Course Description: this course is a comprehensive study and presentation of visual images and designs that chronicle the socioeconomic, political, and philosophical evolution of Eastern & Western Civilization from ancient times to the present.
Course Objectives: Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:
- Identify stylistic and thematic characteristics of various art periods.
- Identify basic principles of art and discern the techniques used to create artworks studied.
- Display critical perception of the use and function of the arts and will have applied these to studio projects.
- Discuss the development of art and art styles from prehistory through the twentieth century.
- Adopt a greater sense of awareness of the role of the visual arts in every day life.
Readings and Assignments: Students are expected to read all assignments including text, articles websites etc. Students must complete all assignments (including the final journal project) to pass this class. If you miss turning in your final journal on time – you will fail this course!
Tests: Students are expected to attend and take all tests given during this class. There will be no make up tests given. So, if you miss a test due to illness or other misfortune, please note you will not be able to make it up. The lowest test score will be dropped from the final grade, so please plan ahead in case you have an unforeseen problem and will miss a test.
Class Participation: Everyone’s participation in class is important. The diversity of experience among members of the class will enhance learning. All students will be treated equitably within the classroom. The classroom is a place of expression and discussion. The quality of the student responses verbally in class and in writing will be graded. Students should expect to contribute substantive to discussion in class each week. Students will earn weekly participation grades based upon the quality of their responses to weekly course discussion and assignments each week.
Communication: All communication in class will be respectful. Inappropriate language will not be tolerated, and the instructor has the right to determine what is inappropriate. Disrespectful students are subject to discipline or dismissal from the course. All activities in the classroom will follow standards of academic decency.
Attendance: Students are allowed 4 unexcused absences without penalty. For every unexcused absence over 4 the student’s final grade will be lowered by one letter grade. Students with more than 8 unexcused absences will be dismissed from the course and will receive an F for their final grade – no exceptions.
- An excused absence is a serious illness that requires a Drs visit with written documentation to be turned in upon return to the course.
- For absence due to prolonged serious illness or personal emergency the student is expected to contact the instructor as soon as possible. Failure to notify the instructor will be considered a missed class and/or deadline. All assigned work and tests must be completed regardless of the reason for absence.
- Students who are late to class will be counted as absent.
- Students who leave before dismissal will be counted as absent – no exceptions for sports or other activities.
- Students who lay their heads down on the desk or in any way appear to be sleeping will be counted absent! (This includes while watching movies or documentaries.)
- Students who answer a cell phone will be asked to leave and will be counted absent.
*Attendance Reward* – Students who do not miss any classes without exception or excuses (no excused absences) will be rewarded one full grade letter up in their final grade. Example – if you attend every class – do not arrive late or leave early and get a B for your final grade – you will get an attendance reward raising your grade automatically to an A. There is no reason you will fail this class as long as you attend and participate in every class!
Class Meeting Expectations: Students are expected to maintain the highest level of university student behavior.
- No cell phones or other electronic devices in the class at any anytime. Anyone talking on a cell phone, using a wireless communication system, listening to music, using an ipod or other electronic devices etc. will be asked to leave and receive a zero (0) for that class time/test etc. NOTE: Anyone who appears to be engaged in such activity will be asked to leave the class. Students will be dropped from the class if such activity is repeated.
- No class disruptions. No talking during instructor’s lecture, taking of attendance or any other form of presentation. Making noise or any other form of disruption during the class will not be tolerated. Students who disrupt the class will be asked to leave and will be dropped from the class if such activity is repeated.
- No eating or drinking in the class. This is a FMU Art Department rule. Please keep the class neat. If you move chairs during the class, please return them before leaving.
Numerical Grade Range:
- 90 – 100 A
- 80 – 89 B
- 70 – 79 C
- 60 – 69 D
- 59 and below F
Required Class Activities:
Lectures: 20 sessions of lecture.
Tests: Four tests will focus on chapters 1 – 5 and include other elements from the text book and lectures. (No make up tests will be given.)
Movies and Documentaries: 3 (or more) will be shown throughout the course.
Final Art Appreciation Journal and journal project related assignments: Journal project and project activities are required and must be completed on time to pass the class.