Course Syllabus
Art History I
ARTS 1303
Semester with
Course Reference
Number (CRN)
50108
Instructor contact Michael J. Cherry
information (phone 713-718-7220
number and email michael.cherry@hccs.edu
address)
Office Location
and Hours
11AM-1PM Tuesdays and Thursdays
Room FM124
Eastside Campus
Course
Location/Times
Distance Education
Course Semester
Credit Hours (SCH)
(lecture, lab) If
applicable
Credit Hours
3.00
Lecture Hours
3.00
Laboratory Hours
Total Course
Contact Hours
48
Continuing
Education Units
(CEU): if
applicable
Course Length
(number of weeks)
16 weeks
Type of Instruction Lecture
Methods of instruction may include: lectures, readings (from textbooks, peerreviewed articles, books and original source seminal texts), slide presentations,
video/film presentations, art demonstrations, and in-class critiques.
Course
Description:
This course is an examination of painting, sculpture, architecture and related arts
covering the Paleolithic through Gothic periods. Also covered is the art of nonwestern cultures. This course satisfies the cross-cultural component. Core
Curriculum course
Course
Prerequisite(s)
PREREQUISITE(S):

Must be placed into college-level reading and college-level writing.
Academic
Discipline/CTE
Program Learning
Outcomes
1. (level 1, knowledge) Graduates will recognize the importance of integrity,
accountability, artistic freedom and open-mindedness in their individual artistic
production and in wide-ranging shared civic responsibility. (Adapted from HCC
Values Statement.) Will care about doing honorable work Respect themselves and
others Be true to themselves. Be honest with themselves. Contribute to society.
Love of learning Open-mindedness Display and promote their artwork.
2. (level 3, application) Graduates are prepared for life and work in a global and
technological society. (Adapted from HCC Mission Statement.) Able to continue into
a 4 year B.F.A. program Live as a creative professional or use education in other
profession Problem solving Display and promote their artwork.
3. (level 4, analysis) Graduates will demonstrate competence in basic art studio
skills and/or art history knowledge. (Adapted from the National Association of
Schools of Art – NASAD guidelines.) Safety and proficiency of tools, techniques
and materials Presentation/Preparation of exhibitions and portfolios Artistic success
is the result of practice and repetition. Artistic terminology Drawing fundamentals
(figure, landscape, still life, abstract, etc.) Small things, ordinary things matter.
4. (level 5, synthesis) Graduates will relate knowledge, skills, discipline and
responsibility to successfully live and work after graduation. (Adapted from HCC art
faculty and others.) Artistic skill Communication skills (speaking and writing) Literacy
skills Display and promote their artwork. Intellectual ability Small things, ordinary
things matter. Teamwork and dealing with colleagues No corner cutting Creativity
Innovation Having gained the basic skills that will enable them to do the things they
most value Persistence Courage to try new things, to operate outside their comfort
zone Interpersonal skills Business, promotional, professional and entrepreneurial
skills
5. (level 6, evaluation; level 5, synthesis) Graduates can evaluate and relate art
theories, elements, principles and styles in practical, day-to-day artistic experiences
in their own work and in the wider contemporary world. (Adapted from the National
Association of Schools of Art - NASAD guidelines.) Formal elements and principles
of design Drawing skills Design and Composition skills Live as a creative
professional Know when to change direction or tactics Self-evaluation A sense of
lasting or sustained understanding Creativity and concept development Love of
learning
6. (level 6, evaluation) Graduates will relate the high ethical and professional
standards of their faculty to their own experience. (Adapted from HCC art faculty
and others.) Opposed to plagiarism Copyrights Honor and fulfill commitments
Keeping one’s word Having the ability to apologize after errors or misdeeds. No
corner cutting Respecting others and respecting the property of others Small things,
ordinary things, matter. Display and promote their artwork. Sticking up for oneself
and others Value self-learning. Value lifelong learning and development. Value
experience with faculty. Value collaboration with peers and classmates. Goal setting
and attainment Display and promote their artwork. Value involvement with
educational activities. Ability to make sacrifices for long-term goals Distinguish true
success as the satisfaction of having done one’s best
Course Student
Learning
1. (Level 1) Identify stylistic characteristics of each of the selected cultures and
period styles.
Outcomes (SLO): 4 2. (Level 2) Express stylistic characteristics of each of the selected cultures and
period styles.
to 7
3. (Level 4) Examine the function of painting, sculpture, architecture and other arts
from Prehistoric to Late Gothic time.
4. (Level 6) Appraise the function of painting, sculpture, architecture, other arts and
period styles from Prehistoric to Late Gothic time.
Learning
Objectives
(Numbering
system should be
linked to SLO e.g., 1.1, 1.2, 1.3,
etc.)
(Level 1) Identify stylistic characteristics of each of the selected cultures and
period styles.
SCANS and/or
Core Curriculum
Competencies: If
applicable
Core Curriculum Competencies:
1. Recognize formal elements in selected artworks of each of the selected cultures
and period styles.
2. Recognize principles of design in selected artworks of each of the selected
cultures and period styles.
3. Identify artistic themes of each of the selected cultures and period styles.
4. Describe the artistic roles of each of the selected cultures and period styles.
5. Know the artistic representation of artworks of each of the selected cultures and
period styles.
(Level 2) Express stylistic characteristics of each of the selected cultures and
period styles.
1. Articulate the stylistic characteristics of various cultures.
2. Categorize the period styles from Late Gothic to present time.
3. Compare and contrast the formal elements of selected artworks.
4. Compare and contrast the principles of design of selected period styles.
5. Interpret the iconography of selected artworks.
(Level 4) Examine the function of painting, sculpture, architecture and other
arts from Prehistoric to Late Gothic time.
1. Identify period styles of selected artworks.
2. Differentiate period styles of selected artworks.
3. Establish stylistic characteristics of art and design from the various cultures and
period styles included in the course.
4. Integrate the function of selected artworks in their historical context.
(Level 6) Appraise the function of painting, sculpture, architecture, other arts
and period styles from Prehistoric to Late Gothic time.
1. Summarize the period styles of selected artworks.
2. Interpret content in selected artworks.
3. Hypothesize the iconographical intent of the artist and/or producing culture of
selected artworks.
4. Evaluate the formal elements and principles of design.
5. Judge the artistic merits of selected artworks.
Intellectual
Computer Literacy
Intellectual
Critical Thinking
Intellectual
Listening
Intellectual
Reading
Intellectual
Speaking
Intellectual
Writing
Humanities, Visual/Performing Arts
2. To understand those works as expressions of individual and human values within
an historical and social context.
Humanities, Visual/Performing Arts
3. To respond critically to works in the arts and humanities.
Humanities, Visual/Performing Arts
4. To engage in the creative process or interpretive performance and comprehend
the physical and intellectual demands required of the author or visual or performing
artist.
Humanities, Visual/Performing Arts
5. To articulate an informed personal reaction to works in the arts and humanities.
Humanities, Visual/Performing Arts
6. To develop an appreciation for the aesthetic principles that guide or govern the
humanities and arts.
Humanities, Visual/Performing Arts
7. To demonstrate knowledge of the influence of literature, philosophy, and/or the
arts on intercultural experiences.
Instructional
Methods
Face to Face
Web-enhanced (49% or less)
Distance (100%)
Web-based
Student
Assignments
(Level 1) Identify stylistic characteristics of each of the selected cultures and
period styles.
No assignments selected for this outcome
(Level 2) Express stylistic characteristics of each of the selected cultures and
period styles.
No assignments selected for this outcome
(Level 4) Examine the function of painting, sculpture, architecture and other
arts from Prehistoric to Late Gothic time.
No assignments selected for this outcome
(Level 6) Appraise the function of painting, sculpture, architecture, other arts
and period styles from Prehistoric to Late Gothic time.
No assignments selected for this outcome
Student
Assessment(s)
(Level 1) Identify stylistic characteristics of each of the selected cultures and
period styles.
No assessments selected for this outcome
(Level 2) Express stylistic characteristics of each of the selected cultures and
period styles.
No assessments selected for this outcome
(Level 4) Examine the function of painting, sculpture, architecture and other
arts from Prehistoric to Late Gothic time.
No assessments selected for this outcome
(Level 6) Appraise the function of painting, sculpture, architecture, other arts
and period styles from Prehistoric to Late Gothic time.
No assessments selected for this outcome
Instructor's
Requirements
Program/Discipline Course Purpose
Requirements: If
This survey course introduces the visual arts and explains the role they have played
applicable
in history using examples of sculpture, painting, architecture, and craft art. Art
History I examines the period from about 28000 BCE to 1400 CE including nonWestern and tribal cultures.
Description of Course Content
The course surveys major western art historical movements form prehistoric times
up to the Late Gothic period as well as art of non-Western cultures. Major areas of
study include: the Birth of Art, Ancient Near Eastern Art, Egyptian Art, Aegean Art,
Greek Art, Etruscan Art, Roman Art, Early Christian Art, Byzantine Art, Islamic Art,
Early Medieval Art in the West, Romanesque Art, Gothic Art, the Art of Indian Asia,
the Art of China and Korea, the Art of Japan, the Native Arts of the Americas and
Oceania, and the Arts of Africa. The course includes lectures, readings, slide
presentations, class discussions, and written assignments regarding the art and
concepts essential to its understanding and analysis.
Objectives and Requirements
By the end of the semester the student who passes with a final grade of “C” or
above will have demonstrated the ability to:











Complete and comprehend all graded assignments
Attend class regularly, missing no more than 12.5% of instruction (12 hours)
Arrive at class promptly and with the required materials for that day’s
session
Be prepared for and participate in small group or class discussions
Demonstrate the ability to communicate orally in clear, coherent, and
persuasive language
Demonstrate the ability to use computer-based technology in
communicating, solving problems, and acquiring information
Complete a minimum of 2000 words in a combination of writing
assignments and/or projects
Maintain an overall average of 70 or above on assignments, projects, and
tests.
Explain and illustrate stylistic characteristics of each of the various cultures
and styles included in the course syllabus
Compare and contrast works of art from the text using the terminology and
iconography of art
Explain the function of art in its historical context
Additional requirements for Honors students.
Honors students will write an additional 2000 words. They will complete a project or
oral presentation that shows a higher level of analytical thinking and satisfies the
requirement of the honors contract
HCC Grading
Scale
A = 100- 90
B = 89 - 80:
4 points per semester hour
3 points per semester hour
C = 79 - 70:
2 points per semester hour
D = 69 - 60:
1 point per semester hour
59 and below = F
0 points per semester hour
IP (In Progress)
0 points per semester hour
W(Withdrawn)
0 points per semester hour
I (Incomplete)
0 points per semester hour
AUD (Audit)
0 points per semester hour
IP (In Progress) is given only in certain developmental courses. The student must
re-enroll to receive credit. COM (Completed) is given in non-credit and continuing
education courses. To compute grade point average (GPA), divide the total grade
points by the total number of semester hours attempted. The grades "IP," "COM"
and "I" do not affect GPA.
See "Health Science Program/Discipline Requirements" for grading scale.
Instructor Grading
Criteria
Final grades for the course will be based on chapter tests, timed tests, discussion
assignments, and museum projects.
Instructional
Materials
Required: Stokstad, Marilyn. 'Art History', 4th edition, Volume I, with digital
MyArtsLab Custom Access Code card for E-book and peripherals.
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