Art Appreciation Arts 1301
Fall, 2014
Vivian Pollock, M.A.
vivian.pollock@hccs.edu
CRN 29933, 29934
Felix Fraga
Houston Community College
Office Hours: By Appointment
281-996-1340 (Messages)
Room: 350
8-9:30 am, 9:30-11:00 am
Catalogue Description: This introduction to the visual arts is designed for the general student. The
course explores what is art, who makes it, and why it is made. This course satisfies the cross-cultural
component. Core curriculum course: 3 credits (3 lecture hours).
Prerequisites: None
Required Textbook: Sayre A World of Art 7th edition
Course Purpose: This course presents a survey of the visual arts, including artistic media and techniques,
and art history. Students in Art Appreciation will also explore visual principles and elements through
hands-on activities.
Course Objectives: At the successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
1. Compare and contrast cultural and historical developments and their influences on various art forms.
2. Identify media, stylistic characteristics, influences, and artistic concerns of major artists and /or cultures.
3. Recognize and discuss the iconography of specified works of art, as well as, the iconography of popular
works of art during different historical periods and from different geographical a cultural areas.
4. Identify philosophical movements, religious concepts, historical figures, events and places and discuss
their relationship to works of art.
5. Understand basic materials, methods and equipment used in making art.
6. Learn the vocabulary associated with visual arts.
7. Develop critical thinking skills so as to intelligently discuss and analyze artworks.
8. Explain the function of art in its historical context.
9. Create artworks that explore and demonstrate an understanding of concepts introduced in class.
10. Understand the roles artists have played in various cultures throughout history.
11. Consider the ways that art is valued.
12. Gain an appreciation for the role that censorship has played in the arts.
13. Have an awareness of and appreciation for the major museums in the Houston area.
Student Requirements:
The Student will:
1. E-Mail instructor to get approval of research topic. No students will have the identical topic.
2. Purchase the required textbook and complete all assigned readings and graded assignments.
3. Complete projects that demonstrate and understanding of concepts covered in class.
4. Trips to area museums or sculpture gardens are optional but useful.
5. Learn to solve problems in an original and expressive manner.
6. Conduct adequate research to uncover images or develop the conceptual aspect of projects.
12. Grading System:
90-100%=A
Exceptionally fine work: superior in presentation, visual observation, comprehension,
and Participation
80-89%=B
Above average work: superior in one or two areas
70-79%=C
Average work: good, unexceptional participation
60-69%=D
Below average work: noticeably weak with minimal participation
0-50%=F
Clearly deficient in presentation, style and content with a lack of participation
Final Exam: The exam will be an open book test. It will be comprehensive of the entire textbook. The
answers will be in complete sentences. Image identification will also be included. I will review topics a
week before the final exam date. You will write the answers on paper. Any missed exam that is
unexcused will count as a “0” toward your final grade.
Late Work
It is important that each student completes his or her work in time for the announced due date. Late work
will be lowered by one letter grade. Ten points will be deducted from assignments received after the due
date.
Attendance
Keep in touch with me by phone or e-mail. Get your assignments in on time. Please speak with me
regarding any special circumstances that are effecting your attendance.
Disabilities
Students who require reasonable accommodations for disabilities are urged to report to the Disability
Office and make necessary arrangements. Faculty is only authorized to provide accommodations
requested by the Disability Support Services Office.
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment by any faculty, staff, or student is a violation of both law and university policy and will
not be tolerated at ACC.
Scholastic Dishonesty
1. Cheating on a test includes: Copying from another student’s test paper; using during a test, materials
not authorized by the person giving the test;
Knowingly using, buying, selling, stealing, transporting, or soliciting in whole or part the contents of
an unadministered test; bribing another person to obtain a test that is to be administered.
2. Plagiarism means the appropriation of another’s work and the unacknowledged incorporation of that
work in one’s own written work offered for credit. This is especially true of work taken from sources via
the Internet.
3. Collusion means the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written work offered
for credit.
Possible punishments for academic dishonesty may include a grade of “0” or “F” on
the particular assignment, failure in the course, and/or recommendation for
probation or dismissal from the College System.
Insurance disclaimer
There are advantages for HCC students to carry some form of medical insurance to cover illness and injury,
both on and off campus. Information regarding low-cost health insurance for students is available with the
administration. Under Texas State statue, HCC is immune to liability in the event of accident or injury.
Academic Advisement
Academic advisements about specific Fine Arts courses and degree plans for Communication (Speech and
Journalism) are available during the academic semesters. Please speak to an adviser in your areas of
interest.
Three-peaters: “Students who repeat a course three or more times may soon face significant tuition/fee
increase at HCC and other Texas public colleges and universities. Please ask your instructor/counselor
about opportunities for tutoring and other assistance prior to considering course withdrawal or if you are
not receiving passing grades.” (Director of Learning Initiatives)
____________________________________________________________________________________
16 Week Calendar
Week 1: Introduction: Syllabus, Unit 1: Understanding the art you see Chapter 1: A World of Art
Week 2: Chapter 2: Developing Visual Literacy, Critiques of 10 pieces of art from text
Week Three: Chapter 3: The Themes of Art
Week 4: Chapter 4: Seeing the Value in Art
Week 5: Unit 5: The Formal Elements and their Design, Chapter 5: Line, Chapter 6: Space
Week 6: Chapter 7: Light and Color
Week 7: Chapter 8: Other Formal Elements
Week 8: Chapter 9: The Principles of Design, Research Fish Prints & Paint a Fish Print
Week 9: Chapter 10: Drawing, Chapter 11: Printmaking, Chapter 12: Painting,
Week 10: Chapter 13: Sculpture (Greek and Roman Sculptures)
Week 11: Chapter 14: Other 3-D Media, Chapter 15: The Camera Arts
Week 12: Chapter 16: Architecture, Chapter 17: Design
Week 13: Chapter 18: The Ancient World
Week 14: Chapter 19: The Christian Era The Famous Artist Report Chapter 20: Renaissance through
Baroque
Week 15: Chapter 21: The 18th and 19th Centuries, Chapter 22: The 20th Century, Review for Final Exam
Week 16: Final Exam
Major Assignments for Semester
1. Critique of 10 Art Works in Text (100 Points)
2. Research Fish Prints
(Participation)
3. Famous Artist Report
(100 Points)
4. Final Exam
(100 Points)
Total Points
Due Sept. 11th, Thursday
Due Oct. 9th, Thursday
Due Nov. 13th, Thursday
Dec. 9th Tuesday 9 a.m.
Dec. 11th Thursday 8 a.m.
(300 Points)