For Your Information: It Is Required By The College That You
For Your Informationit Isrequired By The College That You Have A Cri
For your information: It is required by the college that you have a critical thinking portion of each chapter. As you read the chapters 18-20 in Module Seven - in the accompanying assessment (quiz), there will be a short essay with a minimum word count of 350+ to earn any points. When answering one of the six questions below do not pad the essay with just words, but concentrate on the content of your answer. Use spelling and grammar check before you submit the short essay. When you take the quiz you will copy and paste the answers to the two questions that you prepared in advance in the answer block area.
At the beginning of your short essay place your full name, date, and title of your short essay. Remember there is a minimum of 350+ words for your essay. Not including the title, etc. Chapters 18-20 include topics such as the Terracotta Warriors, Islamic art influences, and comparisons of Aztec and Inca art. You will need to watch the provided documentaries and videos for each chapter and integrate your understanding into a comprehensively written essay that addresses specific questions related to each topic.
Paper For Above instruction
The assignment requires a thorough critical analysis of key topics covered in Chapters 18 through 20, which include the Terracotta Warriors of China, Islamic art influences, and the art of the Aztecs and Incas. For each chapter, students are expected to watch relevant documentaries or videos and craft an essay of at least 350 words that synthesizes the content, answers specific questions, and reflects a deep understanding of the material.
In Chapter 18, the focus is on China's Terracotta Army. Students should explore why the army was created—namely, to serve the emperor in the afterlife and to project imperial power. The discovery of the warriors was accidental during a 20th-century excavation, uncovering thousands of life-sized figures buried in pits. The craftspeople used the traditional coiling method because it allowed for detailed craftsmanship in creating the life-like features and varied expressions of each warrior. Cave houses served as the molds or structures used in shaping the statues, and a poisonous resin, similar to modern plastics, was applied to preserve and protect the vibrant paint. Earlier tombs from before the First Emperor often involved human sacrifices, reflecting their beliefs in an afterlife. Scientists employed facial recognition software to analyze the individual features of the warriors, uncovering insights into the artisans’ techniques and cultural influences. What stood out most was the scale of the army and the level of detail in each figure, showcasing advanced artistic techniques and cultural symbolism. The video not only highlighted historical facts but also offered insights into ancient Chinese burial practices and artistry, blending archaeology with modern technology.
In Chapter 19, the influence of Islamic art worldwide is examined, emphasizing tessellations—a repetitive pattern that fits seamlessly without gaps, a hallmark of Islamic geometric design. The importance of Islamic influence is evident in its application beyond religious contexts into architecture, textiles, and decorative arts globally. Modern innovations, such as digital design software, have allowed for complex tessellations and intricate patterns that echo traditional Islamic motifs. The influence is particularly visible in architectural features in places like Egypt and Sudan, where Islamic motifs have merged with indigenous styles, exemplified by grand mosques and palaces that incorporate geometric ornamentation. Understanding tessellations reveals their mathematical basis and artistic beauty, fostering cross-cultural appreciation and inspiring contemporary art and architecture. These influences highlight how Islamic artistic principles continue to shape global design and aesthetic standards, fostering intercultural dialogue and preserving a rich heritage that bridges tradition and innovation.
In Chapter 20, the art of the Aztecs and Incas is compared and contrasted. Aztec art is characterized by vibrant imagery, elaborate stone carvings, and codices that depict religious rituals, warfare, and mythology. For instance, the Aztec calendar stone exemplifies their complex cosmology and reverence for celestial cycles. In contrast, Inca art emphasizes a more utilitarian and harmonious approach with finely crafted gold work, textiles, and stone architecture like Machu Picchu, reflecting their respect for landscape and harmony with nature. Incas relied heavily on terracing and stone masonry to integrate their cities into the mountainous terrain, whereas Aztecs tended toward grand pyramids and ceremonial centers. Despite differences, both cultures showcased sophisticated craftsmanship and spiritual symbolism. The comparison underscores how each civilization's environment and belief systems fundamentally shaped their artistic expressions, which served political, religious, and social functions. Analyzing these art forms demonstrates the diversity and richness of pre-Columbian civilizations and their lasting legacies in art history.
References
- Bard, M. (2012). The art of the Aztecs. Thames & Hudson.
- El-Haddad, A. (2017). Islamic geometric patterns: Mathematical foundations and artistic expressions. Journal of Cultural Heritage.