(A-110) UNDERSTANDING VISUAL ART
Spring • 2017
Instructor: Javier Valenzuela
REQUIRED TEXTS
1) Art - A World History - (Abrams) - ISBN: 978-0-8109-9422-3
New: $13.42 / Used: appx. $9.00
2) Art Basics - an illustrated Glossary and Timeline - (Wadsworth) - ISBN: 978-0534641016
New: $13.42 / Used: appx. $9.00
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is the study of the basic principles, elements and media of art as introductory to understanding its purpose(s) and uses. The topics are organized with emphasis on the language of art, its forms, materials, and associated content within an ever changing historical context.
COURSE COMPANION WEBSITE
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At this blog you can find various related course content:
1. Course syllabus, outline, and learning outcome rubric
2. Required texts
3. Writing assignments
4. Links to related topics
5. Essential vocabulary
6. Articles to read
7. Selected lecture notes
PARTICIPATION & WORK HABITS
Cell Phone use is not allowed during class. Repeated warnings will result in negative attendance (absence).
You are expected to participate in class discussions and meet deadlines for all projects & homework. Required art supplies and completion of Media Projects on time is required for full credit.
POSITIVE ATTENDANCE
You will be expected to attend each class and arrive on time. More than five absences may result in a lower letter grade. Arriving late can result in an unexcused absence and consistently arriving late can result in a lower letter grade.
NOTE TAKING
You should bring a note book to every class meeting. Lecture notes and in class discussions will be one primary source of course content and essential for your art journal writing assignments and general review.
ART JOURNAL WRITINGS
There will be 2-4 art journal writing assignments throughout the semester related to readings and lecture topics. The assignments will be announced in class and you will be given one week to complete it. Your response should take the form of a paragraph for each question. Your writings will be acceptable, posted, typed, printed, or emailed only, unless we are doing "in class writing".
EXHIBITION REPORT
A significant part of your final grade will be based on a 2-5 page report about your visit to an art space, discussing the form(s) exhibited as well as the associated content. A list of suggested galleries and museum spaces will be provided. Student artwork will not be considered appropriate for this assignment.
ACADEMIC HONESTY
My policy is that plagiarism or cheating will automatically result in an F for the assignment and possibly the course.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOME
1. On multiple choice exams, or student presentations, or on a visit to a local museum, students will be able to identify and describe (using relevant terminology) various artistic media, processes, and materials used in painting, printmaking, sculpture, architecture, photography, installation art, video art, and mixed media.
2. On multiple choice exams, or student presentations, or on a visit to a local museum, students will be able to identify and describe (using relevant terminology) visual elements and principles of design used in two-dimensional, three-dimensional, and time-based art.
3. On multiple-choice exams, or student presentations, or on a visit to a local museum, students will be able to distinguish between broad categories of style used in two-dimensional, three-dimensional, and time-based art.
4. Given a slide (image) related to course lecture and reading material (world art and architecture), students will be able to identify the work of art and attribute it to the correct artist.
5. The successful student shall be able to apply art historical terminology and methodology in analyzing and interpreting works of art.
GRADING SCALE
Class Participation (20)
Art Journals (30)
Exhibition Report (50)
Media Projects (45)
Quiz (20)
Mid Term (50)
Final Exam (50)
265-216 A 215-185 B 184-160 C 159-131 D 130-below F
