How to Teach AP Art History
The study of art history can enhance students' lives and invite them to explore a number of career opportunities, such as museum curator, gallery owner and art appraiser. An AP (advanced placement) art history class should provide students with the ability to discuss art in an educated manner, compare and contrast different styles of art and analyze artwork within a historical framework. Hands-on experiences will help students get the most out of an AP art history class.
Instructions
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Gather a range of images for the classroom. The Advanced Placement Program's "Art History Teacher's Guide" recommends that teachers collect images from a wide range of sources. View the artwork with students daily, as AP students should be exposed to a much wider range of works than what is available in the textbook.
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Teach a wide range of art vocabulary. According to CollegeBoard.com, one of the objectives of AP Art History is "the ability to apply fundamental art and art historical terminology." Reinforce the vocabulary with discussions and field trips to museums and galleries so that students have the opportunity to apply the words they have learned.
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Show students art from many cultures during different points in time. Encourage students to make connections among the culture, its artwork and what was happening in the culture when the artwork was being made.
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Invite students to compare and contrast artwork from different time periods within the same culture. Ask students to describe how the art evolved over the years and to point to possible societal reasons for the change.
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Involve students directly with art. Ask students to assist with setting up shows for the art classes within the school. Encourage students to attend gallery openings and art talks in the community for extra credit.
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Create opportunities for students to make their own art and connect it to that of a historic artist whom they admire. Require students to explain how the art bridges the gap in history and encourage them to discuss similarities and differences between the artwork, historical period and culture.
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Connect students with quality fiction that is based on authentic art history to help them connect further with the historical period they are studying. See the resource section for a list of books that are recommended for AP Art History students. Give extra credit for reading, and ask students to give book talks to the class to develop additional interest in these resources.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit ange st-raphael image by Mélissa Bradette from Fotolia.com
