ANS/ART 365--Alaska Native Art History

Goals of the course:

This course is designed to provide a general background regarding the artistic traditions of Alaska Native peoples. In addition to the visual art (rock art, wood and ivory carving, and beadwork) which is normally associated with Alaska Natives, this course will also discuss how these media interact with drama, dance, song, storytelling, and contemporary fine arts. Discovery of information and theories about Native peoples is an on-going process, and student input is valued and actively sought. More importantly, this is a course about the creativity of several cultures, including the creativity of the students who are learning about them.

Special needs:

The University of Alaska is committed to providing equal access for students with disabilities. If you experience a disability and need special accommodations, please contact the instructor personally at the beginning of the semester.

Course requirements:

It is extremely important that you use the syllabus as a guide to following the progress of this course. The exams are based on lectures, attendance, reading assignments, and other as presented by the instructor and teaching assistant.

Grades:

Grading in this class is NOT curved. There will be writing assignments, quizzes, exams, including a final examination, and a final project.

Study guides will be distributed in class prior to each exam, along with in-class review sessions. The study guides will include a series of terms to identify, multiple choice questions, true/false questions, geographic locations, as well as several essay questions to answer. A useful suggestion in preparing for each exam is to work with study groups.

  Your grade will be reduced by one level (A to B, etc.) for three unexcused absences. Contact the instructor in advance if you are going to miss a class.

Final Project:

The keywords for this aspect of the course are CREATIVITY and FUN. Education Majors are encouraged to design a teaching unit as a final project. Discuss potential topics with the instructor for guidance in feasibility. A project outline will be prepared, including these basic elements: (1) culture area(s), (2) artistic media, (3) initial reference list of bibliographic resources to be used (a trip to the library is advised).

Each project must include a (type)written report regarding the (1) technological design and utility of the artwork; (2) economic benefits to the society of origin; (3) religious/ideological factors; (4) social organization pertaining to the culture which are reflected in the object (for instance, inscriptions denoting kinship affiliation, or the social status of some one). Drawings, paintings, carvings, and other original artwork are all welcome, as long as there is a written component to the project as described above.