Faculty Syllabus

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.

The purpose of Art Appreciation is to provide students with an understanding of the diverse ways in which cultures construct and represent their realities.  Through thematic examination of both historical and contemporary art, students will acquire formal analysis skills to describe works of art and techniques of art production.  Further building upon formal analysis, students will critically interpret and contextualize visual art forms.

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

Students will analyze the visual elements and principles of design employed within the visual arts throughout history. Students will differentiate among various media and techniques used by the artists. Students will analyze the motivation of individual artists and how art expresses important aspects of time and culture. The understanding of art and of its role in civilization can be promoted by expanding one's knowledge and awareness of the visual elements - how they are used and to what ends. The formal elements of art are explained and examples are presented. Students are given the opportunity to analyze works of art based on the various ways individual artists organize the formal elements. A focused study of the visual elements enables students to discover how works of art develop and accentuates what is characteristically valuable in things encountered in our daily lives. Careful examination and study will enhance the students' perception of works of art throughout history as well as those created within our own time.

COURSE EVALUATION AND GRADING:

Three exams (25% each) =75%

Formal Analysis paper = 15%

One in-class presentation =10%

Exams: there will be three exams, each worth 25% of the final course grade. The last exam is not comprehensive. Note: there will be no make-up exams. A student will receive a grade of zero if a test is missed unless a valid medical excuse is produced in writing. Student must contact me immediately (by phone or email) if a test is missed. Written proof of excuse must be produced immediately after the missed exam (next class period). Each exam will consist of multiple choice, matching of vocabulary terms to definitions, labeling, and short written responses to slide images. Study guides for each exam will be distributed in advance.

Formal Analysis Paper: There will be 1 paper, worth 15% of the final course grade. Students will formally analyze a specific works of art observed in person via a museum or gallery visit, using standard vocabulary of form and design. There will be an option for students to do a ‘virtual visit’ to fulfill the requirements for this assignment in the event that a student in unable to visit a museum or gallery in-person. Papers will be 3-4 pages, typed and double-spaced. Students will use information from class discussions and the textbook and may supplement this information with material from the library, internet and other sources. Papers must be original and in students' own words [note college policy on scholastic dishonesty and plagiarism].

In-Class Presentation: worth 10% of total grade. You will be required to give a short (approx. 5-I 0 minute) presentation on a particular artist or art movement from a list that I compile. It is best that you choose an artist/movement that is of personal interest to you.  I will have a sign-up sheet available with the artists/movements available to choose from within the next few weeks where you can choose your presentation date/time slot. The presentations will require additional research on your part. You may use the library or do online research [using ACC Library databases such as JSTOR, Oxford Art Online, and Academic Search Complete or other credible online resources such as SmartHistory]. You will need to cite your sources. The library reference sources or online sources must be photocopied or printed out and turned in at the time of your presentation along with a copy of your presentation notes. Presentations will start mid-semester through the end of the semester. You may work in pairs or individually.

REQUIRED TEXT:

Mark Getlien, Living with Art, 13th Edition (McGraw-Hill Professional Publishing)

Reading assignments are outlined in the Course Schedule section of this syllabus. Students are responsible for readings and images in the text. The lectures will parallel and supplement the readings, but are not a replacement for doing the readings. 

Course Calendar to be published shortly, thank you for your patience

This course is comprised of slide presentations, discussion, textbook readings. We will also occasionally view videos that relate topically to the material presented. Classes will consist of a presentation that will include images related to the topic presented and the corresponding text along with lecture and discussion.

Common Course Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Apply art terminology as it specifically relates to works of art.
• Demonstrate knowledge of art elements and principles of design.
• Differentiate between the processes and materials used in the production of various works of art.
• Critically interpret, evaluate, and contextualize works of art
• Demonstrate an understanding of the impact of arts on culture.

Discipline Specific Program Learning Outcomes: 

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Write meaningful formal and critical analyses of art works.
• Explain how formal and compositional properties express and convey content.
• Recognize and identify differences in styles and art forms.
• Analyze how art reflects diverse perspectives.

General Education Learning Outcomes:

• Critical Thinking:  Students will gather, analyze, synthesize, evaluate and apply information.
• Cultural Awareness:  Students will compare, contrast, and interpret differences and commonalities among peoples, ideas, aesthetic traditions, and cultural practices.
• Written, Oral and Visual Communication:  Students will communicate effectively, adapting to purpose, structure, audience, and medium.
• 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.
• Technology Skills:  Using appropriate technology to retrieve, manage, analyze, and present information.

Attendance:

You will be allowed 3 unexcused absences during the entire semester. After 3 absences, your grade will be lowered by one-half of a letter grade automatically. After 5 absences, the grade will be lowered by another one-half letter grade (for a total of one whole letter grade). Any absence will only be considered excused with approved, written documentation. This must be presented to the instructor at the beginning of class the next class period. If a student misses more than 20% of the classes and is not making satisfactory progress in the class, I reserve the right to withdraw the student from the class.

Missed or late work:

Students are responsible for knowing and abiding by the deadlines established in the course schedule. Essay Due Dates and Scheduled Presentations are strictly observed. Students are responsible for knowing and abiding by the due dates and presentation schedule. Late essays will only be accepted with deductions of 5 points for every day the paper is late, including weekends and holidays, but no assignments will be accepted after the last class day.  Late essays will be accepted via email or submitted on course website.

Missed Presentations: Students must be prepared to deliver their presentation on the days they are scheduled. A student who misses class on the scheduled day will see me about rescheduling the presentation; however, the grade assigned for the presentation will be automatically lowered by one letter grade. If a student has a valid medical excuse, written documentation must be provided to me no later than the next class period. We can then reschedule the presentation and the grade will not be affected, if in fact a valid medical excuse was proven to be the cause of the missed presentation.

Cell phones must be turned off during lectures.

Withdrawal:

In the event that a student stops attending class or has missed more than six classes and is not successfully completing course work, the instructor reserves the right to initiate withdrawal.

Information about withdrawals:

http://www.austincc.edu/apply-and-register/registration-information/course-withdrawals

Incompletes:

An incomplete will be granted only in very rare circumstances.  Generally, to receive an “I,” a student must have successfully completed most of the course work (i.e.: 2/3rds with 70% or higher).  If, after the last date to withdraw, a student has a serious situation occur which prevents course completion and the student produces a valid, documented excuse in writing, an incomplete may be granted. An incomplete grade cannot be carried beyond the date in the following semester as determined by the instructor. The final deadline to complete the course work will be no later than the final withdrawal date in the subsequent semester.  If the course work is not completed, the grade becomes an “F”.

Statement on Use of Generative AI (GAI):

Introduction: Generative AI (GAI) may be used in this course under specific conditions designed to support learning while upholding academic integrity.

Rationale: Allowing GAI use can promote technological fluency and provide valuable support for research and skill development. However, it must never replace students’ own critical thinking, analysis, or learning.

Definition of GAI: Generative AI refers to technologies that produce content—such as text, images, or code—by drawing on learned patterns and data rather than direct human creation.

Usage Permissions:

• Permitted: GAI may be used for preliminary research, brainstorming, and idea generation.
• Restricted: AI-generated material may not be submitted as final under any circumstances.

Resources: Guidance on the ethical and effective use of GAI will be provided through course discussion with additional questions addressed during office hours.

Assessment: Any use of GAI must be clearly cited. Students will be evaluated on their ability to critically assess, interpret, and integrate AI-generated content into their own work.

Penalties: Failure to cite or misuse of GAI will be treated as a violation of academic integrity and may result in a failing grade for the assignment and referral for academic review.

Exceptions: In cases where GAI is required as part of an approved accommodation, exceptions will be granted on an individual basis.

Statement on Data Privacy and Security

To protect your privacy and security, students should avoid entering any sensitive or personally identifiable information into generative AI platforms. Because content shared with or produced by these tools may be accessible to their operators, it is important to exercise caution. Always review your inputs to ensure they are free of personal details and limited to course-appropriate material before using these technologies.

Statement on Academic Honesty

Generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT and similar technologies, are rapidly advancing and hold significant potential for education and beyond. At the same time, they raise important concerns, especially regarding academic integrity. At Austin Community College, the use of such tools in coursework falls under the same standards as outlined in the Academic Integrity policy. Submitting AI-generated work as your own without proper acknowledgment is a violation of academic integrity. All submitted work must demonstrate your personal understanding and effort. If you make use of generative AI, you are required to clearly indicate how and where it was used. Upholding intellectual honesty is essential to maintaining a fair and supportive learning environment.

To learn more about the college’s expectations around academic honesty, please refer to the college’s statement on Academic Integrity here and on the specific Academic Integrity Process website.

Statement on Bias, Discrimination, and Falsehood

Students should be aware that generative AI tools can produce biased or inaccurate information. It is the student’s responsibility to carefully evaluate and verify any content obtained from these platforms. Submitting unverified AI-generated material as academic work is not acceptable and may result in disciplinary consequences.

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 its offices may invite internal and external guests to their events and activities, though access is still restricted for external parties seeking to host activites 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.

• If you test positive, please report it on the ACC self-reporting tool located here.

• ACC continues to welcome face masks on campus.  Per CDC guidleines, 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 ever changing situation, please go to ACC’s Covid website 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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, 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: 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 Equal Opportunity Resource Guide.

Use of ACC email

All College email 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: 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:www.austincc.edu/students. A comprehensive array of student support services is available online at: 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.

Additional tutoring information can be found here.

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).

• Library Website: library.austincc.edu
• Library Information & Services during COVID-19: researchguides.austincc.edu/LSinfoCOVID19
• Ask a Librarian 24/7 chat and form: library.austincc.edu/help/ask.php
• Library Hours of Operation by Location: library.austincc.edu/loc/
• Email: library@austincc.edu

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

• Assistance with childcare or utility bills is available at any campus Support Center: 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: www.austincc.edu/SEF
• Help with budgeting for college and family life is available through the Student Money Management Office: sites.austincc.edu/money/
• A full listing of services for student parents is available at: www.austincc.edu/students/child-care.

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