Art 107 - Introduction to Art
Syllabus, Fall Quarter 1998

Welcome to Intro. to Art! This course is a study of selected visual art forms which extend from the ancient world through contemporary society. The focus is on creating an awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the functions of art and enhancing the viewer’s ability to examine, interpret, and evaluate past and present art forms. It also gives the student the opportunity to analyze and experience the creative process. Class format is a combination of slide lectures, group discussions, creative art projects, written papers and quizzes.

Goals

1. For students to understand the interdependent role of the arts in society.
2. For students to understand major concepts and principles of art processes and forms in the past and present.
3. For students to see the relationship of human values and the products people produce.
4. For students to understand and appreciate diverse cultures and opinions.
5. For students to take responsibility for reaching their potentials and for participating in the learning experience. Students are to drive the class.

Learner Outcomes

The student will be able to:

1. Respond in writing to works of art.
2. Articulate oral responses to works of art.
3. Analyze works of art utilizing the formal art elements and principles of design as well as the artists’ purposes and choices.
4. Utilize in oral and written form the critical inquiry method of analyzing art.
5. Demonstrate the principles of art by participating in the process and product of making art.
6. Demonstrate understanding of art in terms of technique, subject, period/movement and style.

Tentative Course Requirements and Policies

1. A crucial step in becoming a truly educated individual is that of taking responsibility for one’s own learning, which includes: participating in class discussions in an informed and courteous manner; asking questions when you don’t understand a concept; setting and balancing personal and academic priorities; understanding and accepting consequences, particularly those that occur without "fault" or "blame"; and demonstrating respect for others.
2. Along with demonstrating respect for others, we must take care not to distract one another from the work that needs to be done. Distractions include, but are not limited to: inappropriate conversations or asides; self-indulgent behaviors; behaviors that are threatening or cause individual discomfort; and any behavior that is not acceptable according to the student code of conduct.
3. The Critical Inquiry requires using a critical inquiry format to write a two-page response to a piece of art or architecture you have viewed.
4. Art experiences involve participating in an art event.
5. Art Projects involve participating in the process of creating art. Students must attend art project workdays and should expect 2-3 hours of work at home to complete these projects.
6. Quizzes include slide identification, definition of terms, short essay, and longer essay (1-2 pages). Often a take-home essay is a significant part of the quiz.

Evaluation

In this process-oriented course, creativity and risk taking are encouraged and grading criteria are based on effort, organization, content, presentation, and creativity. Those who attend class regularly, complete assignments on time, and work hard will receive good grades and will have an enjoyable learning experience. Quizzes must be taken on the scheduled date. Make-ups will be given only due to dire circumstances. A "Z" will not be given in place of a failing grade, nor when a student fails to officially withdraw from the course. Students who do not officially withdraw from the course will receive a grade based on assignments and quizzes given during the entire quarter, whether or not the student completed them. Each student’s final grade will be computed from student’s percentage of total points possible using the table below:

Attendance

Student will lose 50% of attendance/participation points (50 points possible) upon 3rd absence. Also, it is critical for obtaining full credit on many graded activities and for receiving the necessary information and instructions for successful completion of the assignments. Attendance will be taken at random.

Late Policy

Projects are due at the beginning of class and are otherwise considered "late." A late project may be handed in up to two days late; however, there will be an automatic 50% point deduction. There will be no points awarded for any project turned in more than 2 days late. Group discussions and art experiences may not be made up.

Required Materials for Art Projects

Students do not need to purchase these materials immediately but should be prepared to do so when each art project is assigned. Materials will be discussed further prior to each art project.

1. Large felt tip black marker
2. Set of large felt tip markers (assorted colors, approx. 8 markers)
3. Graphite pencils and 8½ x 11" sketch pad
4. X-acto knife
5. Balsa wood materials
6. White glue stick or Elmer’s glue
7. Colored pencils

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