EXAM II

Fall 2000

The first three essays focused on the last module in the unit on functionalism, art and the state. Each topic integrated a variety of resources, although the integration was, with the exception of the unit on the French Revolution, cross-disciplinary work. The last two essays required analysis of the aesthetic of realism or idealism and some comparison to that of functionalism. Students universally avoided the question on realism; this question required synthesis of the visual arts and literature of diverse cultural epochs. 75 % of the class wrote on the French Revolution in Group I; the other two questions addressed non-western cultures, which may account for the comfort zone students seemed to feel with this question. By the spring 2001, I revised this exam considerably to reflect more emphasis on anaylsis of the broad aesthetic schools rather than mastery of particular units. Further, the units on realism and idealism integrated more disciplinary resources.

Midterm Exam II

Please write a well-organized essay on one of the following topics from each section. Be sure to use as many specific facts, dates, events, theories, artists and their works as you can to support your position. Please write your essay in your blue book, and please use pen. (50 points each)

GROUP I: FUNCTIONALISM: ART AND THE STATE

1. Discuss the art of Benin, selecting at least five pieces discussed in class. Explain the symbolism of each piece, its use in Benin society, government, and mythology, and then explain how this art supports the functionalist theory of art.

2. Discuss the art of the reign of Shi Huang Ti and later Chinese architecture, including the Temple of Heaven, and the Forbidden City. Discuss (in detail) whether and how this art/architecture fulfills the purposes for which it was used. How do these architectural monuments capture ideals of Chinese society and how does it support the functionalist view of art?

3. Discuss the art of the French Revolution. How does this art promote the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity? Please discuss in detail whether and how the art promotes Napoleon as the embodiment of these ideals, or as the perverter of them.

GROUP II: ART AS MIRROR OF REALITY

4. Discuss the art of Michelangelo. Carefully explain the philosophical ideas that influenced Michelangelo, and how these ideas are reflected in his art. In what ways does the art of Michelangelo reflect idealism?

5. Discuss the aesthetic of realism as seen in the art of Leonardo da Vinci and the literature of Rebecca Harding Davis. How does realism differ from idealism?