This course is delivered entirely online in an asynchronous manner, meaning that we do not meet at specific times and students complete their work according to their own schedules, while still meeting course deadlines.

Students are expected to log into the class portal on Blackboard at least three out of seven days per week to stay up to date with course communications. All communication must take place via ACC email to ensure privacy of student records. Please do not email me from a non-ACC email address; it may be sent to "junk."

Students will use the Blackboard learning management system for this course. For help with Blackboard, visit the Blackboard Student Help page at https://acconline.austincc.edu/webapps/portal/execute/tabs/tabAction?tabId=_28370_1&tab_tab_group_id=_15_1

If you are new to learning online, it can be a different experience than learning face to face. Strong time management, discipline, and organization skills, as well as the ability to learn independently, are needed to be a successful online student. Please review the ACC Distance Education General Information available at https://online.austincc.edu/faq/

Distance Education Prerequisites: Students should have access to a computer or tablet, reliable internet access, and access to Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Adobe, and browsers such as Firefox, Chrome, and/or Microsoft Edge. Students will use the Blackboard learning management system for course content, assignment instructions, submitting assignments, and collaboration. All submissions to Blackboard must be in Blackboard-compatible formats, such as .doc, .pdf, .html, or .jpg. Blackboard does not support google docs, wps, pages, etc. formats.

Technology Support Services:

Austin Community College provides free, secure WiFi on campuses, including drive-up WiFi to students and employees in the parking lots of all campus locations. WiFi can be accessed seven days a week, 7 am to 11 pm. Additional details are available at https://www.austincc.edu/sts.

Students who do not have the necessary technology to complete their ACC courses can request to borrow devices from Student Technology Services. Available devices include iPads, webcams, headsets, calculators, etc. Students must be registered for a credit course, Adult Education, or Continuing Education course to be eligible. For more information, including how to request a device, visit http://www.austincc.edu/sts.

Student Technology Services offers phone, live-chat, and email-based technical support for students and can provide support on topics such as password resets, accessing or using Blackboard, access to technology, etc. To view hours of operation and ways to request support, visit http://www.austincc.edu/sts.

ACC students are eligible for FREE Microsoft 365, which is the online version of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc. Use this link and follow the prompts, using your ACC email and password: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/education/products/office/default.aspx

This course is delivered entirely online in an asynchronous manner, meaning that we do not meet at specific times and students complete their work according to their own schedules, while still meeting course deadlines. The class consists of a variety of online instructional methods and assessments and may include reading the textbook, viewing required slide presentations via a Vid Grid web link, Blackboard discussion board threads, quizzes taken through Blackboard, assignments and papers turned in via Blackboard and SafeAssign, and student presentations and group assignments via Padlet and Blackboard tools.

The following elements are required for the course:

1. Notes: For each chapter, students are expected to take notes over the course content found in the textbook and PowerPoint videos. Notes should consist of defining posted essential vocabulary terms, but can also include any material deemed by the student to be beneficial to their understanding of the course content. Notes can be used while taking the quizzes, but are not submitted for a grade.

2. Public Posts: Students will be asked to make occasional public posts of course assignments and discussion topics using Blackboard Wiki tools and the Padlet app.

3. Assignments: Each chapter module includes one or two assignments designed to fulfill course learning objectives. Assignments may consist of watching videos and answering questions about content, short writing assignments over works of art, or other learning activities as needed.

4. Quizzes: Each chapter module includes a short quiz over the content presented in the textbook and PowerPoint videos. The quizzes are taken online through Blackboard. Students have a time limit for taking the quiz, quiz questions are presented one at a time, and no backtracking is allowed. Students are encouraged to use their notes and textbook as resources during their quizzes, but using general internet searches, Artificial Intelligence applications, or coordinating with other people or classmates to take the quizzes is not allowed. Using internet searches, other online resources, or collaborating with other people, including classmates, to take the quizzes is considered academic dishonesty and will result in academic penalty.

5. Journals: At the end of each unit, students are required to complete a short journal-like writing assignment. The journal is designed to allow students to maintain an ongoing record of their learning experience as well as reflect on the main ideas of the course in an open writing assignment.

6. Paper/Project: Details TBD

Your final average will be based upon the following calculation:

25%     Assignments over Chapter Content (two lowest grades are dropped)

25%     Quizzes over Chapter Content (two lowest grades are dropped)

20%     Journals

30%     Paper/Project

A =       90%-100%

B =       80%-89.99%

C =       70%-79.99%

D =       60%-69.99%   

F =       Below 59.99%

Quizzes taken in Blackboard are graded immediately upon completion of the quiz. Assignments and Journals will be graded within two weeks of submission deadline. Curatorial Projects may take up to three weeks to grade. All grades are posted in the Blackboard gradebook.

Standards for Learning Framework

The following descriptions provide guidance on the standards of performance for grades earned:

“A” level work

Responds fully and accurately to the requirements of the assignment; demonstrates excellence in thinking, creativity and performance throughout; is clear, thorough, and well-organized with ample supporting examples and details; is well-presented with very few, if any, errors of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and format.

“B” level work

Responds well to the requirements of the assignment; demonstrates sound thinking and competent performance throughout; is clear, fairly thorough, and well organized with sufficient supporting examples and details; is presented with few errors of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and format.

“C” level work

Responds to most of the requirements of the assignment; demonstrates mixed levels of thinking and only adequate performance throughout; is occasionally clear, lacks thoroughness, and has some organization with few supporting examples or details; is presented with several errors of grammar, spelling, punctuation, or format.

“D” level work

Responds to few of the requirements of the assignment; demonstrates poor levels of thinking and inadequate performance throughout; is unclear or incomplete, and is poorly organized with little or no supporting examples or details; is poorly presented and includes several major errors of grammar, spelling, punctuation, or format.

“F” level work

Fails to respond to the requirements of the assignment; does not demonstrate evidence of thinking or concern for performance; is thoroughly confusing, incomplete, and disorganized with significant flaws in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and format throughout.

It is my responsibility as the instructor to determine the grade based on these criteria, but by evaluating and revising your work according to these standards prior to handing it in, you can increase its quality and the level of your success in all of your courses.

Adapted from work by Richard Paul and the Critical Thinking Consortium, Sonoma State University, CA.  

Classwork is designed to complement the textbook chapters and PowerPoint lectures and follow a chronological order. Therefore, late work interrupts the learning process and isn’t ideal for learning comprehension. I have developed reasonable late work policies to accommodate life events and common difficulties while also balancing academic requirements.

Late Work Policy for Assignments and Journals: Our class is divided up into four units. Students may turn in late chapter assignments, padlets, and journals with an automatic 20-point deduction, as long as the late work is submitted within one week of the end date of each unit. For example, students can turn in assignments and journals from any chapter in Unit One until Tuesday, February 21. Students can turn in assignments and journals from any chapter in Unit Two until Tuesday, March 28. Students can turn in assignments and journals from any chapter in Three until Tuesday, April 18. Because the end of Unit Four coincides with the end of the semester, students can only turn in assignments and journals from any chapter in Unit Four until Tuesday, May 9.  Quizzes cannot be made up or turned in late under any circumstances.

Late Work Policy for Curatorial Projects: Projects are accepted late but are penalized by five points per day, including weekends. Projects turned in more than twenty days late cannot be graded.

Late Work Policy for Quizzes: Quizzes are scheduled in advance, and students are expected to be prepared for quizzes in advance. Two quizzes are automatically dropped. Make-up quizzes are not permitted under any circumstances. Late quizzes are not accepted under any circumstances.

Please do not attempt to turn in a semester’s worth of notes, papers, assignments, and quizzes during the last few weeks of the semester, as this will not be allowed.

• Regular and timely class participation in discussions and completion of work is expected of all students.  If attendance or compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the class.
• Being an online class, attendance is not monitored in a traditional manner. Your completion of assignments, journals, and quizzes counts as attendance. Failure to complete assignments and quizzes for a given week is considered an absence.

• If a student misses more than four weeks of coursework and is not making satisfactory progress, they may be withdrawn from class.

• Pay special attention to grades that are weighted more. Try not to get behind in class, and if you are having trouble completing your assignments/showing up for classes, please reach out to me earlier rather than later in the semester.

• I assume that all absences are for legitimate reasons and therefore I don’t distinguish between “excused” and “unexcused” absences. However, if you have extenuating circumstances, such as a COVID diagnosis, family or job difficulties, military service, etc., that will impact your performance in class, let me know as soon as possible!

• I recognize that—especially under current circumstances—life can be challenging and that work, family, and other obligations are difficult to balance with school. I empathize with this difficulty, want students to be successful, and I have designed the course to allow for a few absences and some late assignment submissions. However, even if you have legitimate reasons for having to miss class, missing lots of class will definitely negatively impact your grade.

• I will try to be flexible and understanding of your situation, but please keep in mind that it is my responsibility to create an equitable academic environment for all students.

• In case classes are cancelled due to weather, pandemic, instructor illness, or other emergencies, the student is responsible for communicating with their professor during the closure and completing any assignments or other activities designated by their professor.

It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that their name is removed from the rolls should they decide to withdraw from the class.  The instructor does, however, reserve the right to drop a student should they feel it is necessary. If a student decides to withdraw, they should also verify that the withdrawal is recorded before the final withdrawal date.  The final withdrawal date for this semester is Thursday, November 16. The student is also strongly encouraged to keep any paperwork surrounding withdrawal in case a problem arises.

The instructor will not support any requests for administrative withdrawals after the final withdrawal date, unless there are severe unforeseen circumstances that made it physically impossible for a student to withdraw from class before the standard deadline, such as documented hospitalization. Students are responsible for understanding the grading system and their standing in class prior to the final withdrawal date. Student requests for administrative withdrawals at the end of the semester due to an unsatisfactory grade will be respectfully declined. Students who are experiencing difficulties during the semester should contact their instructor or academic advisor as soon as possible.

Students are responsible for understanding the impact that withdrawal from a course may

have on their financial aid, veterans’ benefits, and international student status. Per state

law, students enrolling for the first time in Fall 2007 or later at any public Texas college or

university may not withdraw (receive a “W”) from more than six courses during their

undergraduate college education. Some exemptions for good cause could allow a student

to withdraw from a course without having it count toward this limit. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor when making decisions about course selection,

course loads, and course withdrawals.

For important information concerning the difference between drops and withdrawals and the "Six-Withdrawals Limit," please visit the following link: http://www.austincc.edu/apply-and-register/registration-information/course-withdrawals

Incompletes: An incomplete (grade of "I") will only be given for extenuating circumstances.  What constitutes “extenuating circumstances” is left to the instructor’s discretion, but an “I” is intended for students who have completed a majority of their course work throughout the semester and only need to complete a small amount of work to complete the course; and students who are currently passing the course. An “I” will not be given to a student who has not completed a majority of the course components or who has not regularly participated in the course throughout the semester.

If a grade of I is given, the remaining course work must be completed by a date set by the student and professor.  This date may not be later than two weeks prior to the end of the following semester.  A grade of I also requires completion and submission of the Incomplete Grade form, to be signed by the faculty member (and student if possible) and submitted to the department chair.

Students may request an Incomplete from their faculty member if they believe circumstances warrant.  The faculty member will determine whether the Incomplete is appropriate to award or not.  The following processes must be followed when awarding a student an I grade. 

1.      Prior to the end of the semester in which the “I” is to be awarded, the student must meet with the instructor to determine the assignments and exams that must be completed prior to the deadline date.  This meeting can occur virtually or in person.  The instructor should complete the Report of Incomplete Grade form.

2.      The faculty member will complete the form, including all requirements to complete the course and the due date, sign (by typing in name) and then email it to the student.  The student will then complete his/her section, sign (by typing in name), and return the completed form to the faculty member to complete the agreement.  A copy of the fully completed form can then be emailed by the faculty member to the student and the department chair for each grade of Incomplete that the faculty member submits at the end of the semester.   

3.      The student must complete all remaining work by the date specified on the form above.  This date is determined by the instructor in collaboration with the student, but it may not be later than the final withdrawal deadline in the subsequent long semester.  

4.      Students will retain access to the course Blackboard page through the subsequent semester in order to submit work and complete the course. Students will be able to log on to Blackboard and have access to the course section materials, assignments, and grades from the course and semester in which the Incomplete was awarded.  

5.      When the student completes the required work by the Incomplete deadline, the instructor will submit an electronic Grade Change Form to change the student’s performance grade from an “I” to the earned grade of A, B, C, D, or F. 

If an Incomplete is not resolved by the deadline, the grade automatically converts to an “F.” 

Approval to carry an Incomplete for longer than the following semester or session deadline is not frequently granted.

Students are expected to behave in a manner that supports the learning environment and to treat the instructor and other students, as well as intellectual property, with respect. Disruptive behaviors are those that negatively affect the learning environment and include, but are not limited to:

• Personal use of classroom content, including assignments, PowerPoints, audio, etc.
• Showing disrespect to classmates, instructor, or classroom 
• Academic dishonesty/Academic integrity**

• Powerpoint presentations, as well as other instructor materials, are the property of the instructor and are protected by copyright. Class materials are intended for your personal use only and cannot be distributed in any way without the express written consent of the instructor. To ensure compliance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), student recording of class lectures or other activities is generally prohibited without the explicit written permission of the instructor and notification of other students enrolled in the class section.  Exceptions are made for approved accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Any other reproduction of class lectures or materials are for the use of an individual student and cannot be posted to any public forum or note sharing site, including but not limited to: Facebook, Quizlet, BlackBoard, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, Twitter, Stuvia, etc., etc.

• It is my responsibility to create a safe, respectful, welcoming environment for all students, regardless of ethnicity, race, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and/or physical ability. Please be respectful to other students. ACC is fortunate to have a diverse student body, and there will be many different perspectives in this class.
   
• Austin Community College values academic integrity in the educational process. Everything that a student turns in for class must be the student’s own work.

Acts of academic dishonesty/misconduct undermine the learning process, present a disadvantage to students who earn credit honestly, and subvert the academic mission of the institution. The potential consequences of fraudulent credentials raise additional concerns for individuals and communities beyond campus who rely on institutions of higher learning to certify students' academic achievements, and expect to benefit from the claimed knowledge and skills of their graduates. Students must follow all instructions given by faculty or designated college representatives when taking examinations, placement assessments, tests, quizzes, and evaluations.  Actions constituting scholastic dishonesty include, but are not limited to, plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, collusion, falsifying documents, turning in another person’s work, using Artificial Intelligence to create any work, or the inappropriate use of the college’s information technology resources.

**Academic honesty is of utmost importance in the online learning environment.

Further information is available at https://www.austincc.edu/students/students-rights-and-responsibilities/academic-integrity-process

The textbook is required. Students should acquire the edition of the textbook that works for them by renting or purchasing hard copies, or by renting or purchasing electronic versions. They are available to rent on Amazon for $15-50. And they are great books!

Fred S. Kleiner, Gardner’s Art Through the Ages, A Global History, Volume I. 14th, 15th OR 16th editions.

SEMESTER SCHEDULE

Please note that schedule changes may occur during the semester.  Any changes will be announced and posted as a Blackboard Announcement. Please

check Blackboard Announcements regularly, and make sure you receive class emails through your austincc.edu email account.

UNIT ONE

Chapter 0: Introduction to Art History
Chapter 1: Art in the Stone Age
Chapter 2: Mesopotamia and Persia
Chapter 3: Egypt from Narmer to Cleopatra
Chapter 4: The Prehistoric Aegean
 

UNIT TWO

Chapter 5: Ancient Greece
Chapter 6: The Etruscans
Chapter 7: The Roman Empire
Chapter 8: Late Antiquity
 

UNIT THREE

Chapter 10: The Islamic World
Chapter 11: Early Medieval Europe
Chapter 12: Romanesque Europe
Chapter 13: Gothic Europe
 

UNIT FOUR
Chapter 15: South and Southeast Asia
Chapter 16: China and Korea
Chapter 17: Japan
Chapter 18: Native American Art before 1300
Chapter 19: Africa before 1800

A chronological analysis of the historical and cultural contexts of the visual arts from prehistoric times to the 14th century. This class fulfills the Creative Arts requirement of the Core Curriculum outline.

Academic Prerequisites:  There are no formal curriculum prerequisites, however, students will need strong, college-level reading, writing, and study skills to succeed in this course. Students are expected to read approximately 450 pages of textbook and may be obliged to read outside articles and write essays.  Students are expected to observe standard English grammar and rules in writing assignments.

Course Rationale: The purpose of Art History I is to introduce students to the development of period styles from prehistoric times through the Middle Ages.  Students will acquire knowledge of important examples of art and architecture from different cultures of this period.

Common Course Learning Outcomes (Upon successful completion of the course, students will):

• Identify and describe works of art based on their chronology and style, using standard categories and terminology.
• Investigate major artistic developments and significant works of art from prehistoric times to the late Middle Ages.
• Analyze the relationship of art to history by placing works of art within cultural, historical and chronological contexts.
• Critically interpret and evaluate works of art

Discipline Specific Program Learning Outcomes (Upon successful completion, students will):

• Write meaningful formal descriptions and critical analyses of art works.
• Explain how formal and compositional properties express and convey content.
• Recognize, comparatively analyze, and contextualize differences in artistic styles.
• Gain insight to diverse perspectives and relate art history to broader life experiences.

General Education Outcomes:

• Civic and Cultural Awareness - Analyzing and critiquing competing perspectives in a democratic society; comparing, contrasting, and interpreting differences and commonalities among peoples, ideas, aesthetic traditions, and cultural practices
• Critical Thinking - Gathering, analyzing, synthesizing, evaluating and applying information. 
• Personal Responsibility: Identifying and applying ethical principles and practices; demonstrating effective learning, creative thinking, and personal responsibility.
• Interpersonal Skills - Interacting collaboratively to achieve common goals
• Written, Oral and Visual Communication - Communicating effectively, adapting to purpose, structure, audience, and medium.
• Technology Skills: Using appropriate technology to retrieve, manage, analyze, and present information.