Objectives (5 - 7 minutes)

1. Understanding Byzantine Art: Students will be able to define and describe the key features of Byzantine Art, including its unique style, use of gold, religious themes, and emphasis on symbolism. They will also learn about the historical context in which this art form emerged.

2. Identifying Byzantine Artworks: Students will develop the ability to identify Byzantine artworks, particularly icons and mosaics, and understand their significance in the Byzantine Empire. They will learn to differentiate these artworks from other art forms of the same period.

3. Analyzing Byzantine Artworks: Students will learn how to analyze and interpret Byzantine artworks, examining the ways in which the form and content of the art reflect the beliefs and values of the Byzantine Empire. They will also consider how these artworks may have been used and understood by the people of the time.

Secondary Objectives:

• Digital Literacy: Through the flipped classroom approach, students will gain experience in using online resources to learn new material. This will help to develop their digital literacy skills, which are increasingly important in the modern world.

• Critical Thinking: By analyzing and interpreting artworks, students will be encouraged to think critically about the material and draw their own conclusions. This will help to develop their overall critical thinking skills, which are essential for success in many areas of life.

Introduction (10 - 12 minutes)

1. Review of Prior Knowledge (3 - 4 minutes): The teacher starts the lesson by reminding students of the broader context of art history, specifically focusing on the transition from the Classical to the Medieval period. They will highlight how the different historical, cultural, and religious shifts during this time influenced the development of various art forms.

2. Problem Situations (3 - 4 minutes): The teacher presents two problem situations to the students. The first problem could be: "Imagine you're an artist in the 6th century, tasked with creating an artwork for a church. How would you approach the task, considering the religious and cultural context of the time?" The second problem could be: "You're an art historian studying an ancient artwork that is heavily adorned with gold. What can you infer about the society that produced this artwork?"

3. Real-World Contextualization (2 - 3 minutes): The teacher explains the importance of understanding Byzantine Art in a modern context. They may discuss how Byzantine Art has influenced the aesthetics of many religious and cultural institutions today. They can also touch on the value of studying historical art forms in general, emphasizing the lessons they can teach us about past societies and the continuity of human creativity.

4. Attention-Grabbing Introduction (2 - 3 minutes): The teacher engages the students by sharing two intriguing facts or stories related to Byzantine Art. The first could be the story of how the Emperor Justinian commissioned the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) as a grand architectural and artistic statement of the Byzantine Empire's power and religious devotion. The second could be the fact that the use of mosaics in Byzantine Art was partly influenced by the need to create art that would not violate the Orthodox Christian prohibition on creating 3D images of God and the saints.

5. Topic Introduction and Context Setting (1 minute): The teacher introduces the topic of Byzantine Art, explaining that it is a unique art form that emerged in the Eastern Roman Empire, or Byzantine Empire, from the 5th to the 15th century CE. They highlight that this art form is known for its distinct style, heavy use of gold, religious themes, and emphasis on symbolism. They also stress that Byzantine Art tells us a great deal about the culture, religion, and society of the Byzantine Empire.

Development

Pre-Class Activities (15 - 20 minutes)

1. Reading Assignment (7 - 10 minutes): The teacher assigns students a reading on the characteristics and significance of Byzantine Art. This reading should be from a reliable art history source, such as a university's art history department website or a reputable art history book. The students' task is to read the material and make a list of at least five key features of Byzantine Art, such as its use of gold, emphasis on religious themes, etc.

2. Video Viewing (5 - 7 minutes): The teacher also provides a link to a short, engaging documentary or video lecture on Byzantine Art. The students should watch this video and take notes on at least three different types of Byzantine artworks and their symbolic meanings.

3. Online Quiz (3 - 5 minutes): After completing the reading and video tasks, the students will take an online quiz on the material. This quiz should primarily assess their understanding of the characteristics and significance of Byzantine Art.

In-Class Activities (25 - 30 minutes)

1. Activity: "Create Your Own Icon" (10 - 12 minutes): In groups of four, students will create their own "icons" on large sheets of paper using crayons, markers, or colored pencils. Each "icon" should depict a religious figure and include elements that reflect the characteristics of Byzantine Art they learned about in their pre-class activities (e.g., the use of gold, symbolic imagery, etc.). The students will also write a brief description of their icon, explaining the design choices they made and what each element symbolizes.

   • After the icons are created, each group will present their icon to the class, explaining the design choices they made and the symbolic meaning behind each element. A class discussion will follow, with the teacher clarifying and reinforcing the connection between the students' icons and the characteristics of Byzantine Art.

2. Activity: "Analyze the Mosaic" (10 - 12 minutes): The teacher provides each group with a high-resolution image of a Byzantine mosaic. The students' task is to analyze the mosaic, identifying the characteristics of Byzantine Art they learned about in their pre-class activities. They will also discuss the possible symbolic meanings of the elements in the mosaic.

   • After analyzing the mosaic, each group will present their findings to the class, explaining the characteristics of Byzantine Art they identified and the possible symbolic meanings they deduced. A class discussion will follow, with the teacher providing additional insights and correcting any misconceptions.

3. Activity: "Museum Curator" (5 - 6 minutes): At the end of the class, the teacher will surprise the students with a "museum curator" role-play activity. The students will be divided into pairs, and each pair will be given an image of a different Byzantine artwork. They will have to quickly research the artwork's historical context and key features using their digital devices and present their findings as if they were curating an exhibit. This activity not only reinforces what they've learned but also promotes quick thinking and research skills.

   • After the pairs have presented their curations, the teacher will facilitate a class discussion, asking the other students to provide their own interpretations of the artworks.

By the end of all these activities, students should have a solid understanding of Byzantine Art's characteristics, significance, and their ability to analyze and interpret Byzantine artworks. The activities will also have fostered their collaborative, research, presentation, and creative skills, making the lesson a well-rounded and engaging learning experience.

Feedback (8 - 10 minutes)

1. Group Discussions (3 - 4 minutes): The teacher facilitates a group discussion, where each group shares their solutions or conclusions from the activities. The teacher encourages other groups to ask questions or provide feedback on their peers' work. This promotes a collaborative learning environment and helps students to understand different perspectives and approaches to the same task.

2. Connecting Theory and Practice (2 - 3 minutes): The teacher then guides a reflection on the connections between the hands-on activities and the theoretical knowledge about Byzantine Art. They ask questions such as: "How did creating your own icon help you understand the characteristics of Byzantine Art?" or "How did analyzing a real Byzantine mosaic deepen your understanding of its symbolism?" This reflection reinforces the importance of practical application in learning and the value of hands-on activities in understanding abstract concepts.

3. Individual Reflection (2 - 3 minutes): The teacher proposes that the students take a moment to reflect individually on the day's lesson. They should consider the following questions: "What was the most important concept you learned today?" and "What questions do you still have?" This reflection gives students the opportunity to consolidate their learning and identify any areas they may need to revisit in future lessons.

4. Summarizing the Lesson (1 minute): The teacher wraps up the feedback session by summarizing the main points of the lesson and providing a preview of the next lesson, if applicable. They also remind the students of any upcoming assignments or assessments related to the topic.

By the end of this feedback session, the teacher should have a good understanding of how well the students have grasped the concepts of Byzantine Art. The students, on the other hand, should feel confident in their understanding of the topic and motivated to continue learning.

Conclusion (5 - 7 minutes)

1. Summary and Recap (2 - 3 minutes): The teacher begins by summarizing the main points of the lesson. They reiterate the key characteristics of Byzantine Art, such as its distinct style, use of gold, religious themes, and emphasis on symbolism. They also remind the students about the significance of Byzantine Art in reflecting the culture, religion, and society of the Byzantine Empire. The teacher then recaps the activities the students engaged in during the lesson, highlighting how each one contributed to their understanding of the topic.

2. Connection of Theory, Practice, and Applications (1 - 2 minutes): The teacher explains how the lesson connected theory, practice, and real-world applications. They highlight how the pre-class reading and video activities provided the theoretical knowledge that the students applied in the in-class activities, such as creating their own icons and analyzing a Byzantine mosaic. They also note how the activities allowed the students to practice important skills, such as research, analysis, collaboration, and presentation. In terms of real-world applications, the teacher emphasizes how the skills and knowledge the students gained can be applied to understanding and appreciating Byzantine Art in museums, churches, and other cultural institutions.

3. Additional Materials (1 minute): The teacher suggests additional resources for students who wish to further explore the topic of Byzantine Art. These resources could include:

   • Books: "Byzantine Art and Diplomacy in an Age of Decline" by Cecily J. Hilsdale, "Art of the Byzantine Era" by David Talbot Rice, or "Byzantium: Faith and Power (1261-1557)" by Helen C. Evans and William D. Wixom.

   • Websites: The Metropolitan Museum of Art's website has a comprehensive collection of Byzantine Art pieces, along with detailed descriptions and analysis. The British Museum's website also provides a wealth of information on Byzantine Art, including virtual tours of their Byzantine collection.

   • Virtual Exhibits: Students can explore virtual exhibits, such as the Byzantine and Christian Museum in Athens, to see a wide range of Byzantine Art in a museum setting.

   • Documentaries: BBC's "Treasures of Heaven: Saints, Relics and Devotion in Medieval Europe" and "Legacy: The Origins of Civilization" series have episodes that touch on Byzantine Art.

4. Relevance to Everyday Life (1 minute): Lastly, the teacher briefly explains the relevance of Byzantine Art to everyday life. They can mention how many modern churches and religious institutions still incorporate elements of Byzantine Art in their design and decoration. They can also discuss how the study of historical art forms like Byzantine Art can foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of different cultures, religions, and societies. Moreover, the teacher can point out that the critical thinking, analysis, and research skills the students developed during the lesson are transferable to many other areas of life, including school, work, and personal interests.

By the end of the conclusion, students should have a clear and comprehensive understanding of Byzantine Art, its characteristics, and its significance. They should also feel encouraged to explore the topic further and confident in their ability to apply the knowledge and skills they've gained in future learning experiences.