8th Grade Americaqn Art History

During the 8th grade year, students study American history from the age of exploration (1300's) to the time period just prior to World War I (early 1900's) to meet the required California state standards in social science. Because hisorical/ cultural heritage is a component strand in the Visual and Performing Arts Standards for California, I have always wanted to create an American art history component to my studio art classes. For several years I have been collecting materials (slides, overheads, books, videos, DVD's. etc.) about American art in the hopes of creating a year long unit of study that could be intertwined in both my studio classes and incorporated in the 8th grade social studies curriculum.

My intent is to create a series of lessons which follow the sequential study of American history, but at the same time highlight important genres or styles in American art. Some possible topics might include: architecture, sculpture/public art, landscape painting, portrait painting, photography, still life, narrative/history paintings, decorative arts/ folk art. The limitations imposed upon this project relate to funding and time. I must limit myself to free or existing resources in terms of the images that can be used and I must be mindful of the limited amount of time I have in a 9 week studio class to devote to art histroy. I would also like to tie my art history units of study to some type of visual art experience or project.