RANGER COLLEGE
Art Appreciation Syllabus
COURSE NUMBER AND TITLE: ART 1301
CREDIT HOURS: 3 HRS/WK Lab: 0 Lec/LAB COMB: 3
I. CATALOG DESCRIPTION
Exploration of purposes and processes in the visual arts including evaluation of selected works.
Credit 3 semester hours.
II. COURSE GOAL
Students in this course will gain exposure to and experience in the visual arts. The course will allow
the student to develop an understanding of art to enhance the quality of their life intellectually,
emotionally, and spiritually. The student‘s understanding of art is enhanced by studying the elements
of art and design, media of art, and the chronological progression of art through history from a global
perspective. Students will develop critical thinking skills by reading and writing to produce authentic
artifacts and utilize interactive media. Students will discover art through displays in art institutions in
which they will visit a local art museum and prepare a written art analysis.
III. COURSE CONTENT
Course content will contain examination of art works which define the visual world that we live in,
as well as the techniques and mediums used to master the elements of art production. Works explored
will also place the arts in historical context by understanding the shifts in art-making (i.e from The
Ancient World to art from the 1900 to the present.)
IV. REQUIRED BACKGROUND PREREQUISITE
There is no requirement to be met prior to taking this course. It will meet the requirement of a threehour Fine Art elective.
V. TEXTBOOK (S); READINGS; MATERIALS
1. A World of Art, Henry M. Sayre, 2013, 7th ed, Pearson Higher Education
2. Believing is Seeing: Creating a culture of Art, Mary Ann Staniszewski, 1995, Penguin Books
(Documents available on blackboard and the instructor will provide information for discussion.)
VI. METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
Discussion, Projects, and Assessments
VII. EXEMPLARY EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES
The purpose of the Exemplary Educational Objectives is to expand students’ knowledge of the
human condition and human cultures, especially in relation to behaviors, ideas, and values expressed
in works of human imagination and thought. Through the study of visual arts, students will engage in
critical analysis, form aesthetic judgments, and develop an appreciation of the arts and humanities as
fundamental to the health and survival of any society.
Humanities and Visual and Performing Arts (H)
H1. To demonstrate awareness of the scope and variety of works in the arts and humanities.
H2. To understand those works as expressions of individual and human values within an historical
and social context.
H3. To respond critically to works in the arts and humanities.
H4. To engage in the creative process and comprehend the physical and intellectual demands
required of the visual artist.
H5. To articulate an informed personal reaction to works in the arts and humanities.
H6. To develop an appreciation for the aesthetic principles that guide or govern the humanities and
arts.
H7. To demonstrate knowledge of the influence of literature, philosophy, and/or the arts on
intercultural experiences.
VIII. BASIC INTELLECTUAL COMPETENCIES
The Basic Intellectual Competencies listed below are essential to the learning process designed to
assist and prepare the students for becoming well-educated individuals who are intellectually
flexible, articulate, and have the capacity to become responsible and creative mentors of society.
These competencies are included in this course and they are noted by the following numbering
system.
B1. READING: The ability to analyze and interpret a variety of printed materials -- books, articles,
and documents.
B2. WRITING: The ability to produce clear, correct, and coherent prose adapted to purpose,
occasion, and audience.
B3. SPEAKING: The ability to communicate orally in clear, coherent, and persuasive language
appropriate to purpose, occasion, and audience.
B4. LISTENING: The ability to analyze and interpret various forms of spoken communication.
B5. CRITICAL THINKING: The ability to embrace methods for applying both qualitative and
quantitative skills analytically and creatively to subject matter in order to evaluate arguments and to
construct alternative strategies.
B6. COMPUTER LITERACY: The ability to use computer-based technology in communicating,
solving problems, and acquiring information.
VIIII. COURSE OBJECTIVES
1. Recognize the various media used in art. (H1)(B1)
2. Visually identify works by major artists from the various movements of art. (H2)(B1)(B6)
3. Understand the development and context within various styles of art. (H3)(B1)(B2)
4. Become familiar with the formal techniques used within art-making. (H6)(B1)
5. Comprehend the influence of our visual world. (H7)(B1)(B4)
6. Develop an understanding of reading images through visual literacy. (H3)(B5)(B6)
7. Become knowledgeable of placing art into historical and cultural context. (H2)(H7)(B4)
8. Visit a local art museum and produce a written art analysis on their discovery. (H5)(B2)
9. Engage in hands-on projects that help students to comprehend the creative process. (H6)(B5)
10. Express personal views on current art practices or influences in our culture. (H5)(B2)
X. COURSE CALENDAR
This schedule is tentative and subject to change depending upon the progress of the class
Week 1: Introductions
Introductions
Syllabus
Reading: Chapter 1
Week 2: Developing Visual Literacy and Seeing the Value of Art
Reading: Chapter 2 and 3
Discussion over Believing is seeing readings– Chapter 1: What is Art?
Week 3: Line, Space, Light and Color
Reading: Chapter 4, 5 and 6
Discussion over Believing is seeing readings– Chapter 2 & 3: Art and the Modern Subject/ The Term
“Art”
Week 4: Other Elements and Principles of Design
Reading: Chapter 7 and 8
Discussion over Believing is seeing readings– Chapter 4&5: Aesthetics: The Theory of Art/ The
Privilege: Creating Art
Exam No. 1: Chapters 1-8
Week 5: Drawing and Printmaking
Reading: Chapter 9 and 10
Discussion over Believing is seeing readings– Chapter 6&7 The Academy/The Museum
Week 6: Painting
Reading: Chapter 11
Week 7: Photography and Time-Based Media
Reading: Chapter 12
Week 8: Sculpture and The Crafts as Fine Art
Reading: Chapter 13 and 14
Mid-Term Exam
Week 9: Architecture and The Design Profession
Reading: Chapter 15 and 16
Week 10: The Ancient World
Reading: Chapter 17
Week 11: The Age of Faith
Reading: Chapter 18
Week 12: The Renaissance through the Baroque
Reading: Chapter 19
Discussion over Believing is seeing readings– Chapter 8&9 The Discipline: Art History and The
Development of Modernism/Avant Garde, Popular Culture, and the Creation of Mass Media
Exam No. 2
Week 13: The Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries
Reading: Chapter 20
Discussion over Believing is seeing readings– Chapter 10 Art and Culture Today
Week 14: From 1900 to the Present
Reading: Chapter 21
Week 15 Final Exam Review
Journals due
Art work due
Week 16 Final Exam TBA
XI. COURSE/CLASSROOM POLICIES
 Failure to turn in assignments will result in a zero.
 If you miss a scheduled exam you will not be able to retake the exam until after you have
taken the final exam at the end of the course during the time allotted for the final exam.
XII. ASSESSMENT
 Participation in activities
 Projects
 Exams
All assignments are weighted equally. The final class average will be based on the following
grade scale: 90-100 A; 89-80 B; 79-70 C; 69-60 D; 59-0 F
ADA Statement: Ranger College provides a variety of services for students with learning and/or
physical disabilities. The student is responsible for making the initial contact with the Ranger College
Counselor. It is advisable to make this contact before or immediately after the semester begins.
Admissions, employment, and program policies of Ranger College are non-discriminatory in regard
to race, creed, color, sex, age, disability, and national origin. All recruitment and admission material
complies with Section 504 of the ADA.