Unit I: Functionalism

In this unit, we will study the uses of art and the various purposes for which it has historically been created. Functionalism is an aesthic theory about the nature of art widely held in ancient Greece. The Greeks thought of art as techne, or as a skill which could be learned and used in the service of society. For the Greeks, a work of art was judged to be successful or effective in so far as it fulfilled the purpose for which it was deigned. In the units below, we will explore several examples of masterworks of art and architecture which were designed with a purpose in mind. We will explore these works of art within the context of our discussion of functionalism, but this does not necessarily mean that these works cannot be appreciated from many other aesthetic points of view.

Paleolithic Cave Art

Explore the cave art of Lascaux and other recently discovered sites, the class outline, and other sites related to the prehistoric era.

Threads of Life: The Textile Arts

Review the textile art and related myths studied in class here.

Houses of Prayer

Unit by Dr. Deborah Vess, Associate Professor of History and Director of Interdisciplinary Studies. Chapters on the Pyramids, Mosques, Greek Aesthetics, the Acropolis, and Cathedrals.

The Political and Social Dimensions of Art

Unit by Dr. Roxanne Farrar, Assistant Professor of Art History and Interdisciplinary Studies. Introductory unit to "Art and the State."

Art and the State

Unit by Dr. Deborah Vess. Chapters on The Art of Benin, The Tomb of Shi Huang Ti, the Forbidden City, and the French Revolution.

Art as Commercial Propoganda

Unit by Dr. Tina Yarborough, Assistant Professor of Art History and Interdisciplinary Studies. Explore the ways in which the image of the Mona Lisa has been appropriated. Still under contruction.

copyright © Dr. Deborah Vess 1998-2001, Georgia College & State University and the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. All rights reserved. Rights to chapters authored by contributing faculty members reserved to Georgia College & State University, to the Interdisciplinary Studies Program at GC&SU, and to the individual faculty authors.