Tips for Art History
HOW TO STUDY FOR THIS CLASS:
(1) Take good notes. That does not mean a verbatim transcript. In the lectures, I rephrase major points more than once, so you have adequate time to write them down. Also, I stop at various points during the lecture to take questions, so feel free to ask. As for general study techniques, taking notes, summarizing readings, the following information will be very helpful.
(2) Do the readings BEFORE the class in which they will be discussed and bring the texts to class. I will always alert you to this in advance. Make notes of major points, facts, and examples in your readings.
(3) Budget at least one hour a week to go over your lecture and film notes and your annotated/highlighted readings. Summarize them, synthesize them, and organize them. Memorize the major names, dates, facts, and connections. This will make your reviewing for the exams a lot easier as you can't intelligently digest a month's material a day or so before the exam(s).
(4) Form a study group. You still have to do most of the work on your own, but it helps to have the input from more than one person especially in reviewing before a test.
(5) Take the first exam seriously. Do not try to see whether I mean business. I do.
(6) When you see me with any concerns about your performance, be sure to bring in your lecture and book notes, your highlighted/annotated notes, and your summaries (along with your tests). That will enable me to give you concrete and specific advice. I will only address your grade outside of class. Not in front of others, as I am not going to take away from everyone's time. Before/after school and lunch time is best.
(7) Do not try and pass this class without reading the text, taking notes on lectures (including art notecards), and going over the downloadable lectures... You will do very poorly, if not blantantly fail.
NOTECARDS
1. Print off the slides for each chapter. (color or b/w)
2. Cut and paste the image to the unlined side of the notecard.
3. On the opposite side, write (in order): Artist, Title, Year, Medium, Location, and Important Facts about the piece.
4. Study the cards every week, adding new cards as we cover new chapters. This will help you GREATLY for exams and the final APAH exam.