APAH Review Materials

Exam Format- 2 parts each worth 50%
80 multiple choice - 1 hour
      Part A: Approximately 8 sets of questions (3 to 6 questions each) based on color images
      Part B: Approximately 35 individual multiple-choice questions
2 - 30 minute essays - 1 hour
4 - 15 minute essay questions - 1 hour
* The essay section is 2 hours- YOU manage your own time!
URPHEIA
  • UTILITARIAN – functional or useful items (ex. bowls,, furniture, jewelry, etc.)
  • RELIGIOUS- items made for worship, veneration, ceremonies, rituals, festivals, procession, or burial rites.
  • POLITICAL- items meant to comment on social or political issues; wars, social injustice, propagandizing leaders or to change public opinion.
  • HISTORICAL- records historical events
  • ECONOMIC- art made for financial gain or as a result of a wealthy patron.
  • INFORMATION- to teach or inform; carry on a cultural tradition or moral to future generations.
  • AESTHETICS- for the joy or search for beauty, art for arts sake.
ARTWORK INFORMATION
CREDIT LINE
  • Name/Title of work- always underlined
  • Artist/Architect- Who created it?
  • Date- When was it created?
  • Period- When? Cultural and time reference 
  • Original Location- Where was it originally placed?
  • Museum- Where is it now?
  • Patron- Did someone pay for this to be created?
  • Material/Technique (media)- What is it made of? How was it created?  
FFCSI
investigating the artwork
  • Form- Is this 2D, 3D, sculpture in the round, or architecture?
  • Function- What is its purpose? What was it made to be used for, or do? Apply “URPHEIA” here.
  • Style- How are you able to tell that this piece can be classified under this artist, culture, period, art movement, etc…? 
  • Context- WHY? What was happening during this time that caused this piece to be created?
  • Influences/Ideas- What led up to the creation of this piece? How did this work reflect the ideas during this time in history, and allow it to be a product of its time?

Tips on Writing Essays and Short Answers

  • Thoroughly READ the prompt first. The language of the question is very key! Then re-read it again and underline important parts.
  • Do not be impulsive. Think first. You have plenty of time to write. Make notes then start to write.
  • Do not list points (Oh, the irony…) Make run on sentences if you think you’re running out of time. Only write in paragraphs. You may number your points but each one must still be in complete points.
  • Organize your response and answer all parts to the prompt in the same order it was asked.
  • Do not write an introduction or conclusion paragraph. 
  • Spelling and grammar does not count.
  • Do not write anything as fact unless you are 100% sure. 
  • MUST INCLUDE FOR EVERY ARTWORK: TITLE/DESIGNATION, NAME OF ARTIST AND/OR CULTURE OF ORIGIN, DATE OF CREATION (DOWN TO AT LEAST THE DECADE), AND MATERIALS USED. 
  • Use the rule of three or more: If you mention “the drapery”, what about the drapery and where is it specifically evident in the artwork? For example, if the prompt asks for evidence of the characteristics of a particular movement or time period, discuss them one at a time as evident in the artwork. Meaning, if mathematical precision is characteristic, point out in the artwork where the mathematical precision is- proportions, linear perspective, golden ratio etc. 
  • Be aware of how many artworks/architecture the prompt is asking form. If the prompt says "artworks" you must include at least two artworks. Reference only ONE artwork unless the prompt specifically asks for two. You will not receive more points by discussing more artworks. Choose one good one and analyze the heck out of it. Do not compare and bring in other artworks if the prompt does not specifically ask you to. If it says "compare" then  you compare. Remember, language is key!!
  • UNDERLINE titles of paintings and sculptures. Architecture is not underlined. You’re still not in the habit of doing this.
  • Do not use architecture if the prompt asks for "artworks". Only use architecture if it specifically says architecture. 
  • If you choose a global contemporary work to answer the prompt you must clearly connect the artwork back to the artist's cultural origins. 
  •  If the prompt includes a quote to respond to, you MUST quote the quote. 
Acknowledgements:  Information contributed by Silvia Wiedman
Links and information provided by Valerie M. Park  © 2013  www.mchsapah.com
Special thanks to the AP Summer Institute in Rome collaboration with Margaret Sharkoffmadrid
Copyright © 2017 A Vallecorsa