*Please see Blackboard for the most updated syllabus!*

Assignments

One paper is required: a Formal Analysis. Students are also required to keep an Art Journal – further details are on Blackboard.

Tests

There will be six Module exams covering the readings, a final Visual/Slide exam, as well as multiple quizzes covering the reading material and lectures.

Breakdown of Grading

   • Online Video Lectures & Bb Quizzes 30%

   • Art Journal Assignments 20%

   • Formal Analysis Paper 15%

   • Reading Quizzes Avg. 15%

   • Module Exams Avg. 10%

   • Visual Final Exam 10%

Project grades are based upon the following scale:

• A /Excellent Shows clear understanding of concepts and a willingness to exceed the minimal requirements of the assignment to reach a unique, personal solution to the problem. 
• B/Good Successfully follows directions for assigned problem, solid project but lacks a higher amount of originality or uniqueness.
• C/Average Executes assignments and turns them in on time.
• D/Poor Insufficient effort, misunderstood concepts, usually excessive absences.
• F/Failing Total lack of effort; sloppy, careless work, usually excessive absences.

Methods of evaluation

• Evaluation may include tracking attendance, preparedness, meeting deadlines, and class participation.
• Assignments will be used to evaluate successful completion of work. 
• Assignments may include tests, written assignments.

Assignments will include but are not limited to:

• Art Journal
• Visual Analysis
• Formal Analysis

Course Policies

Attendance

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.  The student is responsible for communicating with their professor during the closure and completing any assignments or other activities designated by their professor.

Four or more absences (2 tardies equal 1 absence) will lower the final course average by 10%, or one letter grade; if a student misses seven or more classes and is not making satisfactory progress in the class he/she will be withdrawn from the class (or receive an F for the course if it’s beyond the drop deadline).  Absences will not be excused; students may, however, use one of the allowable absences to cover absences caused by allergies, colds, headaches, stomach aches, food poisoning, work conflicts, car problems/accidents, weddings, funerals, doctor or dentist appointments, child care... etc.  Missed lecture notes and/or assignments are the responsibility of the student and must be acquired from fellow classmates.

Missed or late work

Late work will drop a letter grade for each class day it is late and will not be accepted after two class days.

Withdrawal

It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her 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 he or she feel it is necessary.  If a student decides to withdraw, he or she should also verify that the withdrawal is recorded before the Final Withdrawal Date.  The Final Withdrawal Date for this semester is Thursday, November 18th.  The student is also strongly encouraged to keep any paperwork in case a problem arises.

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.

Required Text and Materials

No physical textbook is required for this course; all readings will be found online and will include readings from the OER (Open Educational Resources)/Lumen Learning’s Candela Art Appreciation course found here: https://www.oercommons.org/courses/art-appreciation/view and on Blackboard.  There will be additional reading assignments as assigned.

A PDF version of the primary “textbook” is available on Blackboard for offline use, however it does not include interactive content such as simulations, videos, and quizzes.  For that reason, the offline versions should be used as a backup rather than as the primary textbook.  Therefore Internet access is of vital importance in order to be successful in this class.  If you prefer a physical textbook you may print the PDF at your own expense.

The OER Lumen Learning Art Appreciation course “thoroughly investigates how quality is determined and created by artists in order to evaluate and appreciate art on a deeper level. This course emphasizes why each topic contributes to valuing a piece of art and provides the necessary knowledge to do so. Students are first introduced to the elements and principles of art and the importance of artists’ context and perspective. The course then covers different periods in art history, different techniques in art, and how to research and evaluate art.” 

Reading Homework

30 very short reading quizzes (administered on Blackboard) covering the online “textbook” https://www.oercommons.org/courses/art-appreciation/view (available on Blackboard).

Course Outline/Calendar

Please note that schedule changes may occur during the semester.  Any changes will be announced in class and posted as a Blackboard Announcement (or other resource faculty is using to communicate).

Week 1-2: Introduction and Syllabus Review; Color Theory; What Is Art?

Week 3-5: Elements and Principles of Design; Context and Perspective

Week 6-10: Periods in Art History

Week 11-12: Fine Art Media and Technique; Research, Communicate, and Evaluate Arts Information

Assignments will include but are not limited to:

• Art Journal
• Visual Analysis
• Formal Analysis

Common Course Description (ACGM):

A general introduction to the visual arts designed to create an appreciation of the vocabulary, media, techniques, and purposes of the creative process. Students will critically interpret and evaluate works of art within formal, cultural, and historical contexts.

Study of the visual elements and principles of art, their nature, function and relationship in painting, sculpture, architecture and graphics. Emphasis on basic approaches to understanding works of art and the development of personal interpretations.

Credit Hours: 3; Classroom Contact Hours per week: 3; Laboratory Contact Hours per week: 0

Course Rationale

The purpose of Art Appreciation is to provide each student with an understanding of the diverse ways in which different cultures construct and represent their realities. Through thematic examination of both historical and contemporary art the student will acquire a vocabulary to describe formal properties of art, techniques of art making, and social, psychological, spiritual and physical uses of art.  This class also fulfills the Visual and Performing Arts requirement of the Core Curriculum outline.

Prerequisites/Requirements

College level Reading and Writing Requirements.  Students will need good reading, writing and study skills to succeed in this course. Students will be expected to read about 400 pages of an online “textbook” as well as outside articles, keep an Art Journal and write two short papers.  Students will be expected to observe proper English grammar and spelling rules in writing assignments.

Common Course Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

• Analyze the visual elements and principles of design employed within the visual arts throughout history. 
• Differentiate among various media and techniques used by the artists. 
• Analyze the motivation of individual artists and how art expresses important aspects of time and culture. 
• Apply the basic vocabulary of form and design to describe and analyze diverse art forms. 
• Explain how formal and compositional properties are used to create perceptual and psychological effects. 
• Identify works of art by medium and technique; demonstrate understanding of technical procedures in a variety of media. 
• Critically assess the role of art within its cultural context. 
• Recognize and identify major cultural styles and forms of art. 
• Write brief but meaningful formal analyses and interpretations of art works. 
• Analyze the psychological, social, expressive, spiritual and/or physical uses of art works.

General Education Learning 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. 
• Interpersonal Skills - Interacting collaboratively to achieve common goals 
• Written, Oral and Visual Communication - Communicating effectively, adapting to purpose, structure, audience, and medium.

Instructional Methodology

Lectures, demonstrations, critiques, digital image and video presentations, quizzes, exams, writing assignments, student presentations, museum visits, online lessons, and discussion forums. 

Students will use the Blackboard learning management system for assignment instructions, submitting assignments, and collaboration.

Campus Operations

To limit the spread of COVID-19,  please check for updates on the ACC Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information page https://www.austincc.edu/coronavirus?ref=audiencemenu.

Statement on Academic Integrity

Austin Community College values academic integrity in the educational process.  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, or the inappropriate use of the college’s information technology resources.  Further information is available at https://www.austincc.edu/about-acc/academic-integrity-and-disciplinary-process

Student Rights & Responsibilities

Students at ACC have the same rights and protections under the Constitution of the United States. These rights include freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, petition and association. As members of the community, students have the right to express their own views, but must also take responsibility for according the same rights to others and not interfere or disrupt the learning environment. Students are entitled to fair treatment, are expected to act consistently with the values of the college, and obey local, state and federal laws. www.austincc.edu/srr

As a student of Austin Community College you are expected to abide by the Student Standards of Conduct. https://www.austincc.edu/students/students-rights-and-responsibilities/student-standards-of-conduct 

Senate Bill 212 and Title IX Reporting Requirements 

Under Senate Bill 212 (SB 212), the faculty and all College employees are required to report any information concerning incidents of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking committed by or against an ACC student or employee. Federal Title IX law and College policy also require reporting incidents of sex- and gender-based discrimination and sexual misconduct. This means faculty and non-clinical counseling staff cannot keep confidential information about any such incidents that you share with them.

If you would like to talk with someone confidentiality, please contact the District Clinical Counseling Team who can connect you with a clinical counselor on any ACC campus:  (512) 223-2616, or to schedule online:  https://www.austincc.edu/students/counseling . 

While students are not required to report, they are encouraged to contact the Compliance Office for resources and options:  Charlene Buckley, District Title IX Officer, (512) 223-7964;  compliance@austincc.edu .

If a student makes a report to a faculty member, the faculty member will contact the District Title IX Officer for follow-up.

Student Complaints

A defined process applies to complaints about an instructor or other college employee. Students are encouraged to discuss concerns and complaints with college personnel and should expect a timely and appropriate response. When possible, students should first address their concerns through informal conferences with those immediately involved; formal due process is available when informal resolution cannot be achieved.

Student complaints may include (but are not limited to) issues regarding classroom instruction, college services and offices on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, religion, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or disability.

Further information about the complaints process, including the form used to submit complaints, is available at: http://www.austincc.edu/students/students-rights-and-responsibilities/student-complaint-procedures

Statement on Privacy

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects confidentiality of students’ educational records. Grades cannot be provided by faculty over the phone, by e-mail, or to a fellow student.

Safety Statement

Health and safety are of paramount importance in classrooms, laboratories, and field activities. Students are expected to learn and comply with ACC environmental, health and safety procedures and agree to follow ACC safety policies.  Emergency Procedures posters and Campus Safety Plans are posted in each classroom and should be reviewed at the beginning of each semester.  All incidents (injuries/illness/fire/property damage/near miss) should be immediately reported to the course instructor. Additional information about safety procedures and how to sign up to be notified in case of an emergency can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/emergency

Everyone is expected to conduct themselves professionally with respect and courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual may be immediately dismissed from the day’s activity and will be referred to the Dean of Student Services for disciplinary action.

In the event of disruption of normal classroom activities due to an emergency situation or a continuing illness outbreak, the format for this course may be modified to enable completion of the course. In that event, students will be provided an addendum to the class syllabus that will supersede the original version.

Campus Carry

The Austin Community College District concealed handgun policy ensures compliance with Section 411.2031 of the Texas Government Code (also known as the Campus Carry Law), while maintaining ACC’s commitment to provide a safe environment for its students, faculty, staff, and visitors.  Beginning August 1, 2017, individuals who are licensed to carry (LTC) may do so on campus premises except in locations and at activities prohibited by state or federal law, or the college’s concealed handgun policy.  

It is the responsibility of license holders to conceal their handguns at all times.  Persons who see a handgun on campus are asked to contact the ACC Police Department by dialing 512-223-7999.   Please refer to the concealed handgun policy online at http://austincc.edu/campuscarry

Discrimination Prohibited

The College seeks to maintain an educational environment free from any form of discrimination or harassment including but not limited to discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.

Faculty at the College are required to report concerns regarding sexual misconduct (including all forms of sexual harassment and sex and gender-based discrimination) to the Manager of Title IX/Title VI/ADA Compliance.  Licensed clinical counselors are available across the District and serve as confidential resources for students.

Additional information about Title VI, Title IX, and ADA compliance can be found in the ACC Compliance Resource Guide available at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1o55xINAWNvTYgI-fs-JbDyuaMFDNvAjz/view

Use of ACC email

All College e-mail communication to students will be sent solely to the student’s ACCmail account, with the expectation that such communications will be read in a timely fashion. ACC will send important information and will notify students of any college- related emergencies using this account. Students should only expect to receive email communication from their instructor using this account.  Likewise, students should use their ACCmail account when communicating with instructors and staff.  Information about ACC email accounts, including instructions for accessing it, are available at:  http://www.austincc.edu/help/accmail/questions-and-answers

Use of the Testing Center

All testing is currently online.  While campuses are closed, exams for courses will be online tests that students can take from home.  For more information about online testing at ACC, visit the Online Testing resource page: https://www.austincc.edu/academic-and-career-programs/acconline/testing.

Unless otherwise noted, exams, tests and quizzes will be completed on Blackboard.

Student Support Services

The success of our students is paramount, and ACC offers a variety of support services to help, as well as providing numerous opportunities for community engagement and personal growth.

Student Support

ACC strives to provide exemplary support to its students and offers a broad variety of opportunities and services.  Information on these campus services and resources is available at  http://www.austincc.edu/students.  A comprehensive array of student support services is available online at: https://www.austincc.edu/coronavirus/remote-student-support 

Student Accessibility Services

Students with documented disabilities who need academic or other accommodations must request them through the office Student Accessibility Services (SAS).   SAS offices are located at each major campus.  Students are encouraged to request accommodations when they register for courses or at least three weeks before the start of the semester; otherwise, the provision of accommodations may be delayed.  Students who have received approval for accommodations from SAS for this course must provide the instructor with the document titled “Notice of Approved Accommodations” from SAS before accommodations will be provided. Accommodations will not be provided retroactively.  Arrangements by the instructor for academic accommodations can only be made after he or she receives the “Notice of Approved Accommodations” from the student.

Additional information about Student Accessibility Services is available at https://www.austincc.edu/offices/student-accessibility-services-and-assistive-technology

Academic Support

ACC offers academic support services on all of its campuses. These services, which include online tutoring, academic coaching, and supplemental instruction, are free to enrolled ACC students. Tutors are available in a variety of subjects ranging from accounting to pharmacology. Students may receive these services on both a drop-in and referral basis. 

An online tutor request can be made here: https://de.austincc.edu/bbsupport/online-tutoring-request/

Additional tutoring information can be found here: austincc.edu/onlinetutoring

Library Services

ACC has a full-service library at each of its campuses to support ACC courses and programs and to provide students with research and assignment assistance from expert faculty librarians.  ACC students have full rights and privileges to access Library Services online 24/7 via the ACC Library website and students can use their ACCeID logins to access all online materials, including ebooks, articles from library databases, and streaming videos.   ACC Libraries also provide an “Ask a Librarian” service, which allows students to reach a librarian 24/7 through online chat “live.”  Faculty librarians are also available via email and phone seven days a week during hours of operation. Visit:

• Library Website: http://library.austincc.edu
• Ask a Librarian: https://library.austincc.edu/help/ask.php
• Library Hours of Operation by Location: https://library.austincc.edu/loc/
• Email: library@austincc.edu

In partnership with ACC’s Student Support Center, ACC Libraries also maintain a limited collection of textbooks for students (made available by Student Affairs) to borrow. Priority access to the textbook collection is given to students receiving assistance. More information is available on the ACC website by searching “Student Support Center Textbook Collection.”

Student Organizations

ACC has over seventy student organizations, offering a variety of cultural, academic, vocational, and social opportunities.  They provide a chance to meet with other students who have the same interests, engage in service-learning, participate in intramural sports, gain valuable field experience related to career goals, and much else.  Student Life coordinates many of these activities, and additional information is available at http://sites.austincc.edu/sl/.

Personal Support

Resources to support students are available at every campus. To learn more, ask your professor or visit the campus Support Center. All resources and services are free and confidential. Some examples include, among others:

• Food resources including community pantries and bank drives can be found here:

https://www.centraltexasfoodbank.org/food-assistance/get-food-now

• Assistance with childcare or utility bills is available at any campus Support Center: http://www.austincc.edu/students/support-center.
• The Student Emergency Fund can help with unexpected expenses that may cause you to withdraw from one or more classes: http://www.austincc.edu/SEF.
• Help with budgeting for college and family life is available through the Student Money Management Office: http://sites.austincc.edu/money/.  

A full listing of services for student parents is available at: https://www.austincc.edu/students/child-care

• The CARES Act Student Aid will help eligible students pay expenses related to COVID-19: 

https://www.austincc.edu/coronavirus/cares-act-student-aid.   

Mental health counseling services are available throughout the ACC Student Services District to address personal and or mental health concerns: http://www.austincc.edu/students/counseling .

If you are struggling with a mental health or personal crisis, call one of the following numbers to connect with resources for help. However if you are afraid that you might hurt yourself or someone else, call 911 immediately.

Free Crisis Hotline Numbers:

• Austin / Travis County 24 hour Crisis & Suicide hotline: 512-472-HELP (4357)
• The Williamson County 24 hour Crisis hotline: 1-800-841-1255
• Bastrop County Family Crisis Center hotline: 1-888-311-7755
• Hays County 24 Hour Crisis Hotline: 1-877-466-0660
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• Crisis Text Line: Text “home” to 741741
  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline:   1-800-662-HELP (4357)
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline:1-800-950-NAMI (6264)

Illness

Any ACC student or employee with symptoms or exposure to the COVID-19 virus should inform their professor(s) or supervisor and complete the college’s self reporting form:  https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?AustinCC&layout_id=124