Heartland Community College
Humanities & Fine Arts
Course Syllabus for Students Fall 2011
Course Prefix and Number: HUMA 101-09
Course Title: Introduction to Humanities
Credit Hours: 3
Lecture Hours: 3 Laboratory Hours: 0
Days, Meeting Time, and Room: M 9:30-11:20 AM, PEC Room 214
Catalog Description:
Prerequisite: None
Introduction to the Humanities is the study of social and cultural values as expressed through the
major art forms, including painting, sculpture, architecture, literature, drama, music, dance, film,
and photography. The course will examine the elements and formal qualities that are
characteristic of each art form, the relationships between the arts, and the social and historical
contexts from which they developed.
Instructor Information:
Instructor name: Melanie Scott-Dockery
Phone Number to contact instructor: N/A
Instructor e-mail address: Melanie.Scott-Dockery@heartland.edu
Location of Instructor's Office: N/A
Instructor Office Hours: 11:30am-12:00pm at PEC, by appointment, or through email.
Textbook:
Martin, F. David, and Lee A. Jacobus. The Humanities Through the Arts. 8th ed. New York:
McGraw-Hill, 2010. Print.
Book’s Website: http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0073376639/student_view0/index.html
Relationship to Academic Development Programs and Transferability:
HUMA 101 fulfills 3 hours of the semester hours of credit in Humanities/Fine Arts required
for the A.A. or A.S. degree. This course should transfer as part of the General Education
Core Curriculum described in the Illinois Articulation Initiative to other Illinois colleges and
universities participating in the IAI. However, students should consult an academic advisor
for transfer information regarding particular institutions. Refer to the IAI web page for
information as well at www.itransfer.org.
Student Learning:
Learning is active and often takes patience to complete. A student is a member of a class and has
a responsibility to the classroom community. Please, prepare for in class and out of class work
by completing reading assignments and homework on time. Always bring your textbook, a
writing instrument and paper, and keep this syllabus on hand. Plan on spending approximately
six hours per week outside of class to prepare and complete work for this course. Successful
students are self-motivated, personally responsible, self-aware, embrace lifelong learning, and
believe in themselves. You do not have to tackle this class on your own, ask questions and
request assistance when needed. We all need help sometimes.
Instructor’s Role:
First of all, know that if you have any questions about the class or problems with assignments
contact me. This includes difficulty understanding the material as well as tackling the workload.
The best way is after class or through email. I check messages at least every other day. If you
contact me with a problem I will respond as soon as possible to resolve the issue. I am here to
challenge and assist you in learning art theory and culture. To fully challenge you, I will
sometimes challenge your assumptions about art, and to assist you I will honestly evaluate your
performance. We are embarking on the exciting journey of studying humanity, I am your guide
on this tour. Warning: when traveling I sometimes enjoy being lost to discover something new
and unexpected. So far I have always found my way home.
Course Objectives (Learning Outcomes)
Course Outcomes
General Range of Assessment Methods
Education
Outcomes
Display understanding of the role of the arts and DI3
Class discussion, In-class activities,
humanities in society, as well as in one's own life.
Writing assignments
Analyze works in the arts and humanities as
Class discussion, In-class activities,
products of a particular sociocultural framework.
Exams
Demonstrate the ability to appreciate and utilize CO1
Writing assignments, Quizzes, Exams
the processes of criticism and evaluation as useful
heuristics (exploratory problem-solving
techniques that utilize self-educating techniques.)
Demonstrate awareness and appreciation of the DI5
Class discussion, Writing assignments
extent and impact of cultural diversity in our
society as reflected in the arts and humanities.
DI4
Become aware of how themes we find in the
Class discussion, In-class activities,
arts and humanities relate to contemporary
Writing assignments
worldwide issues.
Interact with other individuals and in groups to PS4
Class discussion, In-class activities,
come to a consensus about an issue in the
Writing assignments
humanities and how to approach it productively.
Identify appropriate topics for scholarly research CT2
Writing assignments
in the arts and humanities, utilize standard
bibliographic and other research tools, select
suitable sources and methodology, and write
papers presenting the results of their research
while observing the conventions of scholarly
discourse.
CO1 (Communications Outcome 1): “Students compose a message and provide ideas and
information suitable to the topic, purpose, and audience.”
DI3 (Diversity Outcome 3): “Students reflect upon the formation of their own perspectives,
beliefs, opinions, attitudes, ideals, and values.”
DI4 (Diversity Outcome 4): “Students explain the contributions of diverse perspectives to the
development of various fields of inquiry and to society as a whole, and re-examine their own
values and beliefs in light of the insights they have gained from their study of other cultures.”
DI5 (Diversity Outcome 5): “Students consistently and characteristically approach diversity
issues in a manner that exemplifies respect for and appreciation of difference.”
PS4 (Problem Solving Outcome 4): “Student analyzes the situation, explores different outcomes
from multiple frameworks, applies the appropriate solution, analyzes the results, and refines the
solution.”
CT2 (Critical Thinking Outcome 2): “Students determine value of multiple sources or strategies
and select those most appropriate in a given context.”
Course/Lab Outline:













Cultural Contexts of the Humanities
Defining & Evaluating Art
Painting
Sculpture
Architecture
Literature
Drama
Music
Dance
Film
Photography
Their Interrelationships of the Arts
The Role of Humanities & the Arts in Society
Method of Instruction:
Instruction may take any or all of these forms class discussions and projects, demonstrations,
fieldtrips, individual and small-group projects, and lectures.
Blackboard Supplement:
You will find a copy of the syllabus, class guides, journal entries, assignments, and grades
recorded in Blackboard. However, please send messages to me through email rather than the
Blackboard message system. I will check email messages on a regular basis, but not Blackboard
messages.
Course Policies:
Method of Evaluation (Tests/Exams, Grading System):
25% (200 points)
20% (160 points)
30% (240 points)
25% (200 points)
Total = 800 points
4 Objective Tests
1 Final Exam
Journal (120), Draft and Final Version of Research Paper (120)
Other classroom assignments: Outlines (100) and Presentation (100)
Grading Scale:
92 to 100% = A (736-800 points)
83 to 91% = B (664-735 points)
74 to 82% = C (592-663 points)
65 to 73% = D (520-591 points)
Below 65% = F (519 points and below)
Specifications for Written and Other Assignments:
 Use MLA (Modern Language Association) formatting. Refer to OWL at Purdue for
guidance (http://owl.english.purdue.edu/), pick up a guide at the HCC library, or contact
a representative of HCC’s Writing Center. Please ask if you have any questions.
 Please let your reader (usually me) know from where you retrieve information. If you
cite quotes or ideas from any sources, include a works cited page.
 Grammatical errors and misspellings will affect grades so use spell check and proofread.
 Do not use websites for reference unless the site is created by a professional in the field
of art or humanities, for example, a museum. Use sources that will give you accurate and
good information. The HCC library has a great handout on evaluating sources.
 Please punctuate titles of artworks. Sometimes this calls for italics and sometimes
apostrophes.
 Do not use Wikipedia as a source. You can use it as a reference to get started, but you
cannot trust the information on Wikipedia because it is user driven. That means those
creating the content are not always experts in the field of art and culture.
Incompletes Policy:
If you are struggling or foresee a complication in completing this course contact me as soon as
possible. It is best to avoid an incomplete. In the event of an emergency, I will assess whether
or not an incomplete would be helpful to your education endeavors. Also, I will only consider
granting an incomplete if your work, class participation, and attendance has been good to date.
Deadlines and Make-up Work:
I will not accept late work. I will drop your lowest test grade (excluding the final exam), outline
grade, and journal grade. The final exam, draft of research paper, research paper, and research
group presentation cannot be made up, these must be completed on time. Please plan ahead and
talk to me if you are having problems keeping up.
Extra Credit:
Depending on class progress, I may offer the class an opportunity to earn extra points. I will
announce this to the entire class when appropriate. I do not always give extra credit. I use it if it
is going to enhance the learning experience.
W at Midterm:
I reserve the right to withdraw any student not progressing towards completion of the class when
midterm grades are recorded. If you have questions about this please ask.
Attendance Policy:
You should only miss class if absolutely necessary, in the case of an emergency or illness. If you
have two absences you are required to meet with me before returning to class. Please show up
early when returning. If we do not have time to talk then we will meet after class that day. We
will discuss the reasons for your absence, how well you are keeping up with the homework, and
whether or not it will be possible for you to complete the course. Please note: If you arrive late
or leave early more than once, it will be counted as an absence.
Required Writing and Reading:
Required reading will include approximately 45-50 pages per week, both from the required text
and from other sources relevant to the arts and the humanities. Students will write the equivalent
of 12-15 pages of writing (researched-based and/or response) throughout the semester.
Student Conduct:
Please display courteous behavior while in class. Do not make noise or talk while someone else
is addressing the class. Put your cell phone and/or other electronic devices away when class
begins, unless otherwise directed for an assignment. Keep your focus on the topics at hand and
use the time in HUMA 101-09 for work in that class. Arriving late or leaving early is disruptive
to the classroom environment so please do not do it (see above for absence policy). A copy of
HCC’s Student Code of Conduct from the 2010-12 catalog is copied at the end of this syllabus.
If you are disruptive to the learning environment I will ask you to leave the classroom, and you
may be counted absent for the day.
Notice of Cancelled Class Sessions:
Cancelled class sessions, for all HCC classes, will be listed under Cancelled Class Meetings in
the A-Z Index and under Academic Information in the Current Students page on the HCC Web
site. Go to http://www.heartland.edu/classCancellations/ to learn what classes have been
cancelled for that day and the upcoming week. Be sure to check the last column, which might
contain a message from the instructor. Also, logging on to myheartland displays cancelled class
information.
Additional Information about Heartland Community College:
Disability Support Services
Heartland Community College offers Disability Support Services (DSS) with offices located in
the Academic Support Center. DSS ensures that students with disabilities have equal access to
the college’s programs, services and activities through the provision of reasonable
accommodations as outlined in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with
Disabilities Act. DSS offers a wide range of services to support students with disabilities,
including: assistive technology, document conversion services, personnel, classroom and testing
accommodations. Students with a documented disability who wish to discuss academic
accommodations can contact disability support services at (309)268-8259.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a fundamental principle of collegial life at Heartland Community College
and is essential to the credibility of the College’s educational programs. Moreover, because
grading may be competitive, students who misrepresent their academic work violate the right of
their fellow students. The College, therefore, views any act of academic dishonest as a serious
offense requiring disciplinary measures, including course failure, suspension, and even expulsion
from the College. In addition, an act of academic dishonesty may have unforeseen effects far
beyond any officially imposed penalties.
Violations of academic integrity include, but are not limited to cheating, aiding or suborning
cheating or other acts of academic dishonesty, plagiarism, misrepresentation of data, falsification
of academic records or documents and unauthorized access to computerized academic or
administrative records or systems. Definitions of these violations may be found in the college
catalog.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the presenting of others’ ideas as if they were your own. When you write a paper,
create a project, do a presentation or create anything original, it is assumed that all the work,
except for that which is attributed to another author or creator, is your own. Plagiarism is
considered a serious academic offense and may take the following forms:
• Copying word-for-word from another source and not giving that source credit.
• Paraphrasing the work of another and not giving that source credit.
• Adopting a particularly apt phrase as your own.
• Using an image or a copy of an image without crediting its source.
• Paraphrasing someone else’s line of thinking in the development of a topic as if it were your
own.
• Receiving excessive help from a friend or elsewhere, or using another project as if it were your
own.
[Adapted from the Modern Language Association’s MLA Handbook for Writers of Research
Papers. New York: MLA, 1995: 26]
Plagiarism, Specifics for HUMA 101-09 Fall 2011:
Most cases of plagiarism arise from carelessness or haste. Violators often attempt to excuse
themselves by saying that they were not told of the nature of plagiarism. Consider with
notification. You must not include either the phrases or ideas of another in your papers without
acknowledgment. Please inform your reader from where the information you are using comes.
Don’t be afraid of citing sources which are not books. You can cite everything – including
pamphlets, maps, cereal boxes, telephone conversations, movies, television shows, interviews,
and world-wide web sites. If I discover a case of plagiarism in this class I will take into account
the nature of the offense. The student may be asked to redo an assignment, may fail that
assignment, or may fail the class depending on the severity of the offense. Take your time and
when in doubt cite your source and you will be okay.
On-Line Course Evaluations
On-line course evaluations are completed by selecting the link in your myHeartland account.
Philosophy of Grades
The Heartland Community College grading philosophy grows out of our vision of educational
excellence. This common philosophy provides a framework for each academic division and
instructor as they establish their own individual course grading system, evaluation methods, and
course policies using the shared general rubrics for letter grades given below.
Letter grades serve as a vehicle to promote meaningful evaluation of student achievement, to
inform students of academic progress, and, as necessary, to improve student performance, habits,
and practices. Using a letter grade as a prerequisite for subsequent courses means we believe that
the grade was assigned through a conscious judgment about a student’s readiness to proceed to
more advanced study. At Heartland, students’ academic achievement is measured by their
mastery of course objectives and content. We challenge students to meet these recognized
standards of achievement and we assign grades based on their success in doing so. Simply stated,
we believe that the responsibility for academic achievement rests with the student and that
holding students responsible for their learning promotes their academic growth.
Letter Grade Rubrics
“A” This grade represents consistently outstanding performance that demonstrates superior
understanding and skillful use of important course concepts. Performance at this level signifies
that the student is extremely well prepared to continue with more advanced study of the subject.
“B” This grade represents performance significantly beyond the level necessary to achieve the
course objectives. Work is of high quality but not consistently at an outstanding level.
Performance at this level signifies that the student is well prepared to continue with more
advanced study of the subject.
“C” This grade represents an acceptable achievement of the course objectives. Performance at
this level signifies that the student is reasonably well prepared to continue with more advanced
study of the subject.
“D” This grade represents less than adequate performance. It signifies questionable readiness to
proceed with more advanced study of the subject.
“F” This grade reflects unacceptable performance. The student is not yet ready to proceed with
more advanced study of the subject, and must repeat the course successfully to receive credit.
Syllabi disclaimer:
If the need arises, because of College closings; severe weather; class progress, or other
unforeseen circumstances changes may be made to this syllabus and/or course calendar. The
class will be notified of changes at the earliest possible time.
Course Calendar:
Day
Homework: Reading
and Assignments to do
Before Class
8/22
8/29
Chapter 2 and Outline
9/5
9/12
9/19
9/26
10/3
10/10
Work Done in Class
Blackboard Classwork
Review Syllabus, Chapter 1,
Outline, and Research Topics
Before and After: Reflections
on Guernica
Chapter 2
Lichtenstein – Comics to art
Finding great research sources
Labor Day
Continued: Guernia and
choose topic of interest
for research
Chapter 3 and Outline
Chapter 3
Further discussion of formcontent relationships
Begin a critique of a work
Study for Test #1
(First) Test #1 (Chap 1,2,3)
Chapter 14 and Outline
(Second) Chapter 14
Art and Idea
Pop and popular art
Parts of Chapter 15 and 16 Chapter 15 and 16
and Outline sections
Interrelationships, Eakins, and
Dewey
Chapter 4 and Outline
Chapter 4
Perspective, History, Culture
Impressionism
Study for Test #2
(First) Test #2 (14, 15, 16, 4)
Chapter 5 and Outline
(Second) Chapter 5
How do the topics in
your group fit together?
Through idea?
Chronologically?...
To what artists or works
of art does your research
topic relate?
Influences on
Impressionism
What media does your
research topic use, and
what are the key words
to describe that media?
Chapter 6
Research sources
Function and Form in Buildings revisited and organized
Chapter 7
A short narrative about
Poetry
your research topic
(First) Test #3 (5, 6, 7)
Draft of research paper
(Second) Research Group
Minimum 4 pages
Meetings
Research Group Work and
Self evaluation of paper
review of papers
10/17
Chapter 6 and Outline
10/24
Chapter 7 and Outline
10/31
Study for Test #3
Work on Research Paper
11/7
Draft of Research Paper
due at the beginning of
class
Sections of Drama, Music, Beethoven, Stravinsky, Cage,
Dance and Outline
and others
Sections
11/14
Refine research topic
and what makes a great
research source
What is the subject
matter? How does the
artist use artistic form to
create content?
Finish critique of a work
by your research topic
Journal: TBA
11/21
11/28
Study for Test #4
(First) Test #4
(Second)Practice Group
Presentations
Research papers due at the Group Presentations
beginning of class
12/5
12/12
8-9:50am
Group Presentations and Final
Review
Final Exam
Finish Research Paper
Self-eval of
presentations
Self-eval of
presentations
Code of Conduct
Heartland Community College recognizes its students as both citizens and members of the
academic community. As citizens, students have freedom of speech, assembly, association and
press and the rights of petition and due process as guaranteed by the state and federal
constitutions. As members of the academic community, students have the right and responsibility
to participate in formulating and reviewing all College regulations and policies directly affecting
them.
Upon enrolling at HCC, each student assumes an obligation to act in accordance with generally
acceptable standards of responsible adult behavior, which include respect of other students and
other members of the College community. If this obligation is neglected or ignored, the College
must take appropriate disciplinary action in order to function effectively.
Upon committing or attempting to commit any act of misconduct on the College campus,
whether in class, at an activity, function or event sponsored or supervised by the College, or
elsewhere with a direct relationship between such act and the College, a student may be subject
to disciplinary action.
Acts of misconduct include, but are not limited to:
1. Academic dishonesty, such as cheating, plagiarism, etc.;
2. Knowingly furnishing false information to the College;
3. Forgery, alteration or any misuse of College documents and records;
4. Conduct which significantly interferes with the College’s teaching, administration or other
responsibilities;
5. Conduct which endangers the health, safety or well-being of members of the College
community or visitors to the campus, including but not limited to, unauthorized and/or illegal
possession, use or distribution of controlled substances, look-alike drugs, alcohol or
unauthorized/illegal use or possession of firearms or any other weapon;
6. Violation of specific College rules and regulations, including those regarding campus parking,
equipment, facilities and telecommunications/Internet;
7. Failure to comply with directions of College officials acting within the scope of their duties;
8. Any conduct which constitutes a violation of a federal, state or local law. College officials will
cooperate with federal, state and local authorities in any investigation of such violations.
Students remain subject to federal, state and local laws; violation of these laws may lead to
prosecution by agencies or persons, in addition to disciplinary action of the College.