Course number: Arts 1301
Course title: Art Appreciation
Semester hours: 3
Foundational Component Area
A. The course “focus[es] on the appreciation and analysis of creative artifacts and works of
the human imagination.”
Art Appreciation, as a course serves to give students a generalized, basic understanding of the
various disciplines related to the Visual Arts. Art Appreciation begins with the origins of art ad
art making and analyzes the linear historical aspects of art to the present. Art periods and
movements are emphasized along with the artists and a survey of art objects.
B. The course “involve[s] the synthesis and interpretation of artistic expression and
enable[s] critical, creative, and innovative communication about works of art.”
Students learn the necessary skills to enable them to describe and critique art. Important concepts
that are taught include an historical perspective of the visual arts, and a familiarity with various
historically significant artists and works of art.
Core Objectives
A. Critical Thinking, Aspect 1: “Students will demonstrate creative thinking and
innovation.”
Students are taught the terms and ideas necessary for writing and speaking about the
visual arts in a formal manner. Students learn how the visual arts have evolved and the
importance of the visual arts as a language. Students ability to demonstrate creative
thinking is evaluated through a collage assignment demonstrating their ability to utilize
their knowledge of basic design concepts while utilizing different kinds of media and
image styles to create an artwork. The student is then required to analyze their own work
and explain their use and selection various material, methods and design elements and
principles, thus demonstrating critical thinking skills in relation to the creative process
(See Appendix A).
B. Critical Thinking, Aspect 2: “Students will demonstrate effective inquiry
strategies.”
Students will develop a working knowledge of the history of the visual arts. In addition
students will be able to synthesize the various disciplines, recognize their unique
differences, and have a better understanding of the visual arts as a linear movement.
Students are given an assignment wherein they are asked to suggest artworks that they
believe will remedy a deficiency in the course curriculum. This exercise is meant to
enable the student to demonstrate their ability to understand that the cannon of images is
a mutable construct that is opened to influence and not static, but ever changing. It
allows students to question the construct of this cannon based on their knowledge of core
Western art images and their questioning of the parameters of the definition of art. (See
appendix B)
C. Communication, Aspect 1: “Students will demonstrate effective development,
interpretation and expressions of ideas through written communication.”
Students will participate in class discussions and various writing assignments including
research papers, and presentations. Students will be taught academic research skills and
how to find and use scholarly sources. Writing assignments will also include critical
analysis and interpretation of various forms related to the visual arts.
Students are given a series of homework assignments that test their ability to express their
ideas and observations about the visual arts in writing while learning how to cite sources
and demonstrate research skills. (See appendix C)
D. Communication, Aspect 2: “Students will demonstrate effective development,
interpretation and expressions of ideas through oral communication.”
Students will participate in class discussions about various works of art where they will
tackle such topics as: public art and definitions of indecency and the preservation of
controversial works.
E. Communication, Aspect 3: “Students will demonstrate effective development,
interpretation and expressions of ideas through visual communication.”
Students learn how the visual arts have evolved and the importance of the visual arts as a
language. Students ability to demonstrate their effective communication through visual
representation is evaluated through an autobiographical collage assignment wherein a
student creates an image representing their life and interests. The student is graded on the
clarity and effectiveness of this visual representation (See Appendix A).
F. Teamwork: “Students will demonstrate the ability to consider different points
of view and to work effectively with others to support a shared purpose or goal.”
Students will work in online group discussion concerning topics covered in lecture.
Students will respond and critique other students' comments in a constructive and
respectful manner thus demonstrating the ability to consider other viewpoints while
demonstrating critical thinking skills within a group context. (See Appendix D)
G. Social Responsibility, Aspect 3: “Students will demonstrate the ability to engage
effectively in regional, national, and global communities.”
Students in Art Appreciation are exposed to works from varied cultures and time periods
which engenders knowledge and recognition of many different political, religious and
social viewpoints. Specifically, students are engaged in a class-long group discussion of
the effect of art in the public sphere by arguing the benefits or deficiencies of specific
works of public art on both a local and international level.
______________________________________________________________________________
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APPENDICES
APPENDIX A
ART PROJECT 1 - COLLAGE
Art imitates life. (100 pts)
A collage is an image made by pasting various materials (other images, cloth, newspaper, photos, drawing, etc.) onto
a flat surface to create a new image. Make a collage which represents your life right now. The image should be no
smaller that 6” x 6” and no larger that 12” x 12”. Assignments not fitting these sizes will receive a zero.
Materials
Collage comes from the French meaning “to paste.” A collage can be made from various material (i.e.: photos,
magazine clippings, bottlecaps, beads, stickers, etc.) As long as the material is relatively flat and can be glued to a
piece of paper, then it is acceptable. The important thing to remember is that the collage you are making should
represent your life, your interests, your family, friends, etc.
I suggest doing a Google search for “collage” for inspiration. Reminder: use other collages for inspiration, but do
not copy any artwork exactly. The work must be your own.
On a separate paper please answer these questions.
The following questions count 20% of the overall grade for this assignment. Please use complete sentences and
answer the questions thoroughly. Also include your name and the time and date of the class in the upper right hand
corner of your paper.
1. How do the material and images used relate to this moment in your life?
2. Think about the principle and elements of design while you make your collage. What elements or principles did
you use to structure your composition (i.e.: line, shape, balance, color, etc.)?
3. Are you satisfied with your collage? Why or why not?
______________________________________________________________________________
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APPENDIX B
Assignment 11 – But what about...? (33pts)
Is there any kind of art, artist, era, etc. that you wished would have been covered in this class but was not? Why? In
what way do you think the addition of this artwork or works would benefit a student’s understanding of art and art
making?
The student will be graded on the thoughtfulness of their answers. Please do not use this section to
comment on what you thought of the
class or the instructor’s performance overall. Student evaluations will be handed out at the end of
the semester and you can take that time to evaluate the class as a whole anonymously.
______________________________________________________________________________
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APPENDIX C
Assignment 5 – More than a pretty picture. (20 pts)
In lecture it was demonstrated that artists like Raphael and Diego Rivera used materials and subject matter to evoke
the past. Artists often use subject matter from a previous era or older methods and materials to link their work to an
older culture. We do this for various reasons: to pay tribute to our ancestors, to find a connection to the past, to
remind ourselves of our childhood or previous generations, etc. T-shirts with images from another era, music done
in a retro style, and the revival of needle crafts like stitching and quilting are just a few examples of how our culture
draws on the past.
Remember: Fuller answers = better grades.
1. Think of an article of clothing you have that is in a retro style or has an image that evokes the past. Did you pick
that article of clothing because the retro image or style of the clothing was important to you?
2. Think of something you do that is considered “old-fashioned.”
Do you have a hobby or practice a craft that relies on older ways of doing things (for example: knitting, restoring
old cars, studying history or family genealogy)?
Is the fact that this activity “old-fashioned” important to you? Why? Is tradition important to you? If not, do you not
have a “traditional” activity or hobby? do you still think tradition is important? If not, why?
______________________________________________________________________________
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APPENDIX D
Sistine Chapel Message Board Discussion
Read the following article on the restoration of Michelangelo's ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.
http://msopal29.myweb.uga.edu/ Follow all the links as they provide further definition of
terms that you will find useful.
Step 1. Post a comment on the message board explaining if you are pro or anti for
restoring the ceiling. Explain why in your comment. Please write full and thoughtful
comments for this post.
Step 2. Reply to and make a comment on at least two other posts by fellow students.
The message board will be available from Monday 2/17 12:00am until Sunday 2/24
11:55pm.
APPENDIX E
ART APPRECIATION 1301 - 100, 101, 102, 103, 150 FALL 2012
COURSE SYLLABUS
MW 9:30-10:50; MW 12:30-1:50; MW 9:30-10:50; T 6:00-8:50
48 lecture hours ....................................................3 credit hours
A course open to all students directed toward understanding the elements and principles of art as
applied to the visual arts: painting, sculpture and architecture as well as printmaking, ceramics,
metal work and weaving.
Textbooks & Materials Required / Recommended
Living with Art 9th edition. Mark Getlein, ed.
Instructor’s Name
George Neal
E-mail Address
gneal@nctc.edu
Phone - 940-668-7731
Office No. - VAC1306A
Office Hours MTWR - 11:00-12:30
GRADING POLICY AND PROCEDURES: Your final grade will derive from an
average of the following:
REGULAR CLASSES
- Homework Assignments (4) x 100 points each = 400 points
- Exams (4) x 100 points each = 400 points
- Final Project/Paper = 100 points
- Attendance = 100 points
- Total grade points available = 1000 points
Grade Breakdown - A = 900-1000 - B = 800-899 - C = 700-799- D = 600-699- F = 0-599
HONORS CLASS
- Homework Assignments (4) x 75 points each = 300 points
- Exams (4) x 100 points each = 400 points
- Final Project/Paper = 200 points
- Attendance = 50 points
- Summary Papers = 50 points
- Total grade points available = 1000 points
Grade Breakdown - A = 900-1000 - B = 800-899 - C = 700-799- D = 600-699- F = 0-599
Homework (4x100=400 pts) (Honors student’s assignments count 75 points)
At the beginning of each new section the instructor will give the students a group of
homework
assignments. At the time of the test, the student will turn in his or her assignments.
Homework
assignments will be turned in four times a semester; each time the assignments are worth
up to 100 points. Homework will be graded with an emphasis on content and clarity of
thought over grammar and spelling.
Tests (4x100=400 pts)
There are four tests for this course. Each test is worth 100 over-all points. The breakdown
for test scores is as follows:
5 short answer questions – (50%)
25 multiple choice and/or matching – (50%)
Final Project (100 pts [200 for Honors students])
A final project will be assigned later in the semester. It counts 100 pts for all students
except for Honors students it will count 200 pts.
Quizzes (Bonus points)
Several pop quizzes will be given throughout the semester over material from class and
readings. The points will be extra credit and be added to the student’s overall grade.
Attendance (100pts)
Attendance is a very important part of this class. Attendance counts for 10% of your
grade. Students are only allowed a certain number of unexcused absences before points
are taken away. Below is the list of unexcused absences allowed before points are
deducted.
MW & TR classes: 2 = -0pt, 3 = -50pts, 4 = -100pts
Unexcused Absences for Tuesday night classes: 1 = -0pts, 2 = -100pts
Excused absences include any academic NCTC sponsored event such as: athletic or
academic trips, doctor’s appointments (with a note), family emergencies (with proof or a
note).
LEARNING OUTCOMES
- To develop the critical thinking and analytical skills required to appreciate art and improve
analytical writing skills.
- To gain a basic knowledge of art terms and vocabulary
- To provide a basic knowledge of art materials and methods, issues, history, methods
- To provide an introduction to the basic history of western art and some of its major movements,
styles,
and concepts
SCHOLASTIC INTEGRITY
Scholastic dishonesty shall include, but not be limited to cheating on a test, plagiarism, and
collusion.
See Student Handbook “Student Rights & Responsibilities: Student Conduct [FLB- (LOCAL)]”
#18.
Attendance Policy
ADA STATEMENT
North Central Texas College does not discriminate on the basis of disability for admission or
access to
its programs. The College is committed to providing equal access to its students with disabilities
by
providing appropriate accommodations; a variety of services and resources are made available
through
the ACCESS Department. Students are responsible for notifying the ACCESS Department of
their need
for assistance. Students with documented disabilities, such as mobility impairment, hearing or
visual
impairment, learning, and/or psychological disorders are eligible for services. The Corinth
ACCESS
Department is located in Room 120. The Gainesville and Bowie ACCESS Department is located
in ASC
108 (next door to the bookstore) on the Gainesville Campus. For assistance, stop by one of these
offices or call Beverly Neu Menassa at (940) 498-6207 on the Corinth Campus or Mary
Martinson at
(940) 668-4216 on the Gainesville Campus. Mary Martinson will meet with students on the
Bowie
campus by appointment. In addition, students can access information online at
http://www.nctc.edu/
Student_Services/Access/Access_program.html.
EEOC STATEMENT
North Central Texas College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin,
gender,
religion, age, or disability in the employment or the provision of services.
TENTATIVE CALENDAR
Week 1 (Aug. 27-31)
- Introduction
- Chapter 1: Living with Art/Chapter 2: What is Art?
Week 9 (Oct. 22-26)
- Chapter 14: Ancient Mediterranean Worlds
- Chapter 15: Christianity and Middle Ages
Final Projects Assigned
Week 2 (Sept. 4-7)
LABOR DAY NO CLASS 9-3
- Chapter 3: Themes of Art
- Chapter 4: The Visual Elements/Ch 5: Principles
Week 10 (Oct. 29-Nov. 2)
- Chapter 16: The Renaissance
Week 3 (Sept. 10-14)
- MW 9/10 & TR 9/11: Read materials in “Reading One” folder.
- Chapter 6: Drawing, Graphic Design & Comics
Week 11 (Nov. 5-9)
- Chapter 17: The 17th and 18th Centuries
Week 4 (Sept. 17-21)
- Test I/Homework I (MW-9/17; TR,T-9/18)
- Chapter 7: Painting
Week 12 (Nov. 12-16)
- Test III/Homework III (MW-6/12; T-6/13)
- Chapter 18: Islam/Chapter 19: East Asia
Week 5 (Sept. 24-28)
- Chapter 8: Prints
- Chapter 9: Film
Week 13 (Nov. 19-23)
- Chapter 21: The Modern World: 1800-1945
- MW 6/19 & TR 6/20: Read materials in “Reading Two” folder.
Week 6 (Oct. 1-5)
- Chapter 9: Film
- Chapter 11: Sculpture and Installation
Week 14 (Nov. 26-30)
- Chapter 21: The Modern World: 1800-1945
- Chapter 21: The Modern World: 1800-1945
Week 7 (Oct. 8-12)
- Chapter 11: Sculpture and Installation
- Chapter 12: Crafts
Week 15 (Dec. 3-7)
- Chapter 22: Art Since 1945
- Final Projects Due (MW 4/30; TR 5/1)
Week 8 (Oct. 15-19)
- Test II/Homework II (MW-10/15; TR,T-10/16)
- Chapter 14: Ancient Mediterranean Worlds
Week 16 (Dec. 10-14 FINALS WEEK)
- Finals schedule will be made available later in the semester
All dates are subject to change at the discretion of the instructor.