Heartland Community College
Humanities & Fine Arts
Course Syllabus for Students Spring 2012
Course Prefix and Number: ART 150-04
Course Title: Art Appreciation
Credit Hours: 3
Lecture Hours: 3
Laboratory Hours: 0
Days, Meeting Time, and Room: TR, 12:30 PM-1:45 PM, Room ICB 1702
Catalog Description:
Prerequisite: None
Art 150 is designed to provide an understanding of the role of art in our culture and in contemporary
life. This course is non-historical in approach, utilizing works from all culture and periods to establish
basic principles of aesthetic organization and to illustrate common techniques in the visual arts. Not
intended for art majors.
Instructor Information:
Instructor name: Melanie Scott-Dockery
Phone Number to contact instructor: N/A
Instructor e-mail address: Melanie.Scott-Dockery@heartland.edu
Location of Instructor's Office: N/A
Instructor Office Hours: by appointment or email
**Please note: If you need to schedule a meeting contact me by email or talk to me in class. We will
schedule a time and place. Thank you.
If you need to drop off an assignment when I am not present please turn it in at the HFA office, room
ICB 2000. The office hours are 8-4:30pm, M-F. Be sure to clearly label homework with your name,
this course, and my name.
Textbook:
Getlein, Mark. Living With Art. 9th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2009.
Book’s Website: www.mhhe.com/getlein9e
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 as the equivalent of the General Education Core Curriculum
course F2 900, described in the Illinois Articulation Initiative. However, students should consult an
academic advisor for transfer information regarding particular institutions. Refer to the IAI web page
for information as well as www.itransfer.org.
Student Learning:
Learning is active and often takes patience to complete. A student is a member of a class and has a
responsibility to the classroom community. Please, prepare for in class and out of class work by
completing homework and readings on time. Always bring your textbook, class materials, and keep
this syllabus on hand. Plan on spending approximately two hours per week outside of class to prepare
and complete work for this course. Most of the homework will be reading in preparation for the next
class assignment. Successful students are self-motivated, personally responsible, self-aware, embrace
lifelong learning, and believe in themselves. You do not have to tackle this class on your own, ask
questions and request assistance when needed. We all need help sometimes.
Instructor’s Role:
First of all, know that if you have any questions about the class or problems with assignments contact
me. This includes difficulty understanding the material as well as tackling the workload. The best way
is after class or through email. I check messages at least every other day. If you contact me with a
problem I will respond as soon as possible to resolve the issue. I am here to challenge and assist you.
To fully challenge you, I will sometimes challenge your assumptions about art, and to assist you I will
honestly evaluate your performance. Like students, I am a member of this class and have a
responsibility to come prepared and ready to work. We are embarking on the exciting journey of
exploring visual art. I am your guide on this tour. Warning: when traveling I sometimes enjoy being
lost to discover something new and unexpected. So far I have always found my way home.
Course Objectives (Learning Outcomes):
Through study during this course, you should learn to:
1. Identify the works of art that are considered to represent the greatest achievements of various
cultures and civilizations and that have defined these civilizations' visual traditions (D2).
2. Articulate and communicate major ideas that have informed the principal intellectual and
aesthetic movements within the history of the visual arts (C1, P7).
3. Recognize various periods, mediums, and subjects in art.
4. Identify the principal artists, writers, philosophers, and other intellectuals who have made major
contributions to the visual arts (D5).
5. Compare non-Western cultural and artistic values to those of the West, recognizing nonWestern adaptations to and influences on Western culture and aesthetics (D3).
6. Articulate both in speech and in writing those personal thoughts and observations that have
come about due to class assignments and discussions (i.e. through written artists' statements or
during group critiques in the classroom) (C4, C7).
7. Demonstrate awareness, tolerance, and appreciation of the extent and impact of cultural
diversity in our society as reflected in the visual arts (D1).
8. Interact with other individuals and in groups to come to a consensus about an aesthetic problem
and to solve it (P7).
9. Identify appropriate topics for scholarly research in art appreciation, utilize standard
bibliographic and other research tools, select suitable sources and methodology, and write
papers presenting the results of your research while observing the conventions of scholarly
discourse (C6).
Course Outline:
I. Introduction
A. Living with art
B. What is art?
C. Themes and purposes of art
II. The Vocabulary of Art
A. The visual elements
B. The principles of design in art
III. Two-Dimensional Media
A. Drawing
B. Painting
C. Prints
D. The Camera Arts
E. Graphic Design
IV. Three-Dimensional Media
A. Sculpture
B. Crafts
C. Architecture (structure and function)
V. Arts In Time
A. The Ancient World
B. Christian Art in Europe
C. The Renaissance
D. The 17th and 18th Centuries
E. The Modern World
F. Art Since 1945
G. Art Around the World
Method of Instruction:
Instruction will take the form of class discussions, demonstrations, fieldtrips, individual and smallgroup projects, student research, and lectures.
Course Policies:
Method of Evaluation (Tests/Exams, Grading System):
Student assessment will be based on the scores of a writing requirement, three objective tests, a final
exam, a presentation, and quizzes (with additional reading/study questions). The writing will comprise
one-quarter of the overall grade; the three tests, one-quarter; the final exam, one-quarter; and the other
assignments, one-quarter.
25% 4 Objective Tests
25% Final Exam
25% Research Paper (5 pages minimum) and Rough Draft of Research Paper
25% 3 Gallery Assignments (1-2 pages each), possible Quizzes, Research Presentation, and other
class work
Grading System:
4 Objective Tests
1 Final Exam
1 Research Paper
1 Rough Draft
All other work
Total Class Points
200 points (50 each)
200 points
150 points
50 points
200 points
800 points
Grading Scale:
92 to 100% = A (736-800 points)
83 to 91% = B (664-735 points)
74 to 82% = C (592-663 points)
65 to 73% = D (520-591 points)
Below 65% = F (519 points and below)
Objective Tests:
Tests are composed of multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, short answer, and/or short essay.
Specifications for Written Assignments:
 Use MLA (Modern Language Association) formatting. Refer to OWL at Purdue for guidance
(http://owl.english.purdue.edu/), pick up a guide at the HCC library, or contact a representative
of HCC’s Writing Center. Please ask if you have any questions.
 Please let your reader (usually me) know from where you retrieve information. If you cite
quotes or ideas from any sources, include a works cited page. This includes short and long
written assignments.
 Grammatical errors and misspellings will affect grades so use spell check and proofread.
 Do not use websites for reference unless the site is created by a professional in the field of art,
for example, a museum or artist. Use sources that will give you accurate and good information.
The HCC library has a great handout on evaluating sources.
 Titles of artworks are italicized.
 Do not use Wikipedia as a source. You can use it as a reference to get started, but you cannot
trust the information on Wikipedia because it is user driven. That means those creating the
content are not always experts in the field of art and culture.
Specifications for Gallery Reviews:
 These assignments will be comprised of short answer and writing
 You will receive specific direction before each gallery review is due.
 For the gallery review, the class will meet at the assigned space. If you cannot meet the class
for any reason, contact me as soon as possible.
Rough Draft:
You will be graded on your research and writing progress on the rough draft. The rough does not have
to be a completed paper, but it must be at least 4 pages in length, include source citations, and list the
questions you will ask the class about your topic. Some of these questions will be on Test #4.
The Research Presentation:
Students will be divided in groups according to their research interest. Each student will present the
discoveries of their research to the class in a group format. Each group will be guided through
discovering connections and comparisons between their subjects for talking points during their group’s
presentation. Along with speaking to the class for approximately 5-8 minutes, the student presenter
will create a brief 5 question response sheet to distribute to fellow students. The questions should ask
for responses to the information presented, not evaluation of the presentation. Lastly, make sure you
present examples of the artist’s work during your presentation.
Specifications for the Research Paper:
 Even though some research work is done in a group, each student is responsible for turning in a
paper with a focus on one artist.
 A list of suggested topics is located at the end of the syllabus.
 The body of the paper must be 5 pages in length.
 Do not use first person in the research paper.
 Have a minimum of four sources other than class text that include books and journal articles.
You must cite information from these sources, not just list them in your bibliography.
 You may use websites created by professionals in the field (art museums, galleries, artists, or
theorists). Websites created by nonprofessionals in the field of art are not acceptable.
Incompletes Policy:
If you are struggling or foresee a complication in completing this course contact me as soon as
possible. It is best to avoid an incomplete. In the event of an emergency, I will assess whether or not
an incomplete would be helpful to your education endeavors. Also, I will only consider granting an
incomplete if your work, class participation, and attendance has been good to date.
Deadlines and Make-up Work:
If you have been a diligent student in class, but a problem arises due to illness or other unforeseen
circumstances I reserve the right to negotiate deadlines and make-up assignments with you. This does
not guarantee that I will accept make-up work or late assignments. The student must contact me as
soon as possible to negotiate the results of the situation. Medical verification or other proof of your
need to be absent or have a deadline extended will assist in negotiation of missed or late assignments.
Extra Credit:
Depending on class progress, I may offer the class an opportunity to earn extra points. I will announce
this to the entire class when appropriate. I do not always give extra credit. I use it if it is going to
enhance the learning experience.
W at Midterm:
I reserve the right to withdraw any student not progressing towards completion of the class when
midterm grades are recorded. If you have questions about this please ask.
Attendance Policy:
You should only miss class if absolutely necessary, in the case of an emergency or illness. If you have
two absences you are required to meet with me before returning to class. Please show up early when
returning. If we do not have time to talk then we will meet after class that day. We will discuss the
reasons for your absence, how well you are keeping up with the homework, and whether or not it will
be possible for you to complete the course. Please note: If you arrive late or leave early more than
once, it will be counted as an absence.
Required Writing and Reading:
There is approximately 60-80 pages of reading per week for this course. Completing the reading
before class is essential to participating in class discussions and projects.
One long paper (12-15 pages or equivalent in shorter assignments) presenting the results of students'
independent library research is required for this class.
Student Conduct:
Please display courteous behavior while in class. Do not make noise or talk while someone else is
addressing the class. Put your cell phone and/or other electronic devices away when class begins,
unless otherwise directed for an assignment. Keep your focus on the topics at hand and use the time in
ART 150-04 for work in that class. Arriving late or leaving early is disruptive to the classroom
environment so please do not do it (see above for absence policy). A copy of HCC’s Student Code of
Conduct from the 2010-12 catalog is copied at the end of this syllabus. If you are disruptive to the
learning environment I will ask you to leave the classroom, and you may be counted absent for the day.
Notice of Cancelled Class Sessions:
Cancelled class sessions, for all HCC classes, will be listed under Cancelled Class Meetings in the A-Z
Index and under Academic Information in the Current Students page on the HCC Web site. Go to
http://www.heartland.edu/classCancellations/ to learn what classes have been cancelled for that day and
the upcoming week. Be sure to check the last column, which might contain a message from the
instructor. Also, logging on to myheartland displays cancelled class information.
Additional Information about Heartland Community College:
Disability Support Services
Heartland Community College offers Disability Support Services (DSS) with offices located in the
Academic Support Center. DSS ensures that students with disabilities have equal access to the
college’s programs, services and activities through the provision of reasonable accommodations as
outlined in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. DSS offers a
wide range of services to support students with disabilities, including: assistive technology, document
conversion services, personnel, classroom and testing accommodations. Students with a documented
disability who wish to discuss academic accommodations can contact disability support services at
(309)268-8259.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a fundamental principle of collegial life at Heartland Community College and is
essential to the credibility of the College’s educational programs. Moreover, because grading may be
competitive, students who misrepresent their academic work violate the right of their fellow students.
The College, therefore, views any act of academic dishonest as a serious offense requiring disciplinary
measures, including course failure, suspension, and even expulsion from the College. In addition, an
act of academic dishonesty may have unforeseen effects far beyond any officially imposed penalties.
Violations of academic integrity include, but are not limited to cheating, aiding or suborning cheating
or other acts of academic dishonesty, plagiarism, misrepresentation of data, falsification of academic
records or documents and unauthorized access to computerized academic or administrative records or
systems. Definitions of these violations may be found in the college catalog.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the presenting of others’ ideas as if they were your own. When you write a paper, create a
project, do a presentation or create anything original, it is assumed that all the work, except for that
which is attributed to another author or creator, is your own. Plagiarism is considered a serious
academic offense and may take the following forms:
• Copying word-for-word from another source and not giving that source credit.
• Paraphrasing the work of another and not giving that source credit.
• Adopting a particularly apt phrase as your own.
• Using an image or a copy of an image without crediting its source.
• Paraphrasing someone else’s line of thinking in the development of a topic as if it were your own.
• Receiving excessive help from a friend or elsewhere, or using another project as if it were your own.
[Adapted from the Modern Language Association’s MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers.
New York: MLA, 1995: 26]
Plagiarism, Specifics for ART 150-04:
Most cases of plagiarism arise from carelessness or haste. Violators often attempt to excuse themselves
by saying that they were not told of the nature of plagiarism. Consider with notification. You must not
include either the phrases or ideas of another in your papers without acknowledgment. Please inform
your reader from where the information you are using comes. Don’t be afraid of citing sources which
are not books. You can cite everything – including pamphlets, maps, cereal boxes, telephone
conversations, movies, television shows, interviews, and world-wide web sites. If I discover a case of
plagiarism in this class I will take into account the nature of the offense. The student may be asked to
redo an assignment, may fail that assignment, or may fail the class depending on the severity of the
offense. Take your time and when in doubt cite your source and you will be okay.
Philosophy of Grades
The Heartland Community College grading philosophy grows out of our vision of educational
excellence. This common philosophy provides a framework for each academic division and instructor
as they establish their own individual course grading system, evaluation methods, and course policies
using the shared general rubrics for letter grades given below.
Letter grades serve as a vehicle to promote meaningful evaluation of student achievement, to inform
students of academic progress, and, as necessary, to improve student performance, habits, and
practices. Using a letter grade as a prerequisite for subsequent courses means we believe that the grade
was assigned through a conscious judgment about a student’s readiness to proceed to more advanced
study. At Heartland, students’ academic achievement is measured by their mastery of course objectives
and content. We challenge students to meet these recognized standards of achievement and we assign
grades based on their success in doing so. Simply stated, we believe that the responsibility for academic
achievement rests with the student and that holding students responsible for their learning promotes
their academic growth.
Letter Grade Rubrics
“A” This grade represents consistently outstanding performance that demonstrates superior
understanding and skillful use of important course concepts. Performance at this level signifies that the
student is extremely well prepared to continue with more advanced study of the subject.
“B” This grade represents performance significantly beyond the level necessary to achieve the course
objectives. Work is of high quality but not consistently at an outstanding level. Performance at this
level signifies that the student is well prepared to continue with more advanced study of the subject.
“C” This grade represents an acceptable achievement of the course objectives. Performance at this
level signifies that the student is reasonably well prepared to continue with more advanced study of the
subject.
“D” This grade represents less than adequate performance. It signifies questionable readiness to
proceed with more advanced study of the subject.
“F” This grade reflects unacceptable performance. The student is not yet ready to proceed with more
advanced study of the subject, and must repeat the course successfully to receive credit.
Syllabi disclaimer:
If the need arises, because of College closings; severe weather; class progress, or other unforeseen
circumstances changes may be made to this syllabus and/or course calendar. The class will be notified
of changes at the earliest possible time.
Course Calendar: This schedule is tentative and subject to class progress. Also, please add notes
about assignments due as the class progresses. Because of class progress some assignments may
change. Students will be notified of this at the earliest possible time.
Week Dates
Reading and homework due at the
Topics
beginning of class
1
1/17
Syllabus (during class)
Introduction Day
1/19
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
3/13
9
10
11
12
13
14
1/24
1/26
1/31
2/2
2/7
2/9
2/14
2/16
2/21
2/23
Nat. Geo. & NY Times Article and
study guide
Ch. 14 and study guide
Ch. 1 and study guide
Ch. 2 and study guide
Ch. 3 and study guide
Review and Research
Study for Test #1
Ch. 4 and study guide
Ch. 5 and study guide
Type Gallery Visit Assignment
2/28
3/1
3/6
3/8
3/15
3/20
3/22
3/27
Ch. 6 and study guide
Ch. 7 and study guide
Review and Research
Study for Test #2
Spring Break
Ch. 11 and study guide
3/29
4/3
4/5
4/10
4/12
4/17
4/19
Ch. 8 and study guide
Ch. 9 and study guide
Ch. 13 and study guide
Review and Research
Study for Test #3
Review and Research
Special Topics and Projects
4/24
4/26
Special Topics and Projects
15
5/1
5/3
16
5/8
5/10
5/15
Study for Test #4
Semester Review
12:00pm-1:50pm
How Art Made the World – The Day
Pictures Were Born
Ancient Mediterranean Worlds
Living with Art
What Is Art?
Themes of Art
Review and Research
Test #1
Visual Elements
MCAC visit (John Cassidy…)
Principles of Design
VE and PD
Gallery Assignment due
Drawing
Painting
Review and Research
Test #2
Sculpture and Installation
IL Wesleyan Galleries (Carol Hahn)
Ch. 11 Continued
Gallery Assignment due
Print
Camera and Computer Arts
Architecture
Review and Research
Test #3
Review and Research
Special Topics and Projects
Draft of Research Paper due
ISU Visit (Takashi Moro)
Special Topics and Projects
Gallery Assignment due
Presentations
Presentations
Research Papers due
Test #4
Semester Review
Final Exam
Research Paper Topics by Group (I am open to other suggestions):
Ancient Architecture
Renaissance Art
Japanese Art
Post-Impressionism
Photorealism
Native American Art
Fluxus
Harlem Renaissance
German Expressionism
…
Code of Conduct
Heartland Community College recognizes its students as both citizens and members of the
academic community. As citizens, students have freedom of speech, assembly, association and
press and the rights of petition and due process as guaranteed by the state and federal
constitutions. As members of the academic community, students have the right and responsibility
to participate in formulating and reviewing all College regulations and policies directly affecting
them.
Upon enrolling at HCC, each student assumes an obligation to act in accordance with generally
acceptable standards of responsible adult behavior, which include respect of other students and
other members of the College community. If this obligation is neglected or ignored, the College
must take appropriate disciplinary action in order to function effectively.
Upon committing or attempting to commit any act of misconduct on the College campus,
whether in class, at an activity, function or event sponsored or supervised by the College, or
elsewhere with a direct relationship between such act and the College, a student may be subject
to disciplinary action.
Acts of misconduct include, but are not limited to:
1. Academic dishonesty, such as cheating, plagiarism, etc.;
2. Knowingly furnishing false information to the College;
3. Forgery, alteration or any misuse of College documents and records;
4. Conduct which significantly interferes with the College’s teaching, administration or other
responsibilities;
5. Conduct which endangers the health, safety or well-being of members of the College
community or visitors to the campus, including but not limited to, unauthorized and/or illegal
possession, use or distribution of controlled substances, look-alike drugs, alcohol or
unauthorized/illegal use or possession of firearms or any other weapon;
6. Violation of specific College rules and regulations, including those regarding campus parking,
equipment, facilities and telecommunications/Internet;
7. Failure to comply with directions of College officials acting within the scope of their duties;
8. Any conduct which constitutes a violation of a federal, state or local law. College officials will
cooperate with federal, state and local authorities in any investigation of such violations.
Students remain subject to federal, state and local laws; violation of these laws may lead to
prosecution by agencies or persons, in addition to disciplinary action of the College.