Heartland Community College
Master Course Syllabus
Division: Humanities and Fine Arts
COURSE PREFIX & NUMBER: ART 150-91
COURSE TITLE: Understanding Art
SEMESTER: Fall 2013
CREDIT HOURS: 3
CONTACT HOURS:
LECTURE HOURS: 3
LABORATORY HOURS: 0
ISTRUCTOR INFORMATION:
Instructor name: Phil Smith
Phone: home: 309-452-2090
Division office: 268-8635
Email: phil.smith@heartland.edu
Office: on campus, ICB 2025
CATALOG DESCRIPTION (Include specific prerequisites):
ART 150 is designed to provide an understanding of the role of art in our culture and in
contemporary life. This course utilizes art works from all cultures and periods to establish basic
language of art and the principles of aesthetic organization. Information regarding the artist’s
tools, materials, exhibition spaces and the art market will be studied to further illustrate the use
of art in our world. Not intended for art majors. No Prerequisites required.
TEXTBOOKS:
Lewis, Richard & Lewis, Susan. The Power of Art 3rd ed., Boston, MA. Clark Baxter, 2014.
ISBN-13: 978-1-133-58974-7
ISBN-10: 1-133-58974-X
RELATIONSHIP TO ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS AND
TRANSFERABILITY:
ART 150 fulfills 3 of the 9 semester hours of credit in Humanities/Fine Arts required for the
A.A. or A.S. degree. It satisfies the Fine Arts component of this requirement. ART 150 should
transfer to other Illinois colleges and universities participating in the Illinois Articulation
Initiative as the equivalent of the General Education Core Curriculum course F2 900, described
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.
COURSE OBJECTIVES (Learning Outcomes)
After completing this course, the student General
Range of Assessment Methods
should be able to:
Education Outcomes
Identify the methods and materials of the
visual arts
Demonstrate knowledge of art terminology
Demonstrate knowledge of major art
historical movements in the visual arts
Become aware of global themes in the visual
arts and their relationship to ourselves and
the world
Recognize significant historical and
contemporary visual artists
Demonstrate knowledge of current trends in
art world
Demonstrate an awareness of the art market
CO 1
DI 3
DI 1
CO 2
Identify and explore art galleries, museums,
art spaces and other public arts in our
community
Articulate both in speech and writing
knowledge about the local and global art
worlds
CT 2
Interact with other individuals and groups to
critique, discuss and/or debate visual art
issues or artwork
PS 4
COURSE/LAB OUTLINE:
The Language of Art
Throughout the semester, the following
assessment methods may be used to
measure the course and Gen Ed learning
outcomes:
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Class discussion
In-class activities
Exams
Quizzes
Presentations
Journaling
Blogging
Gallery/museum visits
Writing assignments
Verbal or written critiques
The Primary Elements of Visual Art
The Principles of Design
The Artist’s Materials and Tools
The Art Historical Context
The Culture of the Art World
METHOD OF EVALUATION (Tests/Exams, Grading System):
Student assessment will be based on a compilation of scores from exams, quizzes, critiques,
writing assignments, and most frequently, discussions. Typically, discussions are worth 30
points, quizzes are worth 20 points, and tests are worth 80 to 100 points. There is a writing
assignment, a critique, due near the end of the semester worth 100 points. The final point total
for the end of the semester should come out to about 850 points.
For Art 150 online, the weekly schedule will include; readings from the text or other sources that
should be completed, study guides, which will gradually be made available for the upcoming
chapters, weekly discussion topics, and other assignments. Four tests will be given throughout
the semester over the material in our textbook. The questions will be based on the study guides.
The last test is not comprehensive, but will cover the last quarter of the reading material in our
textbook.
Final grades will be determined according to the following scale:
90 to 100% = A
80 to 89% = B
70 to 79% = C
60 to 69% = D
Below 60% = F
REQUIRED WRITING AND READING:
Student will engage in readings from both the required text and from other sources relevant to
the visual arts. Students will write the equivalent of 8-10 pages of writing (researched-based
and/or critiques, journals, responses) throughout the semester. For online sections much of the
writing requirement will be fulfilled through participation in discussions.
Student Support with Blackboard
Students taking Art 150 online should first refer to the Blackboard 100.00 Orientation and
Support class. This course serves as a wonderful orientation to Blackboard and has many
resources and videos to help students with frequently asked questions. Students should first
complete the orientation and support class prior to beginning to work in the course. Suggestions
for best practices and answers to the most frequently asked questions may be found in this class.
If a student still has questions, he/she should fill out the Online Technical Support Request
Form found on the Blackboard tab. This is the fastest way to receive help.
If a student wishes to call for support (a slower alternative), there is a dedicated student support
line for students (309) 268-8380. Assistance is available Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. 5:30 p.m. and Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Messages may be left after hours and will be returned
on the following business day.