
  • Extensions and submission rules:
    • Virtual Museum extensions: contact via email before end of day on the due date; a one-week extension can be granted automatically if the email is sent; no confirmation reply required if the extension is requested before the deadline
    • After Oct. 15, extensions will not be granted; unsubmitted assignments receive a 0
    • In-class work extensions: not generally provided, though alternate sittings may be possible with documentation of significant events
  • Attendance:
    • No separate attendance mark, but attendance correlates with performance; in-person presence is strongly encouraged as class materials are not fully replicated in PowerPoints or in a textbook
    • Instructor emphasizes the importance of showing up to every class

Projected Timetable and Unit Structure

  • UNIT 1: From Prehistory to ca. 200 CE; Theme: Rise of Empires
    • Sept. 8: Intro to course and Earliest Human Arts
    • Sept. 10: The First Cities and States — Large River Valley Civilizations globally (Mesopotamia and China)
    • Sept. 15: River Valley’s Cont’d: Egypt and Peru (Caral)
    • Sept. 17: From 550 BCE: Rise of Earliest Empires — Persia
    • Sept. 22: From 550 BCE: Rise of Empires – Greece
    • Sept. 24: Greece/Rome
    • Sept. 29: Global Empires: Rome
    • Oct. 1: Required in-class assignment for Reading 1: Talbot article Color Blind: The Myth of Whiteness in Classical Sculpture (New Yorker, 2018). Reading must be completed before class. Link to the article provided in the schedule
    • Oct. 8: UNIT 1 Virtual Museum due (extension policy described above; one-week extension possible via email before Oct 8)
  • UNIT 2: From Around Year 0 to 1000; Theme: The Spread of World Faiths
    • Oct. 6: Hinduism and Buddhism and Early Arts in South Asia
    • Oct. 8: Spread of Buddhism and Early Chinese Art
    • Oct. 13: No class (university holiday)
    • Oct. 15: Late Roman Empire, Rise of Christianity and Art in Europe to ca. 1000
    • Oct. 20: Early Islamic Art — connecting Asia, Middle East, North Africa and Europe
    • Oct. 22: Islamic Art cont’d
    • Oct. 27: Empires of Mesoamerica Before 1000
    • Oct. 29: Mesoamerica Part 2
    • Nov. 3: Reading Assignment 2: Appiah, There Is No Such Thing as Western Civilisation (The Guardian, 2016) – link provided; in-class quiz at start of class (5%) and Unit 2 Virtual Museum due on Nov. 6 (extensions possible; but extensions should be requested early)
  • UNIT 3: Is there a global medieval? From ca. 1000 - ca. 1400
    • Nov. 5: Europe in the Medieval Period — Romanesque
    • Nov. 10-12: Fall Break (no classes)
    • Nov. 17: Europe in the Medieval Period — Gothic
    • Nov. 19: African Art — Kingdom of Ife, Benin
    • Nov. 24: African Art and intercultural exchange to 1400
    • Nov. 26: Later Asian Art — comparing Buddhist art in Thailand and Japan
    • Dec. 1: Later Asian Arts
    • Dec. 3: Arts of Turtle Island and the Americas
    • Dec. 8: The Global Medieval and the World Connected: Global Arts in relation to 1492
    • UNIT 3 Virtual Museum due: Dec. 13 (flexible dates allowed; higher-level consideration given to exam schedules)
  • COURSE OBJECTIVES (summary)
    • Use visual analysis to identify art objects by period, style, artist (when named), and approximate date
    • Use standard art historical language for visual analysis
    • Articulate how formal qualities convey meaning
    • Identify and trace stylistic influences over time and between cultures
    • Explain how interpretations of objects change over time and how historical narratives are constructed
    • Identify and apply various art historical methods and understand changing approaches to interpreting art over time
    • Develop preliminary university-level writing skills, including proper citation formats, distinguishing primary vs. secondary sources, and critiquing scholarly work

Classroom Policies and Academic Integrity

  • General policy: adhere to University Student Code of Conduct; link to policy provided in syllabus
  • Submission requirements: all tests and assignments must be submitted in prescribed format to be considered submitted
  • Extensions for Virtual Museum assignments: email request with date extension; extension granted automatically if requested before the due date; no extension after due date
  • Extensions for in-class work: not typically given; alternative sittings may be possible with documentation of significant events
  • Plagiarism and use of AI:
    • All submitted material must be in your own words; properly cite others’ ideas
    • Plagiarism is a serious offense; can result in immediate failure, formal letters, and potential removal from the University
    • The University uses Turnitin; submissions may be stored in Turnitin’s database; students must be aware of data storage
    • Students should review the University Calendar definitions of academic misconduct and consequences, including misuse of generative AI
    • The professor emphasizes zero tolerance for plagiarism and AI misuse; a second offense could lead to expulsion
  • AI use guidelines: specific guidelines will be provided for three written assignments; the in-class work related to reading assignments prohibits use of AI
  • Fundamental needs: safety and well-being come first; resources available for food, housing, safety, etc. (linked resources and emergency bursary)
  • Scholarly professional environment:
    • Mutual respect and courteous behavior; safe spaces; be mindful that discussions can be theoretical for some and personal for others
    • Ensure all voices are heard, especially in group work; discuss issues, not individuals; choose respectful language
  • Course grade scale (typical U of L scale with a mapping from percent to letter and GPA):
    • Verbal Description, Letter, Percentage Equivalent, Grade Point
    • Excellent: A+ 90-100 → 4.0
    • A: 85-89 → 4.0
    • A-: 80-84 → 3.7
    • Good: B+ 77-79 → 3.3
    • B: 74-76 → 3.0
    • B-: 70-74 → 2.7
    • Satisfactory: C+ 67-69 → 2.3
    • C: 64-66 → 2.0
    • C-: 60-64 → 1.7
    • Poor: D+ 57-59 → 1.3
    • D: 50-56 → 1.0
    • Failing: F <50 → 0

Additional University Resources

  • Counselling Services (free for all students): group and personal counselling, wellness workshops, career counselling, mental health trainings
    • Open 9:00-15:30, Monday–Friday (hours may vary; see website for details)
  • Student Success Centre: workshops, peer learning, tutorials, and events to improve academic skills
  • Accessible Learning Centre: supports students with a range of challenges to ensure equal access; contact alc@uleth.ca; location in B760, University Hall
  • Academic Writing Centre: free individual consultations; helps with research papers, critical essays, annotated bibliographies, etc.; located in L1010; online appointments available
  • Iikaisskini Indigenous Services: supports Indigenous ULethbridge students; administrative contact in Room E610 (University Hall); Iikaisskini Gathering Place in W650, University Hall
  • 2SLGBTQ+ Resources: resources, clubs, and supports on campus

Quick References and Reminders

  • Color and identity: students should be mindful of diverse cultural perspectives and the responsibilities of discussing sensitive content
  • Class materials and access: class PowerPoints are provided; lecture notes are not shared; plan to attend class for full content
  • Recordkeeping: retain all submitted course materials until final marks are received; allows potential re-submission in cases of dispute
  • Important dates: major due dates for Virtual Museums (Oct 8, Nov 6, Dec 13) and Reading Assignments (Oct 1, Nov 3), plus weekly quizzes
  • Name and title etiquette: use Professor (last name) as default; other respectful options listed above
  • Privacy and safety: emphasis on creating a safe and inclusive learning environment; resources available for personal needs