Instruction
Discussion 1
Students will consider the Elgin Marbles as a case study of cultural heritage and art ethics. (Outcomes 1-3)
Instructions
Figure of Iris
Figure of Iris from the West Pediment of the Parthenon
The Acropolis, Athens, Greece, about 438-432 BC
The British Museum. Used with permissions.
Who is the best conservator of artifacts--museums or the descendants of the people who created them?Is art an integral component in cultural or national identity? In this discussion, we will debate the problems involving the "ownership" of important cultural artifacts. Within a museum collections context, these artifacts would be called "material culture."
Research
First, research Lord Elgin and the Elgin Marble controversy surrounding specific works removed from the Parthenon in Greece. Also visit: Parthenon Sculptures.
When you are done with your research, answer the following questions in the discussion forum:
Who owns material culture?
Should members of specific cultural groups be entitled to art and artifacts that are part of their heritage and identity? Using the example of the Elgin Marbles, explain how our ethics and concerns over maintaining the cultural heritage of "others" has changed over time. Do you agree or disagree with Lord Elgin's 19th-century collection methods? Should the scholarly value of the works outweigh issues of Greek cultural heritage? Do you think Greece still has a claim on the marbles or not? Defend your position for those students who disagree with you. Provide new insight, examples, and perspectives for those who do agree with your point of view. Post two or more replies. The Discussion instructions and rubric in the Syllabus can help guide your participation.
discussion 2
Students will examine the importance of context in art by considering the evaluation of objects as either art or craft, and how the removal of objects from their original context can affect our interpretation of them. (Outcomes 1, 2, 7, 8)
Instructions
First, view the following video, which discusses the difference between art and craft:
https://ed.ted.com/lessons/is-there-a-difference-between-art-and-craft-laura-morelli
What's the Difference Between Art and Craft video link
and read the following New York Times article on this debate:
Beyond Cultural Labeling, Beyond Art Versus Craft
Then respond to all parts of the following questions:
Discuss the differences between art and craft; art, artisan, and craftsperson; the minor arts and the major arts, and whether you think these distinctions are valuable or not. How does context and purpose affect the way an object is classified? Can artifacts and art objects be fully appreciated if removed from their original context? Why or why not? Upload one image (captioned with artist, title, date) you refer to in your response.
Post two or more replies on different days, providing new insight, examples, and perspectives. The Discussion instructions and rubric in the Syllabus can help guide your participation.