SYLLABUS for ARTS 1A, INTRODUCTION TO THE VISUAL ARTS (4 Units)

Winter 2010

 

DAYS/TIME: Mon/Wed 8:30-10:15AM

CLASSROOM: AT120, Lower Level, Advanced Technology Building

 

INSTRUCTOR: Elizabeth Bresnan

Office Hour: Mon. 10:30-11:20AM, Forum 3E (Art History Slide Library)

Instructor's Website: http://faculty.deanza.fhda.edu/bresnanelizabeth
           Visit the instructor's website regularly and frequently for reminders, updates, course materials, readings and reference materials. Last minute notices and reminders are also posted. During the quarter many questions are answered in the official course syllabus, or in other documents and updates on the instructor's website, so be sure to check there first, before emailing. Also note helpful links in the left column and first page of this website.

Instructor's Email: bresnanelizabeth@deanza.edu
           (best way to reach me: I check email and voice messages every day, M-F, and usually once or twice on weekend. Always include course name somewhere in subject line or I may dismiss your message as spam. If your message is screened by virus protection software, I may not see it. During the week I try to respond within 24 hours. If I don't respond, I probably did not receive your email. Leave me a voice message.

 

Instructor's Voice Mail: (408) 864-8999 x3523

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
           An exploration of visual imagery throughout the world, for the purpose of refining visual literacy skills. Works of art will be studied by means of formal analysis and medium, the social experience of the artists, the function of works of art in their original environment and comparison of works from different cultures. Primary emphasis will be on paintings, graphic works, and sculpture.
PREREQUISITE ADVISORY: English Writing 1A or English as Second Language 5

OBJECTIVE:
           Cultivate greater awareness, understanding and appreciation for the visual expression of ideas and values in culture. Hopefully this will be an enjoyable activity that will continue long after the course is completed.

STUDENT WILL BE ABLE TO:
*Recognize and describe art construction techniques and tools, and explain significance of artist's choice of media.
*Describe use of formal elements in a composition and explain how they influence viewer response.
*Analyze and interpret meaning and function of art with appropriate use of sources: research, reading, slide lectures, class discussions, videos, personal observation.
*Demonstrate use of at least one tool or technique to improve observation skills, visual thinking and visual expression.

*Effectively and properly use art vocabulary and art theory in written and oral communications.
*Demonstrate above knowledge and skills in class discussions and assignments, test questions, art analysis assignments, essays and online discussion board. unfamiliar art objects.
*Learn and Apply a structured method of analysis to unfamiliar art objects.

 

REQUIRED TEXTBOOK:  A WORLD OF ART, by Henry Sayre. Buy 6TH EDITION

Published by Pearson Prentice Hall, 2010. Do not buy earlier editions.

 

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, BUT NOT REQUIRED: MyArtsLab   

MyArtsLab consists of very helpful online study tools and links to supplementary information.

Note: Remember that if you open the shrink-wrapping on any text, Bookstore does not considered it new, and you cannot return it for full price. You can only sell it as a used book.)

 

There are several purchase options for the textbook:

 

1         Printed version, paperback: NO ACCESS to MyArtsLab
$126.67 from publisher website (discount if you are member)
$114.00 available at DAC Bookstore.
ISBN-10: 0-205-67720-7 or ISBN-13: 978-0-205-67720-7
2          Electronic version INCLUDES ACCESS CODE to MyArtslab
$82.33 suggested list price.
Available at DAC Bookstore.
ISBN-10: 0-205-77751-1

3          Electronic version: NO ACCESS to MyArtsLab
$63.33 suggested list price
Purchase and access e-book at the CourseSmart (website: http://www.coursesmart.com/
(CourseSmart is a 3rd party vendor of e-books. See website for any conditions, limitations. CourseSmart is not affiliated with DAC or DAC Bookstore: the college has no influence with regard to policies, procedures, pricing etc..)

 

 

REQUIRED ATTENDANCE & PARTICIPATION: ATTENDANCE DOES COUNT
           Assignments, tests and the exhibit paper are based on both assigned reading AND classroom activity. Regular attendance, active engagement in the learning process, and staying on task the entire session, are necessary components to successfully complete the course requirements and achieve a passing grade. If you have the flu, stay home: don't drag yourself in to make the rest of us sick. However, if you miss two or more consecutive classes, please notify me by email or voice mail so that I know you have not quit the course.

 

           Since this is a large class we will also use the technology of online discussions to enhance and expand the reach of classroom learning. Web access is available on campus with your DASB card (Student Body Card) in the Library West Computer Lab (west entrance, lower/basement level). They have PCs and Macs with Internet access, printers, scanners and more. See library website for details.

 

COURSE EVALUATION AND GRADING: Note deadlines, test dates on your calendar.

Points %

70        20, 25, 25  3 Tests (70% computer scored & 30% written) Jan 25, Feb 22, Mar 25

20        20%  Exhibit Paper based on personal visit to assigned museum visit. Due Wed 2/17

10        10%  In-class activity (No makeup if absent.) Drop lowest score. Keep a file

_5           5%  Extra credit: online discussion, possibly additional activities

105 Total Points possible (5 extra credit)

100 Points = 100%

 

WORKING HARD BUT NOT GETTING RESULTS?

FRUSTRATED? CONFUSED? OVERWHELMED?

DON'T SUFFER SILENTLY!

IF YOU ARE HAVING TROUBLE, LET'S TALK.

 

COURSE GRADING by percent:

 

A+   97.0+

 

B+   87-89.9

C+   77-79.9

 

D+   67-69.9

 

F   59.9 or less

 

A    93.0-96.9

 

B    83-86.9

C     70-76.9

 

D     63-66.9

 

 

A-   90-92.9

 

B-   80-82.9

There is no C-

 

D-    60-62.9

 

 

*P/NP Advisory: Grade of A, B, C = Pass. Grade of D or F = No Pass.

*P/NP classes/units may not count towards degree and/or be transferable, especially in your major field of study.

 

ABOUT TESTS:

*Tests are not cumulative. Test dates are fixed, so transfer them to your planning calendar immediately. Exams do not take the entire class period, so we will resume class afterward.

*Tests start at 8:35 sharp so be in your seat and ready to begin.

*Students must purchase a Scantron form at Bookstore and bring #2 pencil, eraser. Instructor does not supply Scantron forms.

*Makeup tests are 100% written tests: (No multiple choice, T/F)

*DAC Team Athletes: If you have a schedule conflict due to an official match, provide that information at least two weeks prior, in writing, so that we can plan accordingly.

*A student who misses one test for a legitimate reason must contact instructor by email or voice mail immediately. If permitted, makeup test is conducted immediately after our class on a Monday or Wednesday from 10:30-11:30AM and must be completed within 2 weeks of return to class.

A student who misses the first 2 tests without official documentation for legitimate cause, will be dropped from the class.

 

ABOUT THE FINAL TEST:

*FINAL TEST is THURSDAY, March 25,  7:00-9:00AM, a different day and time than our usual class meetings. Plan accordingly. NO alternative, makeup or early exams. Skipping the final test will result in a score of zero points for the test.

© THERE IS ONE, AND ONLY ONE EXCEPTION: ©

Students will receive their grade status on Monday, March 22, a few days prior to Test 3. Students who have completed all activities up to and including Week 11, with a total score of 93% (A) or higher, may opt to skip the final test and take an A for the course, or they can take the test and try for A+.

 

ABOUT MUSEUM VISIT & ASSIGNMENT:

*A personal visit to a local Bay Area art museum is required part of the learning program. Students will write an analysis paper based on in-person examination of art objects. A structured and detailed assignment will be distributed. Students are responsible for transportation and admission fees, however, at least one free-admission museum is always included. If some other hardship interferes with your museum visit, see me privately to discuss it, at least 3 weeks prior to due date.

*Car pools are encouraged and class time will be available to organize them. Museum admission fees (with student body card) vary from $0 to $7.00 depending on the museum you select. Art on the college campus will also be studied, as part of our experiential learning.

*LATE PENALTY: 10% per class day late

 

KEY DATES, DEADLINES:

Last day to add a class: Sat 1/16

Martin Luther King Holiday Mon 1/18

Last day to drop a class with no record on your transcript: Sat 1/23

*TEST 1 Mon., Jan 25

Last day to request Pass/No Pass rather than grade. (See registrar.) Fri 1/29

Presidents Day Holidays: Fri 2/12, Sat 2/13, Mon 2/15

*MUSEUM PAPER Due Wed., 2/17

*TEST 2 Mon., 2/22

Last day to drop a class with a grade of W (withdraw): Fri Feb 26

*TEST 3 Thurs., 3/25, 7-9AM

 

COURSE & COLLEGE POLICIES

1         Academic Integrity

"Éthe college is committed to providing academic standards that are fair and equitable to all students in an atmosphere that fosters integrity on the part of student, staff and faculty alikeÉThe submission of work which is not the product of the student's personal effort or work which in some way circumvents the given rules and regulations, will not be toleratedÉincludes cheating, plagiarism and knowingly providing false information in the classroom or to college officials." (Excerpt from the DAC policy) Students who do not comply will be permanently dismissed from the class and a written referral will be sent to the Dean of Students documenting the incident.

 

2         Anti-discrimination

"De Anza College is committed to equal opportunity regardless of age, gender, marital status, disability, race color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, or other similar factors." (Excerpt from DAC POLICY) Students who require special accommodation for a disability need to speak with me privately.

 

3         Behavior that is not appropriate for a college level class

DAMAGE TO COLLEGE PROPERTY results in immediate drop from course & written referral to Dean of Instruction.

SLEEPING or RESTING: When we look at slide images, the room is dark and the chairs are comfortable. Learn to deal with it. Stand up in back of room to move or stretch, during break leave the room and get fresh air. Sit up straight, take notes, don't rest your eyes in the closed position. Be an active learner- take notes even if you don't need to. Write down any questions. Be a contributing team member in group assignments. Take notes or make outline during videos. Don't settle for doing the bare minimum, when a little more effort can get you a better result, better grade.

COUPLES & FRIENDS: Students may be seated on opposite sides of the room for remainder of course or asked to leave.

DISTRACTING INSTRUCTOR OR STUDENTS by talking, passing notes, private conversations, sharing computer, electronics etc..

EARBUDS, EARPHONES, CELL PHONE & other gear. Turn them off and remove BEFORE class begins.

ACTIVITY UNRELATED TO THIS CLASS including texting, computer games, surfing Internet, reading or homework for other classes etc. This is not high school. Don't come to class if you are not serious about learning.

FOOD & DRINK ARE PROHIBITED IN BUILDING. Water is allowed, take your bottles with you when you leave.

TARDY ARRIVAL. Enter quietly, Sit in back. Don't take this course if you cannot be in the classroom at 8:30.

IF YOU MUST LEAVE CLASS EARLY, notify instructor before the class begins.

DISRESPECT to the instructor and/or other students is not tolerated. Civil discourse is expected. Applies online also.

 

4         ADDS  You are not officially enrolled in class until you process your add code by phone, Internet or in person at registrar's desk. Putting your name on my list does not get you added to the class. You must process the add code by midday Sat 1/16, or you will not be added to the roster. No exceptions. Audits are not permitted: students must be enrolled. If you wish to bring a guest please check with me first to ensure our class activity will not be compromised.

 

5         DROPS To Drop or Be Dropped, Please Be Advised: According to college policy it is the studentÕs responsibility to drop classes before the last day to drop with a W. Otherwise, the course grade will be based on the work completed at the end of the term. In any event, I reserve the right to drop students at any time for the following reasons, indicators that a student is not serious:

*Three or more unexcused absences. (Email me if you miss 2 or more consecutive classes or I may assume you dropped the class.)

*Repeated inappropriate behavior such as listed above

*Lack of engagement and/or participation in class activity.

 

 

 

           QUESTIONS? CONFUSED? NEED HELP? I really want to help you learn how to look at art, and to find it interesting and enjoyable. I also look forward to getting to know my students as individuals, so I enjoy our meetings, especially when I can be helpful. Often, a short discussion can help clarify objectives or help me understand what problems interfere with learning. Frequently I find that a number of other students are having the same problem, so your question often clarifies confusion for the entire class. I check voice mail and email at least daily, M-F.