The Midterm 1 Curriculum and Exam Details

The first half of ARA195, which is covered on Midterm 1, focuses on the fundamental "vocabulary" of art and the historical contexts of early art forms.

Students will begin by exploring the elements of art (such as line, shape, color, and texture) and the principles of design (including balance, unity, and contrast).

Following this foundation, the course will transition into a chronological survey, starting with Prehistoric art.

You will examine the significance of cave paintings, such as those at Lascaux, and early sculptural forms like the Venus of Willendorf.

The material then progresses through the art of Ancient Egypt, focusing on the stylized representation and canonical proportions seen in their sculpture and relief carvings.

Next, you will study the art of Ancient Greece, contrasting the rigid stance of Archaic Kouros figures with the dynamic naturalism of the Classical and Hellenistic periods.

This section culminates with the art of the Roman Empire, highlighting innovations in architecture (like the concrete arch and dome) and realistic portraiture.

The official ASU ARA195 Midterm 1 is typically administered during a regular class session, or via ASU’s online testing platform for distance learners.

What to Expect in the Midterm 1 Exam

The ASU ARA195 Midterm 1 is generally a structured, time-limited examination assessing your recall and analytical skills.

The exam usually consists of approximately 50 multiple-choice questions designed to test your knowledge of key terminology and historical facts.

A critical component of this exam is the slide identification section, where images of specific artworks are projected.

For each image, you will be expected to identify the artist (if known), the title, the approximate date or period, and the culture of origin.

Additionally, the exam will likely include short answer questions that ask you to apply critical thinking and analysis.

For instance, you might be asked to compare and contrast two sculptures from different time periods, using the appropriate art historical vocabulary.

Students should expect to have roughly 75 to 90 minutes to complete the exam.

A passing score for this specific exam typically aligns with the university’s standard grading scale (e.g., C or better), although individual instructors may set specific requirements.

 How to Study and Prep for the Midterm

Effective preparation for the ARA195 Midterm 1 requires a combination of rote memorization and active analytical practice.

Start by creating comprehensive flashcards for all key terms and the major artworks covered in class.

Your flashcards should include an image on one side and the essential identification information (artist, title, date, period, culture) on the other.

Regularly practice with your flashcards, focusing on your ability to recall the details quickly when presented with just the image.

Analyze your textbook and lecture notes to understand the cultural and historical contexts in which these artworks were created.

Don't just memorize what an artwork looks like; understand why it looks that way and what purpose it served in its society.

Utilize the ARA195 Practice Exam to simulate the actual test environment.

Take the practice test under timed conditions without using your notes to identify areas where you need additional study.

Finally, consider forming a study group to discuss and compare analyses of complex artworks, which can provide new perspectives and reinforce your learning.

 Job Opportunities from the Course

While ARA195 is an introductory course and not a professional certification, the skills you develop are highly valuable in several career fields.

Understanding visual language and cultural context can open doors to the following professions:

• Museum or Gallery Docent
• Arts Administrator Assistant
• Content Creator or Arts Journalist
• Cultural Heritage Coordinator
• Art Auction House Assistant
• Interior Designer (focusing on art integration)
• Art Educator (as a foundational step toward licensure)
• Corporate Art Consultant