**Lesson Plan: Art History (Contemporary and Global)**
**Grade Level**: 12th Grade
**Subject**: Art
**Duration**: 5 days (1 week)
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### **Objectives:**
1. **Understand** the evolution of contemporary art within global contexts.
2. **Analyze** the influence of different cultural, social, and political factors on contemporary art.
3. **Explore** significant contemporary artists from various parts of the world.
4. **Develop** critical thinking through the evaluation of various artworks.
### **Materials:**
- Computer with internet access and projector
- Art history textbooks
- Notebooks and pens
- Art supplies (paper, pencils, paints, etc.)
- Access to online art databases and museums
- Handouts and printouts of prominent artworks
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### **Day 1: Introduction to Contemporary and Global Art**
**Objectives:**
- Introduce the scope of contemporary art.
- Discuss the impact of globalization on the art world.
**Activities:**
1. **Lecture & Discussion** (30 minutes):
- Brief overview of contemporary art—its timeline and major movements.
- Discuss how globalization has impacted art production and dissemination.
2. **Group Activity** (20 minutes):
- Students break into small groups and research various contemporary artists from different parts of the world.
- Each group will create a small presentation to share their initial findings with the class.
3. **Homework:**
- Read assigned textbook chapter on contemporary art movements and global influences.
- Write a brief reflection on one contemporary artwork that resonates with them.
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### **Day 2: Exploring Cultural Influences**
**Objectives:**
- Identify key cultural elements in contemporary artworks.
- Discuss the relationship between culture and art.
**Activities:**
1. **Lecture & Discussion** (20 minutes):
- Talk about how different cultures influence contemporary art.
- Show examples of artworks inspired by various cultural elements.
2. **Case Study** (20 minutes):
- Analyze a few case studies of contemporary artworks influenced by specific cultural contexts.
- Facilitate a class discussion on how these cultural elements are represented.
3. **Hands-On Activity** (20 minutes):
- Students create a piece of art that reflects elements from a particular culture they’re interested in.
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### **Day 3: Social and Political Dimensions**
**Objectives:**
- Understand the impact of social and political issues on contemporary art.
- Examine specific artists whose work addresses these themes.
**Activities:**
1. **Lecture & Discussion** (20 minutes):
- Overview of key social and political movements influencing contemporary art.
- Introduction to artists like Ai Weiwei, Banksy, and Kara Walker.
2. **Interactive Activity** (30 minutes):
- Students are given different artworks and are asked to identify the social or political messages behind them.
- Class discussion to share insights.
3. **Homework:**
- Write a 1-page essay analyzing a political piece of art (from the provided list) and its impact.
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### **Day 4: Recognizing Global Artists**
**Objectives:**
- Identify and appreciate the works of key contemporary global artists.
- Understand the significance of their contributions.
**Activities:**
1. **Presentation** (30 minutes):
- Teacher presents profiles of notable global contemporary artists from diverse backgrounds.
- Show visual examples and discuss the artists' styles and themes.
2. **Gallery Walk** (20 minutes):
- Set up a gallery walk in the classroom with printouts of various artists' works.
- Students walk around, view the artworks, and leave sticky notes with their thoughts and reflections.
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### **Day 5: Synthesis and Personal Expression**
**Objectives:**
- Synthesize knowledge from the week into a creative project.
- Reflect on personal understanding and growth regarding global and contemporary art.
**Activities:**
1. **Creative Project** (40 minutes):
- Students work on a final project: creating their own piece of contemporary art influenced by what they’ve learned over the week.
- Provide art supplies and encourage them to use various mediums.
2. **Presentation & Reflection** (20 minutes):
- Each student briefly presents their artwork and explains the inspiration and cultural/political context behind it.
- Conclude with a class discussion on the importance of contemporary and global perspectives in art.
### **Assessment:**
- Group presentation on Day 1.
- Participation in discussions and activities.
- Reflection essay on the impact of social and political themes in art.
- Final creative project and presentation.
### **Extension:**
- Possible field trip to a local contemporary art museum or gallery.
- Guest speaker session with a contemporary artist.
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**Note:** Adjustments to the timing and activities can be made based on the specific needs and pace of the class.