MULTI-MEDIA MATERIALS

Texts are not only words written on a page. In this course, we use the word "text" to refer to a wide variety of materials in different media. The videos, CD-Roms, Internet resources, etc. that you will begin to familiarize yourselves with this semester fall into this second category of "text" and will help you to visualize more clearly (and study at your own pace, according to your own background) the periods under discussion in this class. It is hoped that you will get a better understanding of the value systems of the medieval and early modern periods through an examination of art, history, and daily life. In addition, by learning to manipulate some of the computerized materials, you will gain valuable experience in the technology which will shape your careers in the 21st century.

Below is a list of some of the materials available. The Assistants in the lab (2S-114) will be able to help you find more materials--both in the lab and in cyberspace. Your mid-term and final examinations will have questions on some of this material, so you should take notes as you explore it. One of the uses you will be making of your e-mail accounts this semester is to send me messages with "reaction reports" and questions on the multi-media materials.

For the correct spelling of artists' names, place names, names of works of art, etc., you should consult H.W. Janson, The History of Art, which is available both in the Multi-Media Lab or in the Library, or any other complete introductory text to art history. For the Western Tradition and Art in the Western World series, you will have xeroxes available with summaries and questions (along with the correct spelling of names, places, and events).

I've indicated below where the materials are to be found on campus. This is a starting point and all updates will appear on our class home page. In some instances, there is printed material that goes along with the AV or computer materials. Study it! This should be an enjoyable experience for you--not only for your personal knowledge, but in preparation for your teaching careers where you will be expected to integrate this kind of material into your classes.

Medieval Realms on CD-Rom (Lab)

Castle and Cathedral (Lab)

Knights and Armor (Lab)

Art in the Western World: (videos are in the Library and the Lab).
The following episodes are required viewing:
A White Garment of Churches (Romanesque and Gothic Art)
Early Renaissance
High Renaissance

The Western Tradition (30-minute videos covering ancient through 20th century culture). You will look at the segments dealing with the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Videos are in the Library and in the Lab. The accompanying texts and ancillary materials are in the Lab.

Dante: Divine Poet (2 parts) (Lab)

Florence, Birthplace of the Renaissance (Lab)

Florence: Portrait of a City (Lab)

Dante (video in the Lab)

Sister Wendy's Story of Art (Lab)

Strange Landscapes: The Medieval World (Lab)

A Man for All Seasons (film; Lab)--optional

The Lion in Winter (film; Lab)--optional

King Lear (Scofield and Olivier versions; Library). We will watch the (bleak and brooding) Scofield version in class as we read King Lear, since a play is meant to be performed and seen!

This page is maintained by Kathryn M. Talarico [talarico@postbox.csi.cuny.edu]
Please address all comments to her.
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