THEA498 SPECIAL TOPICS IN ARTS I
| Course Code: | 6430498 |
| METU Credit (Theoretical-Laboratory hours/week): | 3 (3.00 - 1.00) |
| ECTS Credit: | 5.0 |
| Department: | Music and Fine Arts |
| Language of Instruction: | |
| Level of Study: | Undergraduate |
| Course Coordinator: | |
| Offered Semester: | Fall and Spring Semesters. |
Course Objectives
“Art” is the quintessential activity of human species; yet, we understand so little about why we produce “art” and what “artistic production” achieves. Through a survey of the earliest “art” produced by our ancestors, this course will give a glimpse of our current state of knowledge about the changing social and cognitive abilities as well as the meaning-laden worlds of human-beings over the last 3 million years. Our specific focus will be on the use of imagery in prehistoric cave paintings, use of the earliest statuettes and the development of body decoration, pottery, architecture and music.
Course Content
The course aims to provide students with new practical and theoretical approaches in varying art topics, i.e. plastic arts, cinema and theatre. Contemporary art theories and practices have a dynamic evolvement, where technological advancements have the potential to be incorporated into art works. The course is designed to provide students with an understanding of contemporary theoretical and practical approaches in different fields of art, new technological developments and new media practices that can be integrated with artistic processes.
Course Learning Outcomes
Students are expected to understand the evolution of human symbolic behavior and cognition; to develop an insight into theories of prehistoric art; to acquire self-reflexive and critical thinking skills about the human potential for creativity; to develop an understanding of alternative ways of thinking, perceiving, being and acting in the world.