Module 8

MODULE 8 - VIDEO REVIEW

1. Explain why you selected the video you choose from the selection listed above.

2. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.

3. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?

4. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the readings and art concepts?

• I chose the video on the Middle Ages purely based on the fact that I have an interest for that period in time.  It was a very unique point in history, and I wanted to see perhaps what life was like or what were sources of inspiration during that time. 

• The first video, How Art Made the World - More Human than Human was very intriguing. The video stated that in art, we generally create a human form that may be perceived as unattainable or unrealistic, and that there is a neurological basis to this. That our brain focuses on objects with a pleasing aesthetic If I were to create a sculpture of a human figure for example, I would probably create one that appeals to my sense of beauty, and it would probably be unrealistic as well because as humans we generally don't like reality and tend to exaggerate features that accentuate beauty or sex appeal.  

• In the second video, The Birth of the Middle Ages was also very interesting. I find the history of that time period to be very expansive. Life and civilization went on in all parts of the world, Africa, Europe, Japan, etc. There was invasion, dark periods and fruitful renaissances.  It was quite interesting to see that fragments of the medieval survives in many places such as Africa and Italy, Including architecture and culture. 

• The videos were helpful. The first video which discussed the portrayal of the human body in art were related to chapter 14. The second video was related to chapter 15, which went into a great deal  discussing the Medieval period, development of Christianity, the formation of Europe. 

• I enjoyed both videos overall, they contributed to my understanding of what was discussed in the readings. I sometimes assumed in old pieces of art, perhaps there was a chance that features were accentuated or exaggerated. The second video was my favorite out of the two, Medieval history has always been an interest of mine. I found it very relevant to what was discussed in Chapter 15, and I believe it has strengthened my knowledge on the time period.