Lesson Plan | Active Methodology | Modern Neoclassicism

Premises: This Active Lesson Plan assumes: a 100-minute class duration, prior student study both with the Book and the beginning of Project development, and that only one activity (among the three suggested) will be chosen to be carried out during the class, as each activity is designed to take up a large part of the available time.

Objective

Duration: (5 - 10 minutes)

This objectives phase is essential for laying a strong foundation of understanding before moving on to more engaging activities. By concentrating on the crucial elements that define Neoclassicism and its ties to classical art, students will be able to better contextualize what they've learned before and be better prepared for deeper critical discussions during the session.

Objective Utama:

1. Help students understand how Greek and Roman art influences the Neoclassical movement, enabling them to spot these features in specific artworks.

2. Enhance students' critical thinking skills by linking Neoclassicism's characteristics to relevant historical and cultural contexts.

Objective Tambahan:

1. Spark students' interest in art history and the cultural significance of various artistic movements throughout time.

Introduction

Duration: (15 - 20 minutes)

The intention of the introduction section is to actively engage students with the concept of Neoclassicism. By posing problems, students are encouraged to critically employ their previous knowledge, while the contextualization links historical and artistic concepts to real-life examples, elevating the relevance of the topic in both present and historical discussions.

Problem-Based Situation

1. Look at a painting by Jacques-Louis David alongside a modern artwork. What Neoclassical elements can you see in David's painting that might either contrast with or reflect modern styles?

2. Put yourself in the shoes of an art critic from the 18th century. How would you articulate the influence of Greek and Roman sculpture on present-day Neoclassical art?

Contextualization

Neoclassicism, born in the 18th century, was characterized by a revival of Greek and Roman artistic principles, highlighting ideals like harmony, simplicity, and proportion. This movement was influential in painting and sculpture, greatly shaping architecture and design as well. For example, the construction of public buildings in the US during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, such as the Capitol in Washington, D.C., showcases the Neoclassical style that aimed to embody the democratic values of the nascent nation.

Development

Duration: (70 - 80 minutes)

The development stage is crafted to offer students a chance to actively and interactively apply their existing knowledge about Neoclassicism. Engaging in the proposed activities allows learners to delve deeper into the characteristics and influences of the movement while also honing essential critical and creative skills. This section is vital for consolidating learning and establishing meaningful connections between the art of the past and the contemporary world.

Activity Suggestions

It is recommended that only one of the suggested activities be carried out

Activity 1 - Neoclassicism Archaeologists

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Foster critical analysis and presentation skills while reinforcing understanding of Neoclassicism and its roots in classical arts.

- Description: In this activity, students will form groups of up to five members and take on the role of archaeologists who have unearthed a 'new' Neoclassical art piece. They will analyze the artwork, recognize and present its Neoclassical elements, connecting them to Greek and Roman arts.

- Instructions:

• Divide the class into groups of up to five students.

• Give each group an image of a selected Neoclassical piece (chosen by the teacher beforehand).

• Groups will examine the artwork, identifying features like symmetry, usage of Greek or Roman columns, or themes from classical mythology.

• Each group will put together a presentation explaining the identified elements, drawing from their prior knowledge and research conducted during the task.

• Present their conclusions in a mock archaeologist conference.

Activity 2 - Creating a Neoclassical Work

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Encourage creativity and the real-world application of concepts learned about Neoclassicism, while also enhancing teamwork and presentation abilities.

- Description: Students will be tasked with creating their own Neoclassical artwork. Using basic art supplies like paper, pencils, crayons, and glue, groups need to make a drawing or collage reflecting the fundamental aspects of Neoclassicism, drawing inspiration from Greek and Roman themes.

- Instructions:

• Organize students into groups of no more than five.

• Distribute art materials such as paper, pencils, crayons, and glue.

• Communicate that each group must create a piece that captures the essence of Neoclassicism, including the use of straight lines, simplicity, and homage to Greek and Roman styles.

• Groups will have the entire class period to develop their creations.

• At the end, each group will present their artwork, explaining how they integrated Neoclassical features.

Activity 3 - Neoclassical Debate

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Build research, argumentation, and public speaking skills, while deepening understanding of Neoclassicism's influence across different artistic domains.

- Description: In this session, students will engage in a structured debate where each group will support the significance and impact of Neoclassicism in various fields like painting, sculpture, and architecture. This debate will tap into the research and insights gained earlier, arguing for the continuing relevance of Neoclassicism in today’s art.

- Instructions:

• Split students into groups of up to five.

• Assign each group a specific aspect of Neoclassicism (painting, sculpture, or architecture).

• Each group should prepare arguments defending the significance of Neoclassicism in their assigned field, complete with specific examples and historical context.

• Set up a class debate where groups can present their arguments and answer queries from other teams.

• Wrap up the activity with a vote to determine which group presented the most persuasive arguments.

Feedback

Duration: (10 - 20 minutes)

This phase of the lesson plan aims to solidify students' learning by allowing them to articulate and share the insights generated from their practical activities. Group discussions reinforce comprehension of Neoclassicism's characteristics and influences while fostering skills in argumentation and idea exchange, which are essential for students' intellectual growth in the art history context.

Group Discussion

To kick off the group discussion, the teacher should motivate students to share their experiences and discoveries from the recent activities. Use the following prompts to steer the dialogue: Start by asking each group to briefly summarize what they worked on and what they uncovered in their particular activities. Then, encourage them to discuss how the Neoclassical elements they observed can be seen in contemporary art or other historical examples. Finally, let students pose questions to one another about the different perspectives shared.

Key Questions

1. Which Neoclassical features did you find most prominent in the works you examined?

2. How do the influences of Greek and Roman art show up in the Neoclassical art you created or studied?

3. In what ways does Neoclassicism enhance our understanding of modern art and culture?

Conclusion

Duration: (5 - 10 minutes)

The conclusion stage's purpose is to confirm that students have a clear understanding of what was learned during the lesson, blending theoretical knowledge with the practical experiences they engaged in. This recap aids in solidifying the memory of key concepts and understanding the significance and applicability of Neoclassicism in today's art and everyday life.

Summary

To wrap up the lesson, the teacher should recap the primary points discussed regarding Neoclassicism, stressing the influence of Greek and Roman art and how these elements were resuscitated in various forms of Neoclassical expressions. Highlight the insights students gained during the activities, such as identifying Neoclassical components across different works and creating their own pieces inspired by the movement.

Theory Connection

Clarify how the practical activities reinforced the theoretical aspects studied, showcasing the direct application of concepts like symmetry, the use of columns, and classical mythology themes, both in analysis and creativity. Point out how this teaching approach—melding theory with practice—helps students grasp and retain knowledge effectively.

Closing

Finally, underscore the enduring relevance of Neoclassicism, not merely as a subject of historical study but as a wellspring of inspiration for modern art and design, illustrating that a solid understanding of former artistic movements enhances our interpretations and appreciation of current cultural expressions.