Perceiving the Arts: An Introduction to the Humanities, 11/e

Provides an introductory, straight-forward, and response-oriented overview of the arts

Perceiving the Arts presents the basic formal, technical, experiential, and contextual qualities of the arts in a brief, clear, and factual manner. Students will develop confidence in approaching the arts and will gain skills that encourage life-long artistic and cultural engagement.  Intended to provide a basic overview of the major artistic disciplines - drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, sculpture, architecture, music, theatre, cinema, dance, and literature - the book teaches readers what to look and listen for in the humanities.

MyArtsLab is an integral part of the Sporre program. Engaging activities and assessment are part of a teaching and learning system that helps students gain a broader understanding of arts and cultures. With MyArtsLab, students can explore in-depth analyses of relevant artwork, architecture, artistic techniques, and more.

NOTE: MyArtsLab does not come automatically packaged with this text. To purchase the text with MyArtsLab, order the package ISBN:

0205991610 / 9780205991617 Perceiving the Arts Plus NEW MyArtsLab with Pearson eText -- Access Card Package

Package consists of:   

0205206565 / 9780205206568 NEW MyArtsLab with Pearson eText -- Valuepack Access Card

020599511X / 9780205995110 Perceiving the Arts: An Introduction to the Humanities

Dennis J. Sporre is an internationally prominent and award-winning writer, scholar, and artist. He has a bachelor's degree in Speech and Drama with a minor in music from Central Michigan University and a graduate degree in theatre scenic design and technology from the University of Iowa. Until his retirement he was a tenured professor, department head, and dean at various universities across the United States, including Ball State University, University of North Carolina at Wilmington, The Pennsylvania State University, and the University of Arizona. His administrative and teaching experience has encompassed interdisciplinary courses in the humanities and fine arts. He has sung professionally and designed scenery and lighting for more than fifty productions.

His writings, including more than a dozen books, numerous journal articles, and poetry, have covered numerous topics including the humanities, theatre history, and design and technology. He has spent decades traveling the world researching and experiencing the arts and cultures about which he writes.

Chapter 1. Introduction: What Are the Arts and How do We Respond to and Evaluate Them?

Chapter 2. Pictures: Drawing, Painting, Printmaking, and Photography

Chapter 3. Sculpture

Chapter 4. Architecture

Chapter 5. Music

Chapter 6. Literature

Chapter 7. Theatre

Chapter 8. Cinema

Chapter 9. Dance