ARTS-1303 Art History I (Prehistoric to the 14th Century)


Cynthia Castillo

Credit Fall 2025


Section(s)

ARTS-1303-004 (19510)
LEC DIL ONL DIL

ARTS-1303-025 (19516)
LEC DIL ONL DIL

Course Requirements

Common Course Description: A chronological analysis of the historical and cultural contexts of
the visual arts from prehistoric times to the 14th century. 3 Credit Hours.


Prerequisites: College level Reading and Writing Requirements.
Students will need strong, college-level reading, writing and study skills to succeed. Students
are expected to read course support materials (learning guides, slide presentations) and
textbook readings. Students will be required to write a paper of three pages and post short
essays (400+ words each) to four online forums. Each exam requires students to write a
comparative essay on two selected works of art from the unit. Students will be expected to
observe standard English grammar and spelling rules in writing assignments. Much of the
material covered in class comes from the textbook as well as instructor-designed learning
guides and slide presentations from class which are also found in Blackboard. Strong reading
and critical thinking skills are important for students’ success.


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.
This class fulfills the Creative Arts requirement of the Core Curriculum outline.

 


Readings

Gardner's Art Through the Ages 16th edition 9781337696593 1337696595

Gardner’s Art through the Ages: A Global History, Vol. 1

16th edition

Edited by Fred S. Kleiner


If for financial reasons, the 16th edition is not accessible to you, the 15th edition of this same title is acceptable. 


Course Subjects

Instructional Methodology: This is a chronological survey of Western art established
through slide presentations, online forum postings, a cultural awareness/visual analysis 
research project, as well as textbook readings of a historical framework of important styles, artists,
iconographies, and techniques from Prehistory through the Middle Ages.  Students will be expected to critically
analyze works of art in terms of their formal and stylistic properties, purpose, meaning and
socio-historical context.

Please Note: This is a tentative schedule; more detailed info and subject material will be presented on Blackboard.

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


Student Learning Outcomes/Learning Objectives

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 of the course, 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:
 Communication Skills: Develop, interpret, and express ideas and information through
written, oral and visual communication that is adapted to purpose, structure, audience,
and medium.
 Critical Thinking Skills: Gather, analyze, synthesize, evaluate and apply information for
the purposes of innovation, inquiry, and creative thinking.
 Personal Responsibility: Identify and apply ethical principles and practices to decision-
making by connecting choices, actions and consequences.
 Social Responsibility (Civic and Cultural Awareness): Analyze differences and
commonalities among peoples, ideas, aesthetic traditions, and cultural practices to
include intercultural competence, knowledge of civic responsibility, and the ability to
engage effectively in regional, national, and global communities.
 Teamwork: Consider different points of view to work collaboratively and effectively in
pursuit of a shared purpose or goal.


College wide Policies

College-Wide Policies and Support Services

Scholastic Dishonesty: A student attending ACC assumes responsibility for conduct compatible with the mission of the college as an educational institution.  Students have the responsibility to submit coursework that is the result of their own thought, research, or self-expression.  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, and falsifying documents.    Penalties for scholastic dishonesty will depend upon the nature of the violation and may range from lowering a grade on one assignment to an “F” in the course and/or expulsion from the college.  See the Student Standards of Conduct and Disciplinary Process and other policies at http://www.austincc.edu/catalog

 

Students Rights and Responsibilities:

Freedom of Expression: Each student is strongly encouraged to participate in class. In any classroom situation that includes discussion and critical thinking, there are bound to be many differing viewpoints. These differences enhance the learning experience and create an atmosphere where students and instructors alike will be encouraged to think and learn. On sensitive and volatile topics, students may sometimes disagree not only with each other but also with the instructor. It is expected that faculty and students will respect the views of others when expressed in classroom discussions. 

 

Academic Freedom: Institutions of higher education are conducted for the common good. The common good depends upon a free search for truth and its free expression. Hence it is essential that faculty members at Austin Community College be free to pursue scholarly inquiry without unreasonable restriction and to voice and publish their conclusions without fear of institutional censorship or discipline. They must be free from the possibility that others of differing vision, either inside or outside the college community, may threaten their professional careers.   The concept of academic freedom in Austin Community College is accompanied by an equally demanding concept of responsibility, shared by the Board of Trustees, administration, and faculty members. In the classroom or in College-produced telecommunications, faculty members should strive to be accurate, to exercise appropriate restraint, and to show respect for the opinions of others. In addition, instructors should be judicious in the use of material and should introduce only material that has a clear relationship to the subject field. 

 

Student Discipline: Students at the College have the rights accorded to all persons under the Constitution to freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, petition, and association. These rights carry with them the responsibility for each individual to accord the same rights to others in the College community and not to interfere with or disrupt the educational process. As willing partners in learning, it is expected that students will comply with College rules and procedures. 

 

Student Accessibility Services: Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented disabilities. Students with disabilities who need classroom, academic or other accommodations must request them through the office of Student Accessibility Services (SAS). 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 ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ from SAS before accommodations will be provided. Arrangements for academic accommodations can only be made after the instructor receives the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ from the student. Students with approved accommodations are encouraged to submit the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ to the instructor at the beginning of the semester because a reasonable amount of time may be needed to prepare and arrange for the accommodations. Additional information about SAS: http://www.austincc.edu/support-and-services/services-for-students/student-accessibility-services-and-assistive-technology.

 

Safety Statement: Austin Community College is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for study and work. You are expected to learn and comply with ACC environmental, health and safety procedures and agree to follow ACC safety policies. Additional information on these can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/ehs. Because some health and safety circumstances are beyond our control, we ask that you become familiar with the Emergency Procedures poster and Campus Safety Plan map in each classroom. Additional information about emergency procedures and how to sign up for ACC Emergency Alerts to be notified in the event of a serious emergency can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/emergency/.  Please note, you are expected to conduct yourself professionally with respect and courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual will be immediately dismissed from the day’s activity, may be withdrawn from the class, and/or barred from attending future activities.

 

Concealed Handgun Policy: 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 222 from a campus phone or 512-223-7999.  All testing centers located on the Austin Community College District are Exclusion Zones where concealed handguns are prohibited.

 

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 expect to receive email communication from their instructor using this account. Likewise, students should use their ACCmail account when communicating with instructors and staff.  Instructions for activating an ACCmail account can be found at: http://www.austincc.edu/accmail

 

Testing Center Policies: 

Under certain circumstances and in distance learning courses, instructors may have students take exams in a testing center.  Students must govern themselves according to the Student Guide for Use of ACC Testing Centers and should read the entire guide: http://www.austincc.edu/support-and-services/services-for-students/testing-services/instructional-testing/testing-center-guidelinesTesting centers are located at Cypress, Eastview, Elgin, Hays, Highland, Northridge, Pinnacle, Rio Grande, Riverside, Round Rock, South Austin campuses. Sites and hours are subject to change without notice.  To request the test, students must provide proper identification and fill out a test request form with the instructor's name, course name and number, section and synonym number, and exam number.  The use of unauthorized materials while taking an exam in an ACC Testing Center is subject to disciplinary action. Do NOT bring cell phones to the Testing Center.  Having your cell phone in the testing room, regardless of whether it is on or off, will revoke your testing privileges for the remainder of the semester.  ACC Testing Center policies can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/testctr/

 

Student and Instructional Services: ACC strives to provide exemplary support to its students and offers a broad variety of opportunities and services.  Information on these services and support systems is available at:  

http://www.austincc.edu/support-and-servicesLinks to many student services and other information can be found at: http://www.austincc.edu/support-and-services/services-for-students.  ACC Learning Labs provide free tutoring services to all ACC students currently enrolled in the course to be tutored.  The tutor schedule for each Learning Lab may be found at: http://www.austincc.edu/support-and-services/tutoring-and-academic-help/tutoring-services-and-schedules/tutoring-schedules.  For help setting up your ACCeID, ACC Gmail, or ACC Blackboard, see a Learning Lab Technician at any ACC Learning Lab.

 

COLLEGE-WIDE POLICIES

Health & Safety Protocols

Operational areas of ACC campuses and centers are fully open and accessible through all public entrances.  The college encourages its staff, faculty, and students to be mindful of the well-being of all individuals on campus.  If you feel sick, feverish, or unwell, please do not come to campus.

Some important things to remember:

  • If you have not done so, ACC encourages all students, faculty, and staff to get vaccinated. COVID-19 vaccines are now widely available throughout the community. Visit www.vaccines.gov/ to find a vaccine location near you.
  • Campuses are open to faculty, staff, and students.  The college and its departments and offices may invite internal and external guests to their events and activities, though access is still restricted for external parties seeking to host activities at ACC.  The college’s Appian Health Screening App remains available to everyone who visits campus. This continues to be a good way to check your own health before coming to class or work. 
  • If you are experiencing COVID-19-related symptoms, please get a COVID-19 test as soon as possible before returning to an ACC facility.  Testing is now widely available.  To find testing locations near you, click this link.
  • ACC continues to welcome face masks on campus.  Per CDC guidelines, face masks remain a good way to protect yourself from COVID-19. 
  • The college asks that we all continue to respect the personal space of others. We are encouraging 3 feet of social distancing.
  • Please be sure to carry your student, faculty, or staff ID badge at all times while on campus.

Because of the everchanging situation, please go to ACC’s Covid website at https://www.austincc.edu/coronavirus?ref=audiencemenu for the latest updates and guidance.

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. You 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.

Recording Policy

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.

Recording of lectures and other class activities may be made by faculty to facilitate instruction, especially for classes taught remotely through BlackBoard Collaborate or another platform.  Participation in such activities implies consent for the student to be recorded during the instructional activity.  Such recordings are intended for educational and academic purposes only.

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 an outbreak of illness, 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 512-223-1231.   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/1xfmZHOPD_H1wgGKq1N7Irv6gvXxOXzbZ/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

The Testing Centers will allow only limited in person testing and testing time will be limited to the standard class time, typically one and one-half hours.  Specifically, only the following will be allowed in the Testing Centers:

  • Student Accessibility Services (SAS) Testing: All approved SAS testing
  • Assessments Tests: Institutionally approved assessment tests (e.g., TSIA or TABE)
  • Placement Tests: Placement tests (e.g., ALEKS)
  • Make-Up Exams (for students who missed the original test): Make-up testing is available for all lecture courses but will be limited to no more than 25% of students enrolled in each section for each of four tests
  • Programs incorporating industry certification exams: Such programs (e.g., Microsoft, Adobe, etc.) may utilize the ACC Business Assessment Center for the industry certification exams (BACT) at HLC or RRC

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

Austin Community College (ACC) is committed to providing a supportive, accessible, and inclusive learning environment for all students.  Each campus offers support services for students with documented disabilities. Students with disabilities who need classroom, academic or other accommodations must request them through Student Accessibility Services (SAS).

Students are encouraged to request accommodations when they register for courses or at least three weeks before the start of each semester they are enrolled, 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 legal document titled “Notice of Approved Accommodations (NAA)” from SAS.

Until the instructor receives the NAA from the student accommodations should not be provided.  Once the NAA is received, accommodations must be provided.  Accommodations are not retroactive, so it is in the student’s best interest to deliver the NAA on the first day of class. 

Please contact SAS@austincc.edu for more information.

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 Library Services offers both in-person and extensive online services, with research and assignment assistance available in-person during limited hours of service. Although all college services are subject to change, plans include ACC students signing up for study space and use of computers at open libraries, extensive online instruction in classes, online reference assistance 24/7 and reference with ACC faculty librarians. In addition, currently enrolled students, faculty and staff can access Library Services online (also 24/7) via the ACC Library website and by using their ACCeID to access all online materials (ebooks, articles from library databases, and streaming videos). ACC Libraries offer these services in numerous ways such as: "Get Help from a Faculty Librarian: the 24/7 Ask a Librarian chat service," an online form for in-depth research Q and A sessions, one-on-one video appointments, email, and phone (voicemail is monitored regularly).

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

  • 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: 988 or 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)

Office Hours

M W 12:00 PM - 1:15 PM Round Rock

NOTE Online students can arrange zoom meetings by contacting me via email @cynthia.castillo@austincc.edu

Published: 05/13/2025 22:20:30