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Course Description: To many, artists--writers, musicians, artists of physical representation--have a special role in society. While artists rarely agree on the nature of that role, they regularly embrace the distinction they have from society in general, often working to define their role and/or producing art which fulfills it. War, however, imposes circumstances which most often cause artists to reevaluate their role because dedication to their art may be threatened by society's demand that they direct their energies in ways incompatible with their own philosophy. This unit will explore this predicament in the context of World War I, with a focus on artists from the various European countries involved in that war. Through the use of biographical data, coupled with samples of the artists' own work, we should gain a greater understanding of this conflict.

Essential Skills: Reasoning

Conducting an historical inquiry
Conducting an aesthetic inquiry
Using literature, music, art, along with biographical data to understand an historical question better
Exploring techniques, alternatives, and coping mechanisms used by artists when dealing with war

Essential Skills: Communication

Reading, writing, listening, speaking and observing for information and understanding
Reading, writing, listening, speaking and observing for critical analysis and evaluation

What passing-bells for these who die as cattle?

Only the monstrous anger of the guns.

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	*Ares and the Muses* The Impact of World War I on the Artist Course Description: To many, artists--writers, musicians, artists of physical representation--have a special role in society. While artists rarely agree on the nature of that role, they regularly embrace the distinction they have from society in general, often working to define their role and/or producing art which fulfills it. War, however, imposes circumstances which most often cause artists to reevaluate their role because dedication to their art may be threatened by society's demand that they direct their energies in ways incompatible with their own philosophy. This unit will explore this predicament in the context of World War I, with a focus on artists from the various European countries involved in that war. Through the use of biographical data, coupled with samples of the artists' own work, we should gain a greater understanding of this conflict. *Essential Skills: Reasoning* Conducting an historical inquiry Conducting an aesthetic inquiry Using literature, music, art, along with biographical data to understand an historical question better Exploring techniques, alternatives, and coping mechanisms used by artists when dealing with war *Essential Skills: Communication* Reading, writing, listening, speaking and observing for information and understanding Reading, writing, listening, speaking and observing for critical analysis and evaluation What passing-bells for these who die as cattle? Only the monstrous anger of the guns. --Wilfred Owen