Art Appreciation ~ Arts 1301
Syllabus and Course Requirements
Class Syllabus and Schedule
This syllabus is a general guide and is subject to change without notice. Therefore it must
not be relied upon as the final source of information regarding assignments and due dates.
You are responsible for completing assignments announced in class or on Blackboard as
well as those noted in this syllabus. When you miss a class it is your responsibility to contact
a classmate for information regarding missed work, class notes, and handouts.
Catalogue Course Description
Exploration of purposes and processes in the visual arts including evaluation of selected works.
Credit 3 semester hours.
Prerequisite: None
Textbook
A World of Art, 7th or 8th Edition by Henry M Sayer,
Blackboard
Please familiarize yourself with the Blackboard online course management system
(available through Ranger College's Website.) This class will use Blackboard for
communication, delivering some coursework and maintaining an updated course calendar.
Course Content
In this class students will gain experience in looking at, enjoying, understanding and
analyzing works of art. Students will study works of art against the backdrop of history and
will gain an understanding of the role the arts play in reflecting man’s thinking throughout
time. Students will learn a vocabulary appropriate for describing and analyzing of works of
art and will become familiar with the tools, techniques, and media used to produce works of
art. A class visit to a museum in Ft Worth is a required component of this class. Students
will learn presentation skills and will actively participate in class discussions and in teaching
the class.
Class Expectations - Students will:
Attend class every day – be on time and stay for the entire class
Bring textbook and sketchbook/journal everyday
Participate thoughtfully in all class activities and discussions
Use cell phones, tables, and computers for class work only and at times specified by
instructor ~ As a matter of courtesy, please step into the hall to make phone calls. Texting in
class will not be tolerated.
Learner Outcomes: Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
Engage in critical analysis, form aesthetic judgments, and develop an appreciation
of the arts and humanities as fundamental to the well-being and survival of any
society
Demonstrate an awareness of the scope and variety of works of art in history and
our own world and place these works within cultural contexts
Demonstrate an awareness that works of art are expressions of individual and
human values
Respond critically to works of art and express informed personal opinions
regarding specific works and art in general
Recognize and describe media and techniques used in art-making
Enjoy and benefit from visiting museums, galleries and other art venues
Comprehend the significance of the arts as a major influences in our world
Basic Intellectual Competencies
Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening, Critical Thinking, and Computer Literacy
These Basic Intellectual Competencies are essential to the learning process and will prepare
students for becoming well-educated individuals who are intellectually flexible, articulate,
and have the capability to become responsible and creative mentors to society. Assignments
in this class will support the development of these competencies.
You will need for this class – bring everyday
Your textbook
An 11 x 14 inch unlined sketchbook - can be purchased in the bookstore or Walmart
A black Sharpie – fine tip
# 2 pencils
An assortment of drawing supplies – bring what you have or purchase at Walmart of Dollar
General – scissors, crayons, cheap fine-tip markers, tape, etc - keep in a zip lock bag
Museum Fieldtrip
A major assignment this semester, which will count as 15% of your final grade, will include
visiting a museum in Ft Worth and writing a paper about your experience. You may go on
your own or you may go with our class. If you go with the class, bus transportation and a
hamburger supper will be provided. Trip date, details and assignment TBA.
Sketchbook / Journal
You are expected to keep a daily, detailed and illustrated journal. Class handouts, daily
notes, sketches of works discussed, and your personal observations are to be included. Your
own art supplies and those available in the classroom are to be used to enhance your
journal. Every page is to be decorated in a way relevant to the day’s topic.
Methods of Evaluation
Grading
Exam 1 – 15%
Exam 2 – 15%
Presentation 1 – 15%
Presentation 2 – 15%
Museum Fieldtrip – 15%
Participation is class activities and discussions – 10%
Sketchbook / Journal – 15%
Grade Scale
A = 90 – 100, B = 80 – 89, C = 70 – 79, D = 60 – 69, F = Below 60
Note to all students
It is your responsibility to notify me in writing via text in advance of an absence telling me
why you won’t be in class. Being absent does not excuse you from turning in an assignment.
If you are going to be out on the day an assignment is due, make arrangements to bring it to
me before class.
Ranger Policies
Attendance – Student Handbook
Regular and punctual attendance in all classes and labs is considered essential for optimum academic
success. If the student has the equivalence of three weeks of unofficial absences in a course in which
he/she is currently enrolled, the instructor may drop the student from the course with a grade of “F’’.
Unofficial absences are counted from the first day of class as listed in the College Calendar,
regardless of the date of the student’s registration. The only official absence is an authorized College
activity. All class work missed because of an official absence must be completed within one week or the
official absence may count as unofficial. An official absence during the one-week period does not
extend the deadline for the completion of assignments. (Ranger College Student Handbook)
Americans With Disabilities Act
Ranger College provides a variety of services for students with learning and /or physical disabilities. The
student is responsible for making the initial contact with the Ranger College counselor. It is advisable to
make this contact before or immediately after the beginning of the semester. Please show documentation to
instructor on or before third day of class.
Cheating and Academic Dishonesty
Any assignment reflecting cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty will receive a
grade of zero. A second instance of plagiarism results in automatic failure of the class.
Personal conduct
Adult behavior is expected of all students at all times. Misconduct, including sleeping in class, will be
punishable by immediate dismissal from class. Students are expected to maintain classroom decorum that
includes respect for other students and the instructor, as well as an attitude that seeks to take full
advantage of the education opportunity represented by enrollment in this class and Ranger College.
Attendance in this class: You are expected to be in class, on time, to remain until the class ends and
to participate fully in every activity.
Class work missed because of an official absence must be turned in no later than one week after the
absence. Two unexcused absences will not affect your final grade. Only absences resulting from
participation in Ranger College events will be considered excused or official. Accumulating more
than 2 unofficial absences will affect your final grade.
If you are going to be absent on the day that a major assignment is due, is this class, it is your
responsibility to send the assignment to me before the absence occurs.
