University of Nebraska at Omaha
ART 1010 Section 001:
Art Appreciation
Spring 2016, Jan 11-May 6th
Monday & Wednesday 1:00-2:15pm
Class Location: WFAB Rm. 126
Instructor: Bart Vargas
WFAB Rm. 304
402-554-2378
Office Hours: 2:30-4:00pm Monday, Wednesday & by appointment
“At its essence, Art is Communication.”
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
An introductory-level course designed for the non-art major. Surveys the aesthetic principles of the visual arts and their interpretation in a socio-historical context.
The purpose of this Art appreciation course is to foster a broad understanding of the Visual Arts. The course content deals with understanding why and how artists create and also the important role culture and history play in the purpose and meaning of Art. It includes an overview of the creative process, changes in Art over time, and the relationship of the Arts and society.
Successful students shall be able to do the following:
· Demonstrate knowledge of the role and contributions of one or more underrepresented groups in the development of the United States;
· Demonstrate specific knowledge of cultural, historical, social, economic, and/or political factors that shape aspects of one or more diverse groups;
· Recognize and articulate differences, expectations, and/or challenges experienced by one or more underrepresented groups; and
· Explain ways in which identity is developed and how it is transmitted within and by members of the group or groups.
CLASS STRUCTURE:
This class will consist of lectures, discussions, readings, documentaries, research, field trips, writing and presentations.
METHODS OF LEARNING:
· Lectures
· Class discussions
· Reading assignments
· Documentaries
· Researching visual resources
· Writing in response to art
Suggested Text: Lois Fichner-Rathus, Understanding Art, 2011.
Attendance:
Attending is REQUIRED. Attendance is tracked by having each student sign-in at the beginning of each class. This is the student’s responsibility and failure to do so will result in an absence for that day. Students are allowed 2 absences. If the student exceeds the limit of absences, their grade will drop by a letter grade. If a student must miss class the student must notify the instructor prior to the missed class date. Do not schedule vacations/ appointments during class time.
Part of the students' grade will be based on their participation in group activities and discussions. Students are responsible for all material covered in class regardless of their presence in class at time material is presented.
It is the responsibility of the student to undertake make up work, obtain handouts and other information distributed. It is the student's responsibility to be aware of due dates and class activities.
Student's final grade will reflect their attendance, effort, and participation. More than two class absences and/or continual tardiness or leaving early will affect student's grade.
Course Expectations & Assignments:
A. Attend all lectures and take notes. All information given in the lectures can be included in quizzes and the exam.
B. Complete all readings assigned before class. All information in the readings can be included in the quizzes and exam.
C. Field Trips: Students will participate in a series of field trips to view art directly and engage in art criticism and art analysis
D. Essays: Students will complete a series of essays related to documentaries, field trips and guest speakers.
E. Joslyn Art Hunt and UNO Art Hunt: Students will complete an exercise exploring both the richness of the Art that exists on their campus and in Omaha's Fine Arts museum and apply concepts learned in class to viewing art. A
F. Homework: Homework assignments and due dates will assigned in class and posted on Blackboard.
OUT OF CLASS LECTURES:
YOU ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND A MINIMUM OF 3 OUT OF CLASS LECTURE EVENTS PER SEMESTER. Please use the lecture sheet provided with this syllabus. Record the date, Artist or lecturer and have a faculty or staff member sign the sheet to verify your presence. The lecture sheet will be due at the last class meeting for the semester. Be sure to write YOUR NAME on your lecture sheet in order to receive credit for attending.
Exams & Quizzes:
Through out the course of the semester there will be a series of quizzes and one final exam. The exam and quizzes may consist of: identification of art works by title, artist, stylistic period/ knowing significance of selected art works / definition of terms / short answer / multiple choice / essay/ comparison-contrast of two works of art from different artistic periods or styles.
Student Evaluation:
All grades will be assigned based on the following grading scale:
90-100%= A
80-89% = B
70-79% = C
60-69% = D
0-59% = F
Final grades will be determined by the overall average of all assignments.
Blackboard
All course information and grades will be posted on Blackboard.
“Syllabus” will contain this course syllabus and class schedule for the semester.
“Course documents” will include all handouts, concept guides, class power points, the exam study guide, field trip instructions and Public Art Unit.
“Assignments” will include essay assignments, video content guides, Joslyn Art Hunt, and UNO Art Hunt.
“Announcements” will provide relevant information and notices. Emails will be sent to UNO email accounts. It is the student’s responsibility to utilize Blackboard as needed. Please inform instructor immediately of any errors in recorded scores.
Notices
NO use of cell phones, text messaging, IPods, electronic devises during class time. TURN OFF—PUT AWAY. Students are allowed to use laptops in class for note-taking purposes only.
If student has limited English language proficiency, please see instructor at beginning of the semester
EMAIL:
If you email instructor using your personal email account you must list “Art Appreciation” as your subject. Announcements will be sent through Blackboard to your UNO email. Please check that account regularly.
Instances of academic dishonesty will be handled in accordance with University policy. Students are expected to do their own work and copying from others, or allowing others to copy from you, is a form of cheating and all parties involved will be treated equally. Plagiarism or cheating can result in an F for the course.
Accommodations are provided for students with verified disabilities. For more information contact `Services for Students with disabilities' (SSd) in MBSC 111 or 554-2872. Students are expected to visit with instructor immediately to discuss special needs.
This syllabus is subject to flexibility as we progress through the semester. Any changes will be announced in class and posted on Blackboard. Field Trips and Guest Speakers will be announced as scheduled.
ART APPRECIATION CLASS SCHEDULE (subject to change)
Week of TEXTBOOK Lectures:
January 11th
Class Introduction
Distribution of Syllabus
Ice breaker
Instructor Presentation
NO CLASS Jan 13th
NO CLASS Jan 18th
Martin Luther King Day
January 20th
Fichner Rathus,UNDERSTANDING ART
Chapter 1: What is Art?
In Class Film
January 25th
Chapter 2: Visual Elements of Art
February 1st
Chapter 3: Principles of Design
NO CLASS Feb 3rd
Out of town
February 8th
Chapter 4: Style, Form, and Content
NO CLASS Feb 15th
Out of town
February 17th
QUIZ #1: Visual Elements of Art, Principles of Design, & Style, Form, and Content
February 22nd
Chapter 6: Painting
In Class Film
February 29th
Chapter 6: Painting
In Class Film
March 7th
Chapter 7: Printmaking
March 14th
Chapter 8: Imaging: Photography, Film, Video, and Digital Arts
In Class Film
March 21st SPRING BREAK March 20-27: NO CLASS
March 28th
QUIZ #2: Drawing, Painting, Printmaking, Imaging: Photography, Film, Video, and Digital Arts
April 4th
Chapter 9: Sculpture
April 11th
Chapter 10: Site-Specific Art
April 18th
Chapter 11: Architecture
In Class Film
April 25th
Chapter 12: Craft and Design
CLASS FINAL: Wednesday, May 4th, 12:30pm
WHAT THIS SYLLABUS MEANS
Your enrollment in this class is an agreement by you to fulfill all the requirements established by this syllabus.