SYLLABUS: Art Appreciation/Art History

READING AREA COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Course Syllabus - Art Appreciation - Tullio Francesco DeSantis
I. BASIC COURSE INFORMATION
A. Course Title: HUM 201 1371 Art Appreciation, M/W 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

A study of the nature of art and the comparison of a variety of art expressions through texts, videos and direct observation. Field trips to museums and art galleries are part of the course.

II. RATIONALE OF THE COURSE

In order to stimulate interest and understanding of art, an individual must first gain knowledge of the basic elements of art and how they are used in the principles of design. These formal properties, such as line, shape, color, texture and composition have been used by artists throughout history. The second level of the course is to identify various artistic styles. This will include understanding and documenting different periods and movements in art and their relationship to world views during specific times in history. Finally, the most advanced goal is to determine meaning in art. Strategies for interpreting artists’ expressive intent will be explored.

B. COURSE NUMBER: HUM 201 1371
C. Credit Hours: Three

D. Prerequisites: COM 121, English Composition

E. Tullio Francesco DeSantis

F. Term and Academic Year: Fall, 2007/2008

II. INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

A. Required Text: Art Appreciation
Art A Brief History; Marilyn Stokstad, third edition; Pearson/Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ; 2007

B. Supplemental reading: Instructor handouts, current newspapers, periodicals, blogs, podcasts

C. Audio Visual Material: Appropriate slides, videos, and books.

D. Additional Resource Materials: Exhibition brochures, appropriate books from libraries or personal collections.

III. PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES

A student exiting Art Appreciation will be able to:

1. Identify works of art which are considered to represent the greatest achievements of Western
Civilization.

2. Identify and define terms such as: form, content, composition, tone, hue, spatial considerations, plasticity, illusion, perspective, chiaroscuro, contraposto, and others.

3. View works of art in relation to the culture of the period in which it was made and discuss its
importance in present day society.

4. Interpret works of art in relation to the societies in which they were created.

5. Identify how historical changes transformed concepts of art, artists, and patrons in each period viewed.

6. Compare the various styles of Western art made within a single time period.

7. Identify specific works of art presented visually through book reproductions, videos and
/or slides. Identify local sculptures and express personal interpretations and
understandings about them.
8. Recognize various art materials and media. Identify fresco painting, oil painting, and
acrylic painting.

9. Compare/contrast structural and stylistic differences in architecture.

10. Interpret the influences that spiritual concerns make on works of art.

11. Determine differences between art patrons and how they affected the making of art.

12. Examine the effects geographic location, economics and a particular government have on
art being made at any given time period.

13. Observe the effects of technology on the production of art

14. Chronicle shifts between figurative and non-representational art and why they occur.

15. Identify different schools of painting and understand their goals.

16. Recognize the goals of individual artists within schools of painting.

17. Given specific directions, students must write a 1000 word paper assessing and reacting
to architectural styles in the local area. (Appendix I)

18. View the permanent collection of the Reading Public Museum and Art Gallery. Respond to
this experience by writing 250 words each about 2 works.

19. Become conversant with Blogs, Podcasts: write 500 words of response to ARTology Blog

19. Develop artistic opinions based on the formal properties of art and not just subjective ex-
experience.

21. Recognize subjective feelings as valid responses to art.

22. Acknowledge peer responses as meaningful dialogue.

IV. GRADING POLICY

Grades will be based on assessment received by the taking of 3 tests throughout the semester.
These tests will count for 40% of the grade. The term project will count for 20% of the final
grade. The 20% will be based on Blog/podscat responses, writings and quizzes assigned by the instructor. And the final 20% is based on the student’s positive addition to or negative subtraction from the learning environment.

V. ATTENDANCE POLICY

Students may have 1 unexcused absence. Subsequent absences must be accompanied by corroborating paperwork. Grades will drop one level for each unexcused absence. More than 3 unexcused absences constitute a failure in Art Appreciation for the term.
Students who miss 3 or more classes within the first six weeks of the semester may be withdrawn by the instructor under “faculty initiated withdrawal” at the discretion of the instructor.

VI. OTHER INFORMATION

A. Students are expected to participate in class discussions concerning art and issues surrounding various paintings, sculptures, and architecture. It is also expected that students engage with the art viewed in the museum and galleries visited.
B. Contacting the instructor: email: tdesantis@racc.edu; phone: 610-372-4721 ext. 4368.

APPENDIX I

Writing assignments minimum requirtements :

Blogging (500 words) – Museum Report (500 words) – Term paper (1000 words)

APPENDIX II
TERM PROJECT CRITERIA

A. Select an artist or art-related subject of your choice to research.

(Internet Resources Page)

B. Type or print (double-space) a report which contains the following information.
1. background as it relates to art.
2. artistic goals or objectives.
3. Predominant media used.
4. Method of working (technique)..
5. Recognition or influence on the world
6. Visual examples of work
a. reproductions in books
b. prints from the library collection
c. slides
d. d. online images
7. Why did you select this topic: What does
the work mean to you personally. Would you have worked in the same manner? What would you have done differently? Do you like or dislike this workt?

C. Essentials:
1. Length of paper
a. 1000 words
b. shorter papers will have points reduced
2. Proper documentation is required. Every student should know the
policy on Academic honesty particularly the definition of plagiarism.
3. Citation format: It is recommended that you use the MLA method of formatting. Check the Harbrace book in the library for information
on how to CITE sources. It is assumed that you have heard this in composition class. You will not receive a grade without proper documentation!!!
4 Sources: You must have three sources minimum for this paper. Some contemporary artists may be researched through periodicals such as ART NEWS, ART IN AMERICA, ARTFORUM, and other art magazines. SMITHSONIAN, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, AND ART AND ANTIQUES may be other sources to explore. See above. + Online Resources.

NOTE: Local artists may be researched if they are producing, and exhibiting
professionals. Interviews must be extensive and all of the required information gathered. Actual work or slides must be shown during the presentation.
*Keep a copy of your paper for your own protection *

BLOG : Online Writing Assignment and Reporting

ARTology Blog

Go to www.readingeagle.com
Click “Arts/Entertainment” button on top blue bar.
Scroll down, Click “ARTology with Tullio DeSantis”” on right.

Choose entry from any month.
Choose”Comment”
Type a response to entry in the comments field.

Continue responding to entries until total of all responses = 500 words minimum.

Reporting:

Keep a list of the entries you respond to and how many words in each response.

Let me know how to identify your entries, user name, etc.

Complete list of entries and word count is due – TBA

Extra Credit Resource: ARTologyPOD

Art and Culture Podcast on www.readingeagle.com, www.weeu.com, and Apple iTunes.

500 word essay on any ARTologyPOD podcast.
_____________________________________________

Note: also look for “Web Exclusives” on right side “ArtologyPOD” by Tullio Francesco DeSantis
(Also available for download or subscription on iTunes”

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Gallery/Museum Visit Report

1. Choose any 2 works to write about
2. 500 Total words for writing about both works = 250 words on each artwork.
3. Give Title, name of artist, date, materials – if available.
4. Brief description of the work - use words discussed in class when referring to art elements: line, value, color, contrast, composition, etc.
5. Personal Response –Why did you choose the works? Do you like or dislike the works? Why?
6. What do they mean to you?
7. Summation

……………………………
READING MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY
Hours: Mon. – closed; Tues. – 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Wed. – 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Thurs./Fri./Sat. – 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sun. – 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Directions:
From Penn Street bridge go across to West Reading. Go up to 5th avenue and make a left. Go 4 lights. The last light is at Parkside Drive North. This is one light past the emergency entrance at Reading Hospital. Just past the last light the entrance to the museum is on right side of road in the middle of the block. Turn into museum. There is a parking lot past the entrance to the museum.

……….
NOTES:

Supplemental Website

http://www.desantisart.com/artappreciation

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Emergency Procedures

All emergencies should be reported as follows:
Dial 211 from red phones in each hall (will connect directly to extension 5077) or call 5077 from any regular phone and report emergency to attendant. If extension 5077 is not answered, call extension 5291. The attendant will relay information to appropriate Physical Plant/Security personnel for action.

Building Campus Evacuations

Emergencies such a fire, bomb threats, civil disturbances, etc. may warrant the evacuation of buildings and or the entire campus.
When a building evacuation alarm is activated, all persons are to leave by the nearest, marked exit and alert others to do the same. All persons are to take all personal property that is within easy reach with them when exiting the building. Doors to rooms should be closed but not locked: lights should be turned off.
Direct the disabled to the appropriate landings within each building. DO NOT use elevators.
Once outside the building, proceed to a clear area as directed by Campus Security and/or College officials that is at least 500 feet away from the affected building. Keep roadways, fire land, fire hydrant area, and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and personnel.
DO NOT return to an evacuated building until told to do so by an appropriate College official.