Southwest College

Houston Community College System

Fall 2009    8/24-12/13

CRN 99074 Arts 1301  Art Appreciation  11-2pm  F  Learning Hub 323  STAFFORD

Instructor:  Donna Kleszcz                                     Art Office: 713-718-7700

Office:         Faculty Workroom                               Hours: Friday  10:30-11am

e-mail:         donna.kleszcz@hccs.edu                      or by appointment

Course Aim:  Art Appreciation will provide an understanding of the diverse ways in which cultures construct and represent their reality.  We will look at slides of paintings, sculptures, architecture and crafts, as well as, video tapes, and art objects.  We will acquire a vocabulary that will enable us to discuss visual art, its formal properties, techniques, and sources of inspiration.

“This course fulfills the following core intellectual competencies: reading, writing, speaking, listening, critical thinking and computer literacy. A variety of teaching and testing methods are used to assess these competencies.”

Course Text:  A World of Art by Henry Sayre  5th ed.;   Sketchbook 18”x12” multi-use paper

Course Objectives:  1. Mastery of basic terminology associated with creation and analysis of                                              works of art.

                                   2. An ability to assess the role of art within its cultural context using

                                       art criticism, description, analysis, interpretation, and judgment.

                                  3.  An ability to recognize and interpret iconography associated with

                                       major cultural styles and forms of art to include social, historical,

                                       philosophical contexts.

                                 4.  An ability to discuss and write about works of art in a clear and                                                      effective manner with regard to media, technique, artist, style.

                                      Complete a minimum of 2000 words in writing assignments.

                                 5.  Complete the required studio art assignments which will constitute

                                      approximately 25% of the final grade.

                                 6.  An ability to think critically.

Grading policy:  Evaluation will be based on the results of four Tests, as well as, participation in studio activities and class discussion. These tests will combine essay, multiple choice, true/false, matching, definition, identification and are drawn from material presented through class discussion of slides, textbook content, handouts, video.  In addiition, a sketchbook of studio assignments and an essay, analyzing, in depth a work of art you have experienced of not less than 800-900 words (three pages) is to be submitted on the day of the final examination.

                        Grade Scale:    Tests 60% -    Essay 15% - Participation 25%

                                Grade Range:  90-100= A exceptionally fine work: superior in presentation,

                                                                     visual observation, comprehension, and participation

                                                  89-80= B    above average work: superior in one or two areas

                                                  79-70= C    average work, good, unexceptional participation

                                                  69-60= D     below average work: noticeably weak with minimal

                                                                      participation

                                                  0-59= F       clearly deficient in presentation, style, and content                                                                           with a lack of participation.

Examination Policy: Tests will begin at 11:15 am

Make-Up Policy: There will be no make-up of tests. However, opportunities for extra credit will be given throughout the semester. Oral presentations earn additional credit.

Absence Policy: (HCCS policy: if a student is absent more than 12.5% of total class time, the instructor may drop the student)  Class attendance is considered important since the weight of course matter depends on the recognition and interpretation of works of art. Partial attendance

(arriving very late or leaving early without excuse) receives partial credit. In some cases, of course, there may be a good reason for you not to attend, and in those cases I expect you to contact me in the same manner that you would call in sick to work . If you have special needs see me after this class. “Any student with a documented Disability (e.g. physical, learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) who needs to arrange reasonable accommodations must contact the Disability Support Service Counselor at the beginning of each semester. Faculty members are authorized to provide only the accommodations requested by the Disability Support Service Office.”

NOTICE: Students who repeat a course three or more times may soon face significant tuition fee increases at HCCS and other Texas public colleges and universities. Please ask your instructor/counselor about opportunities for tutoring/other assistance prior to considering course withdrawal, or if you are not receiving passing grades.

Cell phones and beepers: Cell phones must be turned off during class  If there is an emergency situation where a cell phone need be left on, you must notify me before class begins.  I reserve the right to answer any phone or confiscate any phone that rings during class.

Laptops: Laptops may be used during class strictly for class activities, otherwise they must be turned off during class.  If you use your laptop for any non-class activity including (but not limited to checking e-mail, instant messaging, internet browsing, gameplaying, etc.. I will require you close it.  I reserve the right to confiscate a laptop for the duration of the class if I find it is a distraction to you or your classmates.

Dates and deadlines are subject to change. See the Student Handbook for HCCS policy regarding scholastic honesty.

·         Cheating on a test: copying from someone else’s paper during a test.

·         Plagiarism: using another person’s words, information, or ideas in the student’s written work without appropriate acknowledgment (and quotation marks when exact words are used)

·         Collusion: unauthorized collaboration.

August 28, 2009         Introduction to Course         October 23     Printmaking Ch. 11

                                                                                                            Painting, Ch. 13

September  4              World of Art Ch.1                                 30     TEST III

                                    Developing Visual Literacy Ch 2                   Camera Arts, Ch. 13

                   11             Themes of Art  Ch. 3              November 6    Sculpture, Ch. 14

                                    Seeing the Value in Art Ch 4                          Other 3-Dim. Media  Ch. 15

                   18             TEST I  Ch 1-4                                        13  Thanksgiving Holiday

                                    Line, Ch. 5                                                     

                  25              Space, Ch. 6                                              20   Architecture  Ch. 16

                                    Color, Ch. 7                                                     Projects

October     2               Other Formal Elements, Ch. 8                  27   Design, Ch. 17

                                    TEST II  Ch. 5-8                                           sketchbook projects

                   9               MUSEUM VISIT                  December  4   Citizen Kane / Orson Welles

                 16               Design, Ch. 9                                            11  FINAL TEST IV

                                    Drawing, Ch. 10                                             Essay due/ sketchbooks due

Peace be with you!    Enjoy the arts, they are for you!