Art History: Ancient Civilizations
It is only offered once per year. You do not have to take this classes in any specific order, but it is recommended that students take the Intro to Art course before beginning the Art History series.
Art History: Indigenous Americans
Art History: Middle Ages
Art History: Renaissance Masters
CLASS DESCRIPTION
This course is an introductory course into the art and architecture of first major human civilizations in Europe, Asia, and North Africa. These civilizations make up the foundation of early history and Western Civilization, and therefore make up the foundation of art and architectural history. Knowledge of the art and artistic processes of these civilizations is necessary for further study of art history into the modern age.
This 8 week class begins with prehistory and the first peoples. From there we will move through the civilizations in the “Fertile Crescent” and ancient Egypt. The art of ancient China, Japan and India will also play parts in this class. The last portion of the class will cover the two major ancient civilizations that make up the foundation of culture in the West: Greece and Rome, both major influences on the future of art and architecture. This class will serve as a base for students to build future explorations into western and more modern civilizations artistic practices and famous works. Students will gain a better understanding for how to discuss art through the perspective of an art historian.
CLASS FORMAT
No live classes—view lessons on YOUR schedule. In general, expect 1.5-2.5 hours to work through the lesson plan each week, and an additional 2-5 hours working on assignments (it really depends what assignment your child chooses to do and how they manage their time). For classes with two levels, the material is the same for both—the depth of the assignments differs. Younger students should usually be placed in Level 1. Older students, or younger students who want more of a challenge, should be placed in Level 2.
Each lesson consists of a fully narrated PowerPoint presentation with images and videos to enhance the topics. Students will have access to our learning management system, Canvas, for viewing their lesson, printing worksheets, taking quizzes, viewing/submitting assignments, participating in discussions, and viewing grades/feedback. Read more details about class format.
Week 1: Prehistoric Peoples
This week will introduce the first groups of people, those before any major civilization. First, we will examine the first humans and primitive art — such as cave art, the oldest sculptures, and the beginning of pottery. We will also be looking into the beginnings of architecture with the first urbanized settlements. This week will make up the foundation upon which we can build these ancient civilizations.
Week 2: The First Civilizations
Week 2 will cover the first major civilizations, most of which fall around the “Fertile Crescent.” These civilizations provide the model for art and architecture for which most of the rest discussed in this class build upon. The fertile area allowed them to build the major cities like Sumer, Mesopotamia, Babylon, and others whose art and architecture will make up this week’s focus. This week will lead into our first major ancient civilization.
Week 3: Ancient Egypt
This week introduces our first “core” civilization. Egypt set a model for civilization that many others would follow, especially with their art and architecture. It is most easily broken down into its distinct periods and their interims: The Old Kingdom, the Middle Kingdom, the New Kingdom Egypt. Week 3 will cover the Old and Middle Kingdoms. It will cover art of ancient Egyptian mythology, burial and religious art and artifacts, the art of the first dynasties of the Pharaohs, and the pyramids.
Week 4: Ancient Egypt (cont)
This week will begin with the New Kingdom period of Ancient Egypt. We will study the art and architecture of certain dynasties of the New Kingdom, including King Tutankhamen and Akhenaten.
Week 5: Ancient China, Japan, and India
While the majority of this course follows western civilizations, this week will jump over to the eastern side of the world, and see what these early civilizations were doing. The study of ancient India will focus on the art of early Hinduism and Buddhism. From there we will look into ancient China and Japan, including art from the ancient Chinese dynasties, including sculptures, scrolls, and the invention of ink.
Week 6: Ancient Greece
We will begin by examining the art of cultures around the peninsula: the Minoans and the Mycenaeans. After that, we will transition into the Greek Archaic and Geometric Period, with an introduction to Greek sculpture, pottery, and architecture.
Week 7: Ancient Greece (cont)
This week we will move onto the Classical Period of ancient Greece, broken down into its four distinct periods and their interims: Early, High, and Late Classical Greece. We will also cover the Hellenistic Period in this week. We will focus primarily on the major sculptures and significant architecture of such city-states like Athens, including the structures like the Parthenon.
Week 8: Ancient Rome
Week 8 we will explore the art and architecture of ancient Rome, which will bring us to the end of our class as the fall of Rome marks the end of antiquity. From the Republic Period through the Late Roman Empire, this week will focus on some of the most famous ancient architectural structures in history, including the Colosseum and the Pantheon.
Next Level Homeschool is a firm believer that not all learning should happen from behind a screen! That's why we give students the freedom to submit their assignments in the way THEY want to! We don't want regurgitation learning here. By allowing students to use their own talents, skills, and passions to complete assignments, they become even more engaged and retain the information. Why? Because now it's literally in their hands! We receive thousands of projects every year from our students: written reports, videos, models, posters, Scratch, Minecraft, Roblox, songs, poems, skits, drawings, sculptures, crafts—we've seen it ALL! And WE LOVE IT!!
Click here to view just a few projects we've received from students who have taken this class and see what YOUR kid could be learning with Next Level Homeschool!
Course Features
- Schedule Oct 1 - Dec 3
- Activities History
- Lessons 8
- Suggested Ages 12-17 One Level
