HUM
122 Introduction to Humanities
Reviews
for Exams I and II
Introductory Material (Exam I)
Artificial
Text (Form)
Context
Subtext (Content)
Sign
Symbol
Medium/Media
Convention
Ephemeral and Durable Arts
Textual/Contextual Criticism
Illusion
Five Functions of Art
-enjoyment
-artifact
-therapy
-sociopolitical commentary
-ritual
Pictures (Exam I)
"Virtual Planal Space"
Categories of pictorial style:
Palette
Relationship of line and mass
Watercolor/Fresco/Oil
Transparent and opaque media
Relief Printing (Woodcut)
Intaglio Printing (engraving, etching)
Baroque
"The Freudian Revolution"
Surrealism
Impressionism
Futurism
Expressionism
Pop Art
Ukiyo-e
Chiaroscuro
Impasto
Perspective (linear/aerial)
Open/closed Composition
Photography:
Sculpture (Exam II)
Virtual Kinetic Volume (external)
Relationship of mass, line, and space
Contrapposto (“opposing position”)
Sculptures of the JCCC permanent collection:
Categories of sculptural form:
Methods of Sculptural Execution:
Sculptors:
Architecture (Exam II)
Virtual Kinetic Volume (internal)
Post and Lintel
Arches:
Load-Bearing Wall
Skeleton Frame
Gothic
Romanesque
Cantilever
Ferroconcrete
Column Capital Orders:
Dome
Arcade
Pendentive
Flying Buttress
Vault (Tunnel, Groin)
Prairie House
International Style
Architects:
Discussion Question Pool
Exam I questions:
1. Explain the difference between a sign and a symbol. Provide and explain an example of each. Based on this difference, how is the artform a "symbolic" expression?
2. What is the aesthetic relationship between text, context and subtext? Describe and apply to an example from the lectures, slides, textbook, etc. Based on this relationship, how is the artform a "symbolic" expression?
3. The "primary illusion" of pictorial art is known as "virtual planal space." Explain the meaning of this term as it applies to how we view pictures, paintings, photographs, etc.
4. Explain the development and use of photography from its beginnings to the present. Why has there been a controversy as to whether photography is an "art" or a "technology?"
5. How did the “Freudian Revolution” affect the nature of twentieth century visual arts? How did it challenge the previous conventions? Give examples from the lecture, slides, textbook, etc.
Exam II questions (watch for additional questions to be added to this list!):
1. In terms of compositional elements and one's subjective perception of them, what makes sculptures different from paintings? In your response, explain what is meant by “virtual kinetic volume” as a primary illusion of sculpture.
2. What does it mean to say that architecture is "virtual kinetic volume (internal)?” How does this idea express the profound difference between “space” and “place?”
3. How are sculpture and architecture similar to one another? How do they differ? In your answer, use examples that we have discussed in class.
4. Describe Maya Lin's Vietnam Veterans Memorial. What was her intention in this design? How does it differ from other "war memorials?" What challenges did she face?
5. Describe I.M. Pei's Miho Museum. What is unique about his design? What sorts of structural challenges did Pei overcome in this design? What cultural concerns did he have to address?
6. Discuss the basic philosophical principles and building techniques found in the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright. Support your answer with examples of his private homes and/or public buildings.