History of American Art I/Art 211
Web-based Independent Study
Text: Framing America , 2nd ed., by Frances K. Pohl
Instructor: Tondalaya VanLear Office: Scott Hall, Room 306
Office: 863-2854 Email: tvanlear@dslcc.edu
Welcome to History of American Art I. We have some exciting weeks ahead, which I hope will give you the chance to explore the many facets of American art and art history and spur your interest in this area. Please let me know your questions and concerns and don’t hesitate to call me or set up a time for a conference.
**Please note: If you have not attended the on-campus orientation for this class, YOU MUST complete the online orientation guide, found under Bb Course Documents, by Friday of the first week of classes. Late completion will result in a grade penalty. Participation in orientation, either on campus or online, is not an option.
Course Description:
We will study a variety of works and artists, starting with Early Exploration in America and continuing through the end of the 19th century. We will focus our efforts on viewing, discussing, and analyzing the many styles and shifts apparent in this timeframe. Our analysis will cover a broad spectrum, which includes traditional formal elements (composition, scale, line, color, etc.), and those of social/cultural impacts (political shifts, historical events, social movements), semiotics (the language of signs/symbols), and deconstruction (examining philosophical tendencies). We will also rely on additional materials available through online museums/galleries/journals and visits to exhibits to expand our understanding and responses.
Course Goals:
Students will gain an introductory knowledge of American art and art history, supported by a knowledge of art historical analysis, its "language" and methods, and will develop an ability to effectively examine and interpret various works of art. Through work in the text, with web resources, in research, and in individual art exhibit experiences, students will form an avenue for exploring and understanding art in several media.
Course Requirements:
v Participation is not an option. As an online course, you will have several areas of interaction that are crucial to success in this course. Participating in the online discussion journals provides a key area of idea/concept understanding. You must complete all of these assignments—whether they are article/website evaluations, response essays, project sections, journals, exams, or reaction works. To not complete even one of these works is grounds for failure in the course.
v Two exams will be given during the semester and I will announce the dates in advance of the tests. A block of time will be set aside for you to come to the DSLCC library and complete the exam. Make arrangements to take these tests. If you do not complete the exam during the required timeframe, you will receive a 0 on that portion of the exam. No make-up exams will be available.
v Each student at DSLCC has an email account. Access that account and use it when you need to contact me. Your first assignment is to email an introduction to me. I would like to know more about you and why you’re here at DSLCC. Considering our physical contact will be very limited, I’d like for you to tell me about yourself, your interests, and your goals, especially in your educational journey. Please have this email to me by the end of Week 1 of this semester.
v Class Project: During the semester, you will develop a close look at a specific artist and her/his body of work or a particular monumental place/structure. This assignment will hold three components: An annotated timeline, a documented essay of 5+ pages (Chicago/Turabian style) on a particular aspect of the artist's work, and a list of web-linked articles that show interesting aspects of your artist/choice. **We're going to take this project in steps and if you follow them, completing this work will not be difficult. I’ll give you more information as we go through the semester. Due date for this project is the last week of the semester. You will also develop an annotated bibliography for your project selection that highlights the best sites you found in your research. That portion of your project will be due at the same time as your project essay.
v Journal assignments and other written expectations are not options. If you fail to complete ANY written assignment, that lack will be grounds for failure. Your journal assignments will be posted weekly on Blackboard (Bb).
v Each student will attend 3 art exhibits/showings centered on American works and write a short evaluation of her/his visit. A handout guide is posted on my faculty webpage link to “Course Handouts” to use in completing this assignment. One of these “visits” is virtual—you can select any museum website and follow the handout guide to complete the evaluation.
v Other resources for students will be available on the External Links option in Bb as well as on my faculty homepage, listed under “Summer Courses.”
v Your assignments for each week will be posted in Bb under the Assignments link. Be attentive to the due dates—these are “real time” submission dates that will help you keep pace with the course requirements and not fall into that procrastination-pit that sometimes snares students in online, independent study courses. You will be assessed a late penalty (up to 1 letter grade per day) for late postings. See the online guide for more information on this portion of the course.
Course Notes:
Your commitment to reading, response, and discussion is critical for success in this course. As we examine the amazing, complex, and fascinating world of American Art and its influences/connections, you cannot be a silent observer. There are no pat answers in this class—and more than knowing the facts comes the importance of reacting and developing your understanding of the works we will examine. I expect you to be an active participant and say what you think and why you think it.
**A Word on Plagiarism: DSLCC takes an act of plagiarism seriously, and I fully support their policy. ANY work you hand in as your own should be just that—YOUR OWN. Plagiarism of any work in this course will not be tolerated and will result in your failing this course, regardless of your current grades in this class, and I will pursue disciplinary action by the college for that offense if warranted. **
Students with special needs: Any student who may require instructional modifications/accommodations due to a documented learning, sensory, or medical disability should see me immediately to discuss these concerns.
Grading:
3.6 to 4.0 = A
3.0 to 3.5 = B
2.0 to 2.9 = C
1.0 to 1.9 = D
0 to 0.9 = F
Final Grade Evaluation:
Response Essays/Article Eval = 30%
Project (3 components) = 20%
Exhibit Evaluations = 20%
Journals/Participation = 15%
Exams = 15%