Art+of+the+Ancient+Near+East

Even from a distance, strangers approaching the city would have seen the high walls and imposing gates and temple platforms where the priest-king acted as intermediary between the people and the gods. Important visitors and ambassadors on the way to an audience with the ruler would have passed sculpture extolling the ower of the Assyrian armies and then come face-to-face with Iamassus, the extraordinary guardian-protectors of the palaces and throne rooms. These colossal gateway figures combined the bearded head of a man, the powerful body of a lion or bull, the wings of an eagle, and the horned headdress of a god. Because they were designed to be viewed frontally and from the side, Iamassus seem to have five legs. When seen from the front, two forelegs are placed together and the creatures appear immobile. But when viewed from the side, the legs are shown as vigorously striding (hence the fifth leg). The sheer size of the Iamassus - often twice a person's height - symbolizes the strength of the ruler they defend. Their forceful forms and prominent placement contribut to an architecture of domination. On the othre hand, the exquisite detailing of their beards, feathers, and jewels testifies to boundless wealth, which also signifies power. These fantstic composite beasts inspired both civic pride and fear. They are works of art with an unmistakable political mission. In the ancient Near East, the arts played an important political role. (Stokstad, 25) Welcome to the Art of the Ancient Near East.

Interesting Videos:
[] Jericho 3D [] Cuneiform Writing [] Ancient Mesopotamia [] Ziggurat of Ur [] Lion Gate [] Ishtar Gate at Babylon

Reading Assignment
Students are to read pages 25 - 47 "Art of the Ancient Near East"

Discussion Questions
Students will make an intial post to two Discussion Questions for each week. Students will also post a minimum of two responses to Discussion Questions. The use of Discussion Questions allows for students to exchange ideas and knowledge to certain subjects. It is also important that students read each of the entries, even if it doesn't pertain to the questions that they addressed. The reasoning for this is that the exchange of information allows for further learner and a better understanding of the material. You are to go to the "Discussion" section to find the Discussion Questions for this week.

Each week students will be required to perform one of the Performance Objectives that has not been answered by another student. The purpose of the Performance Objective is to take the information you have learned to another level through researching the material through online sources and posting the additional information in your answer. This means that you will become the expert on this subject so when questions are raised by your peers you will need to answer them to the best of your ability. Students will also be required to post a response to two of your peers Performance Objectives giving you a chance to ask questions and comment on the material so that you can learn more about the subject. Students are to go to the "Discussion" section to find where you can post your response to the Performance Objectives. PO 2.1 : Many believe that Jericho is the oldest city in the world. In a 1 to 2 page response explain how this theory is supported and what your opinion is based on the knowledge you have of the subject. PO 2.2 : The Code of Hammurabi was one of the greatest archeological findings that tells of people's rights, duties and punishment for wrongdoing. In a 1 to 2 page response you need to tell what the Code of Hammurabi represents, tell about the rights the people had at this period in time, what where their duties, and what types of punishment was dealt to those who took part in wrongdoing.? PO 2.3 : It was considered a woman's art even if men produced the raw materials for it. Textiles played an important part in the everyday life of the people of this period. In a 1 to 2 page response explain the process of the production of textiles and the materials used to produce these textiles. PO 2.4 : We have read about the coining of money. Why did money first come into use, how was it developed, what was it made from and how important was it to the people who utilized it? In a 1 to 2 page response answer these questions and provide additional information about the minting process.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Performance Objectives <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 12px;">﻿ **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 12pt;">Performance Objective Questions **

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 12pt;">Reflections
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 12pt;">Reflecting on what you have learned is a very important step in the learning process. The student is to write a 1 to 2 page paper telling about their learning experience and the material that was covered that week. This is an excellent time for the student to ask questions about areas they had difficulty understanding, that wasn't answered in their discussion questions. You can post your reflections in the Discussion section look for "Reflections" to post you thoughts to.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Museum Web Link
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 12pt;">After reading the material for the week students are to do a web search to find additional information on a subject that was covered in the reading. Example would be the Mona Lisa by Leonarda da Vinci. The student could take a tour of the Louve and tell about the experience of this virtual tour of the museum and seeing the Mona Lisa on display. The student will be required to share this information by posting their thoughts about the tour and also post the web link for others to have an opportunity to take the tour. Invariably, students will post the same link from time to time, but your interpretations should be different as each of your opinions will reflect the likes and dislikes of the individual. Students are to post your museum web link with your opinion by going to the Discussion sectoin and look for "Musem Web Link" to post your link and response.