Lesson Plan | Active Learning | Modern Neoclassicism

Assumptions: This Active Lesson Plan assumes: a 100-minute class, prior student study with both the Book and the start of Project development, and that only one activity (among the three suggested) will be chosen to be conducted during the class, as each activity is designed to take up a significant portion of the available time.

Objectives

Duration: (5 - 10 minutes)

The Objectives stage is crucial for establishing a solid understanding before moving on to more interactive activities. By focusing on the main elements that define Neoclassicism and its connection to classical arts, students can better contextualize previously learned material and prepare for deeper and critical application during the class.

Main Objectives:

1. Facilitate students' understanding of the influence of Greek and Roman arts on the Neoclassical movement, aiming to promote the ability to identify these elements in specific artworks.

2. Develop students' critical analysis skills by relating the characteristics of Neoclassicism to specific historical and cultural contexts.

Side Objectives:

1. Stimulate students' interest in art history and the cultural impact of artistic movements over time.

Introduction

Duration: (15 - 20 minutes)

The Introduction section aims to engage students with the topic of Neoclassicism in a more interactive and reflective way. By presenting problem situations, students are encouraged to critically apply their prior knowledge, while the contextualization helps connect historical and artistic concepts with real and tangible examples, thereby increasing the relevance of the subject in both contemporary and historical contexts.

Problem-Based Situations

1. Consider a work by Jacques-Louis David and a modern artwork. What neoclassical elements can be identified in David's work that contrast with or resemble modern styles?

2. Imagine you are an art critic in the 18th century. How would you describe the influence of Greek and Roman sculptures on contemporary neoclassical works?

Contextualization

Neoclassicism, an artistic movement that emerged in the 18th century, was characterized by the revival of Greek and Roman classical arts, reflecting ideals of harmony, simplicity, and proportion. This movement not only influenced painting and sculpture but also had a significant impact on architecture and decoration. For example, the construction of public buildings in the United States during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, such as the Capitol in Washington, D.C., demonstrates the adoption of neoclassical styles aimed at symbolizing the democratic and republican ideals of the emerging nation.

Development

Duration: (70 - 80 minutes)

The Development stage is designed to allow students to practically and interactively apply their prior knowledge about Neoclassicism. By participating in the proposed activities, students can explore the characteristics and influences of the movement more deeply while developing critical and creative skills. This section is essential for consolidating learning and making meaningful connections between past artistic endeavors and contemporary contexts.

Activity Suggestions

It is recommended to carry out only one of the suggested activities

Activity 1 - Neoclassicism Archaeologists

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Develop critical analysis and presentation skills while reinforcing the understanding of the characteristics of Neoclassicism and its inspiration from classical arts.

- Description: In this activity, students will be divided into groups of up to five members, and each group will act as a team of archaeologists who have discovered a 'new' neoclassical artwork. They will analyze the piece, identify and present the neoclassical elements present, relating them to the characteristics of Greek and Roman arts.

- Instructions:

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

• Provide each group with an image of a neoclassical artwork (previously selected by the teacher).

• The groups should analyze the artwork, identifying elements such as symmetry, the use of Greek or Roman columns, representation of themes from classical mythology, among others.

• Each group will prepare an explanatory presentation on the identified elements, grounding their conclusions based on prior knowledge and research conducted during the activity.

• Present their findings to the class in a simulated archaeology conference.

Activity 2 - Creating a Neoclassical Artwork

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Encourage creativity and the practical application of concepts studied about Neoclassicism, as well as develop teamwork and presentation skills.

- Description: Students will be challenged to create their own neoclassical artwork. Using simple art materials such as paper, pencils, crayons, and glue, groups must produce a drawing or collage that incorporates the main elements of Neoclassicism, drawing inspiration from Greek and Roman themes and aesthetics.

- Instructions:

• Organize students into groups of up to five people.

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

• Explain that each group must create a work that reflects the main characteristics of Neoclassicism, such as the use of straight lines, simplicity, and imitation of Greek and Roman styles.

• Groups will have the entire session to work on their creations.

• At the end, each group will present their artwork, explaining how they incorporated neoclassical elements.

Activity 3 - Neoclassical Debate

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Develop research, argumentation, and public speaking skills, in addition to deepening critical understanding of the influence of Neoclassicism in different artistic areas.

- Description: In this scenario, students will participate in a structured debate where each group will defend the importance and influence of Neoclassicism in different areas, such as painting, sculpture, and architecture. The debate will be based on prior research and acquired knowledge, arguing about the ongoing relevance of Neoclassicism in modern art.

- Instructions:

• Divide students into groups of up to five members.

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

• Each group should prepare arguments defending the relevance of Neoclassicism in the designated area, using specific examples and historical references.

• Organize a debate in class, where each group will present their arguments and respond to questions from opposing groups.

• Conclude the activity with a vote to decide which group presented the most convincing arguments.

Feedback

Duration: (10 - 20 minutes)

The purpose of this stage of the lesson plan is to consolidate students' learning, allowing them to articulate and share the discoveries and insights generated by the practical activities. This group discussion helps reinforce the understanding of the characteristics and influences of Neoclassicism, as well as stimulate argumentative skills and the exchange of ideas, critical aspects for students' intellectual development in the context of art history.

Group Discussion

To initiate the group discussion, the teacher should encourage students to share their experiences and discoveries from the previous activities. Use the following roadmap to guide the conversation: First, ask each group to briefly summarize what they accomplished and discovered in their specific activities. Next, encourage them to discuss how the neoclassical elements they identified can be observed in contemporary art or other historical contexts. Finally, open the floor for students to ask each other questions about the different approaches and perspectives presented.

Key Questions

1. Which neoclassical elements did you find most prevalent in the works you analyzed?

2. How does the influence of Greek and Roman arts manifest in the neoclassical art that you created or analyzed?

3. In what way does Neoclassicism contribute to our understanding of contemporary art and culture?

Conclusion

Duration: (5 - 10 minutes)

The purpose of the Conclusion stage is to ensure that students have a clear and consolidated understanding of what was learned during the class, integrating theoretical knowledge with the practical activities conducted. This recap helps reinforce the memory of key concepts and understand the applicability and importance of Neoclassicism in the context of modern art and daily life.

Summary

To conclude the class, the teacher should summarize the main points discussed about Neoclassicism, emphasizing the influence of Greek and Roman arts and how these elements were revived in various forms of neoclassical art. It should highlight the discoveries made by students during the activities, such as identifying neoclassical elements in various works and creating their own artistic pieces inspired by this movement.

Theory Connection

Explain how the practical activities reinforced the theory studied, demonstrating the direct application of the concepts of symmetry, use of columns, and classical mythological themes, both in analysis and artistic creation. Emphasize how this teaching methodology, integrating theory and practice, facilitates students' understanding and retention of knowledge.

Closing

Finally, emphasize the ongoing relevance of Neoclassicism, not only as a historical study but as a source of inspiration for contemporary art and design, showing that understanding past artistic movements enriches our interpretation and appreciation of current cultural manifestations.