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

 

DAYS/TIME: MON/WED 8:30-10:10AM

CLASSROOM: AT120, Lower Level, Advanced Technology Building

 

INSTRUCTOR: ELIZABETH Bresnan

Office Hour by prior arrangement or see me after class

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.
PREREQUISITES: 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. FIFTH EDITION

(nothing earlier than 5th edition) Published by Pearson Prentice Hall, 2007.     

           New textbooks may be shrink-wrapped with an Access Code for MyArtKit. * (The access code is now included at no additional charge.) We will not be using MyArtKit * in the class, so it is not required. Therefore, a used text without an access code is quite sufficient for the class. However, it must be 5th edition. There is only one copy of text at reserve desk in the library, available for 4-hour reserve maximum.
           (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.)

 

*A note about the access code for MyArtKit:

           This publisher has developed very helpful online learning tools to accompany the text. They are accessible on the Pearson Prentice Hall website by individual student access codes (If you purchased one.) It includes chapter objectives, outline, sample objective test Qs, critical thinking Qs, and links to other websites for more background and information. I do not make up my tests from these tools. Most students have not used MyArtKit in previous quarters, with the exception of some interesting links to additional information on art and artists discussed in the text.

 

REQUIRED ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION:
           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 are ill, stay home. Don't drag yourself in and 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. ACCESS TO THE INTERNET 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: See calendar for deadlines, test dates.

Points %

600      60%  3 Tests (Each test is 70% computer scored and 30% take-home essay)

250      25%  Exhibit Paper based on personal visit to assigned museum visit

150      15%  In-class activity (No makeup if absent.) & homework. Drop lowest score. Keep a file.

_50      5%   Online discussions for extra credit

1050 Total Points possible (50 are extra credit)

1000 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.

*Exams 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.

*Take home essays are part of the test and collected at 8:30 on test days. Late essays are not accepted.

 

ABOUT SCHEDULE CONFLICTS & MAKE-UP TESTS:

*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 within 48 hours to advise me of reason. When 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.

*Makeup tests are written tests: Fill-in, short answer, short essay etc. (No multiple choice, T/F)

A student who misses two tests without official documentation will be dropped from the class.

 

ABOUT THE FINAL:

*FINAL TEST is THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11 AT 7:00AM, a different day and time than our usual class meetings. Plan accordingly. NO alternative, makeup or early exams.

© THERE IS ONE, AND ONLY ONE EXCEPTION: ©

Students who have completed all activities up to and including Week 11, with an average score of 90% or higher, may opt to skip the final test and have their course grade based on that average.

 

ABOUT MUSEUM VISIT & ASSIGNMENT: (Late penalty: 10% per class meeting)

*A 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.
COURSE AND COLLEGE POLICIES

 

DUE DATES, TEST DATES & COLLEGE DEADLINES – See Calendar

 

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 the course and written referral to dean.

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 will 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. Remove them; turn them off BEFORE class begins.

ACTIVITY UNRELATED TO THIS CLASS including texting, computer games, surfing Internet, reading or homework for other classes etc.

FOOD & DRINK ARE PROHIBITED. If you wish to bring water, take your cups and bottles with you when you leave.

TARDY ARRIVALS should be rare, as they are part of the attendance policy. Enter quietly, Sit in back row.

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 10/3, 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 cramped.

 

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.

Last day to drop a class with no record on your transcript: Fri 10/9

Last day to request Pass/No Pass rather than grade. (See registrar.) Friday, 10/16

Last day to drop a class with a grade of W/withdraw: 11/12

 

           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.