Syllabus
Art Appreciation

Art Appreciation

ARTS-1301

Credit Fall 2020
08/24/2020 - 12/13/2020

Course Information

Section 008
Distance Learning
ONL DIL
Michelle Kaiserlian

Office Hours

  • NULL - NULL
    remotely
    by appointment

Student Learning Outcomes/Learning Objectives

Common Course Description: A general introduction to the visual arts designed to create an appreciation of the vocabulary, media, techniques, and purposes of the creative process. Students will critically interpret and evaluate works of art within formal, cultural, and historical contexts.

 

Prerequisites: College-level Reading and Writing Requirements

 

This course is reading and writing-intensive. Over the duration of the semester, students will read a 500-page textbook plus a selection of supplemental articles written by scholars and journalists. Weekly lessons are also reading-focused and, while they often correspond topically or thematically to chapters in the textbook, they do not duplicate material covered in the assigned readings.

 

Course Rationale: The purpose of Introduction to Visual Art is to provide students with an understanding of the diverse ways in which cultures construct and represent their realities.  Through thematic examination of both historical and contemporary art, students will acquire formal analysis skills to describe works of art and techniques of art production.  Further building upon formal analysis, students will critically interpret and contextualize visual art forms.

 

This class fulfills the Creative Arts requirement of the Core Curriculum outline. 

 

Common Course Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • Apply art terminology as it specifically relates to works of art.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of art elements and principles of design.
  • Differentiate between the processes and materials used in the production of various works of art.
  • Critically interpret, evaluate, and contextualize works of art
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the impact of arts on culture.

 

Discipline Specific Program Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • Write meaningful formal and critical analyses of art works.
  • Explain how formal and compositional properties express and convey content.
  • Recognize and identify differences in styles and art forms.
  • Analyze how art reflects diverse perspectives.

 

General Education Learning Outcomes

  • Critical Thinking:  Students will gather, analyze, synthesize, evaluate and apply information.
  • Cultural Awareness:  Students will compare, contrast, and interpret differences and commonalities among peoples, ideas, aesthetic traditions, and cultural practices.
  • Written, Oral and Visual Communication:  Students will communicate effectively, adapting to purpose, structure, audience, and medium.
  • Personal Responsibility:  Identifying and applying ethical principles and practices; demonstrating effective learning, creative thinking, and personal responsibility.
  • Interpersonal Skills:  Interacting collaboratively to achieve common goals.
  • Technology Skills:  Using appropriate technology to retrieve, manage, analyze, and present information.

Course Requirements

Grading:                                                                               Grading Scale:

Exams (4 @ 10% ea.)             40%                                         A         90-100

Discussion Board Sessions                                                     B         80-89

            (3 @ 10% ea.)             30%                                         C         70-79

Art21 Essays                                                                           D         60-69

            (3 Essays @ 10% ea.) 30%                                         F          below 60

____________________________                                        0          no assignment

Total                                        100%           

           

Course Evaluation:

  • Exams: Four exams will be based on key terms, concepts, artworks, and artists covered in assigned readings, lessons, videos, and discussion board activities. The format of exams is multiple-choice. For some questions, images will be provided to help jog students’ memory.
    • Study Guides are provided for each exam. These guides will help students focus their attention on key material presented in assigned readings, lessons, videos, etc. Exam questions are drawn directly from the study guide. Further study tips are posted on Bb.
  • Discussion Board Sessions: Students will participate in three topical discussions in which they will be expected to make multiple contributions over a five-day period. These sessions will be moderated by the instructor and will follow a strict set of guidelines. See the Discussion Board Rubric for an outline of student expectations and grading format.
  • Art21 Essays:  Students will write three essays (each 350 words) on contemporary artists featured in the PBS series Art21. Each student will choose from a selection of artists whose work focuses on a particular theme.

Readings

Required Textbook:

A World of Art, Henry M. Sayre, 6th or 7th edition

ISBN: 9780205677207 (6th ed.) or 9780205887576 (7th ed.)

*I recommend the 6th edition, if you can find it, because it has a much sturdier binding.

Purchasing and rental options: ACC bookstores offer new and used copies of the textbook as well as an eText version (no physical book) at a lower price. Check http://www.amazon.com for used and new copies. Rent the textbook at a lower price through http://www.chegg.com. Simply enter the ISBN numbers, above, when searching online retailers.

technology

Computer Technology: This Distance Learning course requires computer and internet access. Students should have basic computer and internet skills and be able to send and receive email, attach files, navigate the course’s Blackboard site, and open and print course documents from Blackboard (Bb). Course documents will appear in various formats, including Microsoft Word and PowerPoint, Adobe PDF, and SoftChalk. If you have problems opening any of the documents, inform your instructor immediately. If you can’t open documents on your home computer, contact your instructor immediately.

Exams will be taken using Respondus LockDown Browser, which students will need to download to their computer. Respondus ensures a secure, proctored environment for test-taking. Students may also use the LockDown Browser app for iPad. Students must let instructor know immediately if: 1) they do not have access to a webcam or 2) they only have access to a Google Chromebook.

 

Distance Learning and Technology Support Services: If you are new to distance education, please review the ACC Distance Education General Information page, available at: https://online.austincc.edu/faq/ You may also contact the Distance Learning center for technical assistance related to the course: http://dl.austincc.edu/.

 

In response to COVID-19-related campus closures, Austin Community College now provides free, secure drive-up WiFi to students and employees in the parking lots of all campus locations. WiFi can be accessed seven days a week, 7 am to 11 pm.  Additional details are available at: https://www.austincc.edu/coronavirus/drive-up-wifi

                                   

Students who submit the Student Technology Access Form (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MH3DXLJ?ref=studentbanner) and indicate they need help accessing their online learning environment to successfully complete their courses are eligible to check out an ACC iPad for use during the semester.  You must be registered for a credit course, Adult Education, or Continuing Education course.


Blackboard: All course materials, including additional readings (outside of the textbook), lessons, assignment instructions, and grading rubrics will be posted on the course’s Blackboard site. Students should check the site regularly for new materials and announcements. Log in from ACC’s main web page. You will need your EID and password.

 

ACC Email: All students must have access to their ACC email account and must check it regularly to keep current on important course information. (To activate and log into the account, go to: http://www.austincc.edu/accmail/.) Emailed communication through Blackboard is automatically directed to ACC student email accounts. Students who do not check their ACC email daily must change their account settings so messages will be forwarded to their preferred email account (see http://mail.google.com/support/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=10957).

Course Subjects

* Schedule is subject to change; any modifications will be announced on Blackboard.

*Readings and Lessons must be completed within the specified date range for the week.

 

 

Week 1

Readings                                                             Lessons                                                                                Due Dates

• Chapter 1                                                           • What is Art?                                                       • Orientation (8/30)

Note: students who have the 7th edition                                                                                          • Introduction (8/30)

of our textbook must also read pp. 1-3

in the 6th edition (PDF on Bb)

• Gompertz, “The Fountain, 1917” (Bb)

 

 

Week 2

Readings                                                             Lessons                                                                                Due Dates

• Chapter 3                                                           • Controversy in the Arts                                   (none this week)

                                                                                                                                                                 

 

Week 3

Readings                                                             Lessons                                                                                Due Dates

• Chapter 2                                                           • Visual Literacy                                                  • DB #1 (9/9 – 9/13)

• Iconography: Erwin Panofsky

on Jan van Eyck (Bb)

 

                               

Week 4

Readings                                                             Lessons                                                                                Due Dates

• Chapter 4                                                           • The Formal Elements, Part I                           • Exam #1 (by 9/20)

• Chapter 5                                                                                                                                          

                                                                                                                                                               

 

Week 5

Readings                                                             Lessons                                                                                Due Dates

• Chapter 6                                                           • The Formal Elements, Part II                         (none this week)

• Chapter 7                                                                                                                                            

 

               

Week 6

Readings                                                             Lessons                                                                                Due Dates

• Chapter 8                                                           • The Principles of Design                                 • Art21 Essay #1 (9/29)

• Chapter 9                                                           • Genres of Art: The Portrait

 

 

Week 7

Readings                                                             Lessons                                                                                Due Dates

• John Berger on the Nude (Bb)                        • Genres of Art: The Nude                                  (none this week)

                                                   

 

Week 8

Readings                                                             Lessons                                                                                Due Dates

• Chapter 11                                                         • Under the Image: New Art Technologies     • Exam #2 (by 10/18)

 

                                               

Week 9

Readings                                                             Lessons                                                                                Due Dates

• Chapter 10                                                         • Printmaking Terms and Techniques             • DB #2 (10/21  – 10/25)

                                                                                                                                                                 

 

Week 10

Readings                                                             Lessons                                                                                Due Dates          

• Chapter 12                                                         • Early Film: Ballet Mécanique                       • Art21 Essay #2 (10/27)                                                                                                                                  

               

Week 11

Readings                                                             Lessons                                                                                Due Dates

• Zabel on Shirin Neshat (Bb)                           • Confronting Stereotypes:                                               (none this week)

                                                                                  Shirin Neshat and Michael Ray Charles       

 

Week 12

Readings                                                             Lessons                                                                                Due Dates

• Chapter 13                                                         • Performance Art                                               • Exam #3 (by 11/15)

                                                                                • Art and the Environment                                                

 

 

Week 13

Readings                                                             Lessons                                                                                Due Dates

• Chapter 14                                                         • Art vs. Craft                                                       (none this week)

                                                                                                                                                               

                                                                                                                                                               

Week 14

Readings                                                             Lessons                                                                                Due Dates

• Chapter 15                                                         • 21st-Century Architecture                               • Art21 Essay #3 (11/24)

 

 

Week 15

Readings                                                             Lessons                                                                                Due Dates

• Chapter 21                                                         • Multicultural Perspectives                             • DB #3 (11/30 – 12/4)      

               

               

Week 16

Readings                                                             Lessons                                                                                Due Dates

none                                                                       • Art on the Border                                              • Exam #4 (by 12/13)

                                                                                • Guerrilla Tactics

 

COURSE Policies

No credit will be given for any assignment with plagiarized passages, and further disciplinary action may be taken if your professor sees fit. It is easy for professors to detect plagiarism—never assume you can get away with it. It is a serious offense and not worth the risk!

  • Due Dates are strictly observed. It is the student’s responsibility to keep track of these dates.
    • Exams must be taken on or before the deadline listed on the course schedule. Students who do not take the exam by the date indicated will receive a zero on the exam. Each exam may be taken one time only; there are no re-takes. 
    • Participation in Discussion Board Sessions  must occur during the scheduled timeframes. Students may feel free to continue discussions beyond this period but will only be graded on the posts they make during the scheduled session.
    • Art21 Essays will be accepted late with deductions of five percentage points (half a letter grade) for each day the assignment is late.


  • Plagiarism: Plagiarizing means using words that are not your own without giving credit to the original author, regardless of whether the material comes from a book or from somewhere on the internet. See section 2.A.02.a in the ACC Student Handbook for details.
  • Withdrawal: Students who quit the course must officially withdraw, or receive an “F” for the course. You may withdraw by going to any ACC Admissions and Records office and filling out a withdrawal slip; a professor’s signature is not required. Note: there is a new state law that limits withdrawals. Starting in the Fall of 2007, students attending Texas public colleges can withdraw (receive a W) from no more than six courses during their undergraduate career. “W’s” from ACC follow students when they transfer into other institutions. This law does not apply to students who have taken college courses before fall 2007. Students can still drop classes without penalty during the schedule change (add/drop) period at the start of the semester. Your instructor reserves the right to withdraw any student who is not making satisfactory progress in the class.
  • Incomplete: An incomplete will be granted only if an extraordinary circumstance prevents students from completing the course requirements. The student must produce a valid, documented excuse in writing. The student who takes an incomplete is responsible for completing course requirements by the end of the following semester. If the coursework is not completed, the grade becomes an “F”.

College-wide policies

Scholastic Dishonesty: A student attending ACC assumes responsibility for conduct compatible with the mission of the college as an educational institution.  Students have the responsibility to submit coursework that is the result of their own thought, research, or self-expression.  Students must follow all instructions given by faculty or designated college representatives when taking examinations, placement assessments, tests, quizzes, and evaluations.  Actions constituting scholastic dishonesty include, but are not limited to, plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, collusion, and falsifying documents.    Penalties for scholastic dishonesty will depend upon the nature of the violation and may range from lowering a grade on one assignment to an “F” in the course and/or expulsion from the college.  See the Student Standards of Conduct and Disciplinary Process and other policies at http://www.austincc.edu/catalog.

 

Freedom of Expression: Each student is strongly encouraged to participate in class. In any classroom situation that includes discussion and critical thinking, there are bound to be many differing viewpoints. These differences enhance the learning experience and create an atmosphere where students and instructors alike will be encouraged to think and learn. On sensitive and volatile topics, students may sometimes disagree not only with each other but also with the instructor. It is expected that faculty and students will respect the views of others when expressed in classroom discussions.

 

Academic Freedom: Institutions of higher education are conducted for the common good. The common good depends upon a free search for truth and its free expression. Hence it is essential that faculty members at Austin Community College be free to pursue scholarly inquiry without unreasonable restriction and to voice and publish their conclusions without fear of institutional censorship or discipline. They must be free from the possibility that others of differing vision, either inside or outside the college community, may threaten their professional careers.

The concept of academic freedom in Austin Community College is accompanied by an equally demanding concept of responsibility, shared by the Board of Trustees, administration, and faculty members. In the classroom on in College-produced telecommunications, faculty members should strive to be accurate, to exercise appropriate restraint, and to show respect for the opinions of others. In addition, instructors should be judicious in the use of material and should introduce only material that has a clear relationship to the subject field.

 

Student Discipline: Students at the College have the rights accorded to all persons under the Constitution to freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, petition, and association. These rights carry with them the responsibility for each individual to accord the same rights to others in the College community and not to interfere with or disrupt the educational process. As willing partners in learning, it is expected that students will comply with College rules and procedures.

 

Student Accessibility Services: Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented disabilities. Students with disabilities who need classroom, academic or other accommodations must request them through the office of Student Accessibility Services (SAS). Students are encouraged to request accommodations when they register for courses or at least three weeks before the start of the semester, otherwise the provision of accommodations may be delayed. Students who have received approval for accommodations from SAS for this course must provide the instructor with the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ from SAS before accommodations will be provided. Arrangements for academic accommodations can only be made after the instructor receives the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ from the student. Students with approved accommodations are encouraged to submit the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ to the instructor at the beginning of the semester because a reasonable amount of time may be needed to prepare and arrange for the accommodations. Additional information about SAS: http://www.austincc.edu/support-and-services/services-for-students/student-accessibility-services-and-assistive-technology.

 

Safety Statement: Austin Community College is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for study and work. You are expected to learn and comply with ACC environmental, health and safety procedures and agree to follow ACC safety policies. Additional information on these can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/ehs. Because some health and safety circumstances are beyond our control, we ask that you become familiar with the Emergency Procedures poster and Campus Safety Plan map in each classroom. Additional information about emergency procedures and how to sign up for ACC Emergency Alerts to be notified in the event of a serious emergency can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/emergency/.  Please note, you are expected to conduct yourself professionally with respect and courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual will be immediately dismissed from the day’s activity, may be withdrawn from the class, and/or barred from attending future activities.

 

Concealed Handgun Policy: The Austin Community College District concealed handgun policy ensures compliance with Section 411.2031 of the Texas Government Code (also known as the Campus Carry Law), while maintaining ACC’s commitment to provide a safe environment for its students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Beginning August 1, 2017, individuals who are licensed to carry (LTC) may do so on campus premises except in locations and at activities prohibited by state or federal law, or the college’s concealed handgun policy.  It is the responsibility of license holders to conceal their handguns at all times. Persons who see a handgun on campus are asked to contact the ACC Police Department by dialing 222 from a campus phone or 512-223-7999.  All testing centers located on the Austin Community College District are Exclusion Zones where concealed handguns are prohibited.

 

Use of ACC email: All College e-mail communication to students will be sent solely to the student’s ACCmail account with the expectation that such communications will be read in a timely fashion. ACC will send important information and will notify students of any college-related emergencies using this account.  Students should expect to receive email communication from their instructor using this account. Likewise, students should use their ACCmail account when communicating with instructors and staff.  Instructions for activating an ACCmail account can be found at: http://www.austincc.edu/accmail

 

Use of the Testing Center: All testing is currently online.  While campuses are closed, exams for courses will be online tests that students can take from home.  For more information about online testing at ACC, visit the Online Testing resource page: https://www.austincc.edu/academic-and-career-programs/acconline/testing.

 

 

Student Support Services

The success of our students is paramount, and ACC offers a variety of support services to help, as well as providing numerous opportunities for community engagement and personal growth.

 

Student Support: ACC strives to provide exemplary support to its students and offers a broad variety of opportunities and services.  Information on these campus services and resources is available at  http://www.austincc.edu/studentsA comprehensive array of student support services is available online at:

https://www.austincc.edu/coronavirus/remote-student-support

 

Student Accessibility Services: Students with documented disabilities who need academic or other accommodations must request them through the office Student Accessibility Services (SAS).   SAS offices are located at each major campus.  Students are encouraged to request accommodations when they register for courses or at least three weeks before the start of the semester; otherwise, the provision of accommodations may be delayed.  Students who have received approval for accommodations from SAS for this course must provide the instructor with the document titled “Notice of Approved Accommodations” from SAS before accommodations will be provided. Accommodations will not be provided retroactively.  Arrangements by the instructor for academic accommodations can only be made after he or she receives the “Notice of Approved Accommodations” from the student.

 

Additional information about Student Accessibility Services is available at https://www.austincc.edu/offices/student-accessibility-services-and-assistive-technology

 

Academic Support: ACC offers academic support services on all of its campuses. These services, which include online tutoring, academic coaching, and supplemental instruction, are free to enrolled ACC students. Tutors are available in a variety of subjects ranging from accounting to pharmacology. Students may receive these services on both a drop-in and referral basis. 

 

An online tutor request can be made here:

https://de.austincc.edu/bbsupport/online-tutoring-request/

 

Additional tutoring information can be found here:

austincc.edu/onlinetutoring

 

Library Services: ACC Library Services is operating online while campuses are closed during the current pandemic. Libraries continue to support ACC courses and programs and provide students with research and assignment assistance from expert faculty librarians. ACC students have full rights and privileges to access Library Services online 24/7 via the ACC Library website, and students must use their ACCeID logins to access all online materials, including ebooks, articles from library databases, and streaming videos. ACC Libraries provide the “Ask a Librarian” service, which allows students to reach a librarian 24/7 through online chat or complete an online form for in-depth questions.  Faculty librarians are available via email and virtually to meet with you by appointment seven days a week. Students can also contact the Library for questions about their library account, registration holds, and technology/device distribution options.

 

 

Student Organizations: ACC has over seventy student organizations, offering a variety of cultural, academic, vocational, and social opportunities.  They provide a chance to meet with other students who have the same interests, engage in service-learning, participate in intramural sports, gain valuable field experience related to career goals, and much else.  Student Life coordinates many of these activities, and additional information is available at http://sites.austincc.edu/sl/.

 

Personal Support: Resources to support students are available at every campus. To learn more, ask your professor or visit the campus Support Center. All resources and services are free and confidential. Some examples include, among others:

  

  • Food resources including community pantries and bank drives can be found here:

https://www.centraltexasfoodbank.org/food-assistance/get-food-now

 

A full listing of services for student parents is available at: https://www.austincc.edu/students/child-care

  • The CARES Act Student Aid will help eligible students pay expenses related to COVID-19: 

https://www.austincc.edu/coronavirus/cares-act-student-aid.   

 

Mental health:  Counseling services are available throughout the ACC Student Services District to address personal and or mental health concerns: http://www.austincc.edu/students/counseling .

 

If you are struggling with a mental health or personal crisis, call one of the following numbers to connect with resources for help. However if you are afraid that you might hurt yourself or someone else, call 911 immediately.

 

Free Crisis Hotline Numbers:

  • Austin / Travis County 24 hour Crisis & Suicide hotline: 512-472-HELP (4357)
  • The Williamson County 24 hour Crisis hotline: 1-800-841-1255
  • Bastrop County Family Crisis Center hotline: 1-888-311-7755
  • Hays County 24 Hour Crisis Hotline: 1-877-466-0660
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
  • Crisis Text Line: Text “home” to 741741
  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
  • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline:1-800-950-NAMI (6264)

 

Illness: Any ACC student or employee with symptoms or exposure to the COVID-19 virus should inform their professor(s) or supervisor and complete the college’s self reporting form: 

https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?AustinCC&layout_id=124