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FA 111 Syllabus


ART A Brief History
Marilyn Stokstad + Michael W. Cothren
Pearson . Sixth Edition

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Professor Jen Pepper
Course schedule
M W SA111 Jephson Campus A 206 = Drawing 1 6:00 - 8:50 PM

T TH FA 111.01 Eckel 109/MacDonald Lecture Hall = Art History One 11:00 - 12:20 PM


T TH FA 111.02 Eckel 109/MacDonald Lecture Hall = Art History One 12:30 - 1:50 PM


T TH SA 131 Jephson Campus A 206 = Design + Color Theory  2:00 - 4:50 PM

OH  M W 5:00 - 6:00 PM 
       W 1:00 - 2:20 PM
and by appointment at jpepper@cazenovia.edu 

Office = Jephson Campus A #210

Course Description
Our course together will balance formal analysis with a contextualized cultural approach that will engage a diverse student audience. Art History I consists of slide lectures, readings, videos and presentations that traces the history of human visual production from Prehistoric times to the Medieval period (14th century) in Europe.  

Students will be presented with two dimensional and three-dimensional human-made forms from each period, including the cultural circumstances under which each object was conceived and created. 

FA 111 is a global approach to looking at human visual production as a vital and forceful communicative approach while learning the different identifying styles of each period. This is both an art appreciation course and an art history course, and it is anticipated that students who complete the course successfully will be able to identify visual forms from the Prehistoric period to the 14th Century in Europe. Furthermore, students will be able to identify a number of the various artists and designers that brought rise to many of the important creative works we consider from Western art history (North America and Europe), while also looking at non-western examples from Islam, Asia, Africa, etc. 

We will be using the text by  Marilyn Stokstad and Michael W. Cothren. Pearson Publishers. SIXTH  EDITION and it is important that students keep up on all readings, keeping detailed notes of the information presented, including names, objects, materials, and history -- always include the page number that each personal notation is gleaned from for discussion purposes.

As a lecture and discussion course, students will be expected to be able to discuss the material introduced in the text.  A great deal of additional information will be presented in class with additional slides, presentations, videos, and readings.  It is imperative that students are present always and take thorough notes.  


There will be five exams, equally spaced throughout the semester. The lowest grade of one will be dropped. Each exam will count for approximately 20% of the student’s final grade. 


Students will also be involved in multimedia presentations throughout the term imparting what they've learned to the members of the class.

Students will be involved in the writing of two, short analytical papers on objects found from various periods of time we are studying.  

Methods of instruction and classroom procedures

This course will function as a lecture and research workshops where information is exchanged primarily through discussion between students and faculty. 

Class time will be spent in discussion of the readings, slide presentations, video, and other multimedia presentations. 

Student responsibilities and expectations 

It is the student’s responsibility to be prepared with their own study as well as all assignments in a thoughtful and engaged manner.  

Students need to be wary of time management concerns and restraints of the term.  Should a student not understand an assignment fully, or have an idea of how to extend an assignment, the student needs to take the initiative and contact the professor. 

Students need to check their college e-mail accounts daily. This is the form I will contact you through.
Students need to keep up with new course materials loaded onto the course Blog. 

Class Hours and Engagement

The effort that each student invests in the class – and throughout the campus – will be reflected in their work. 
The grade a student earns will also reflect personal time spent and their effort made. 

Make a commitment to this class and you will be rewarded with exciting growth in your own artistic/cultural knowledge, thinking and perhaps even practice. 

This commitment requires cooperation, hard work, dedication, creativity, motivation, and perhaps most critically being open to input and new ideas and a willingness to receive mentorship.

Attendance, Participation +
Your Professionalism: 

A strong showing in this category can increase a student's final grade by a half grade, i.e. c+ becomes b-, b becomes b+!    

However, a weak showing in this area can severely reduce your grade. 

Tardiness and absences will greatly hinder student progress in this course. Class absences will not only keep you unprepared for the next class meeting but will no doubt keep you confused on the material.

In an extreme case students who miss class,  are responsible for notifying faculty prior to class start time.  

Class policy
* Should a student have an unexcused absence from our course, it is vital that the student is prepared with all class notes missed, copied from their journals and submitted to me prior to the start time of class for review.
** Should a student have four unexcused class absences it will significantly jeopardize the student's final grade by dropping it one grade. Thus a B- becomes a C+  :(

Evaluation 
The quality of the semester is what students bring to it. It is expected that one’s participation is committed and remains active. Art History I - FA111 Section 01 + 02 requires serious engagement in all facets of the semester’s preparations: readings, discussion, initiated participation, research, study, thoughtfulness in critical thinking and one's own planning. 

Students should always set high standards for their own work.  

Students are to attend class every day and be prepared with assignments, readings and discussion notes, always!  
It is important that the student be prepared to initiate  discussion regarding current readings and come to class with thorough notes. Intellectual understanding and exploration of the readings and individual drive are significant factors in grading a student’s level of participation.
  
Hard work and improvement are recognized and therefore, will positively impact a student’s grade.  

Lack of preparation, disengagement from coursework, poor note taking, test scores, avoidance of assignments and general lack of participation in discussion, incomplete and not prepared work will result in a lower grade.  

    Standards for evaluation + grading overview 
    Grades are based on a number of factors that include class participation, attendance, attitude, effort, project execution, project evolution, improvement, writing examples and test scores.  

    It is important that the student be prepared to initiate a discussion regarding current readings and come to class with thorough notes. Should class discussion become a one-person conversation I will have to resort to popping quizzes, thus clearly defining who is prepared with the reading of the day and who is not.

    Superior excellence in all of these areas, on a continual basis, will earn an “A” for the course. 

    Continuing to show improvement and quality of work is constantly well executed, will earn a “B” for the course.  

    Fulfilling the requirements of the course is considered average and will earn a “C”.  

    Grading is an individual process, but general standards will be used to evaluate student performance in order to assign a letter grade and will be presented to you following major projects on a fair and thoughtful EVALUATION RUBRIC

    Assignments and test scores will be the primary source of your grade and you will be expected to work outside of class approximately one hour for every hour of class.  This should also follow your work in any other class you participate in.

    Informed speculation is encouraged.  

    Intellectual understanding and exploration of the readings and projects, the ability to initiate research, and individual drive throughout each project are significant factors in grading a student’s level of participation.  

    Methods of Evaluation
    Grades are determined by the following:
    Hard work and improvement are recognized.   

    Therefore, in addition to staying on top with all assignments, students need to demonstrate themselves as an active learner through engaged work and class participation. 

    Demonstration of this will positively impact a student’s grade.  

    Lack of preparation, disengagement from his/her work, avoidance of tests and due dates, lack of participation in discussion, incomplete and not prepared work will result in a lower grade.  

    Should a student be performing below an adequate level, the student will be notified as soon as it is evident and a meeting will be scheduled to address deficiencies. Research assignments will be considered in terms of concept, thorough research and written expression of that research by way of the student's writing mechanics. 

    Quality participation is characterized by the following:

     • On time attendance at each class meeting

     • Active, enthusiastic participation in class discussions

     • Student exhibits on-going effort and keeps up with all assignments

     • Preparation and understanding of assignments, research. The student continues to ask thoughtful questions

     • Responding to others’ comments in a responsible and constructive manner

     • Contributing regularly to the class and mind fullness of others comments

    A student’s work performance in class is based on the instructor’s observation and record of the student’s personal performance in the following areas:

     •  Attitude, demeanor – courteous, respectful, teachable, considerate of other students’ needs for concentration.
     •  Attendance, punctuality, and handing in work on time.
     • Participation in class projects, in critiques and discussions, within collaborative projects.
     • Conduct – Helping to create an atmosphere conducive to learning.

    Your projects will be evaluated according to the following criteria: your note-taking skills, the communication of them, critical thinking in connecting art historical and cultural information together, evidence of individual growth through discussion, test scores, class presentations and research papers, making use of the vocabulary presented throughout the course during class discussion and in student papers.

    Standards of Grading
    The typical "A" student will consistently follow all readings, take excellent notes, do a stellar job on all test scores, attend all classes and complete all assignments on time; follow all instructions, demonstrate above average skills and creativity in completing assignments, turn in consistently good work equally important. The A student will conduct research, integrate information from other classes and experiences, will not opt for an easy way out, will hand in work on time and in a well-presented manner, will participate fully in class, ask questions and do extra work when needed in the pursuit of knowledge and greater ability.  The work produced is exemplary and sets a benchmark for other students; actively participating in class discussions and critiques with a sustained high level of curiosity. In short, the A student will be a responsible and active learner throughout, while completing stellar work.

    The “B” student will attend all classes and complete all assignments on time; follow all instructions, demonstrates above average skills and creativity in completing assignments, turn in consistently above average, good work though some further development of knowledge and skills is possible; frequently contribute to discussions and critiques and complete good work overall.

    The typical “C” student will have less than perfect attendance; complete all assignments and tests scores with average skills, attitude and creativity demonstrating a limited commitment to the learning process, average use of materials, and ideas that need further development. Occasionally contribute to class discussions and critiques. The “C” student performs average work. 

    The “D” student has poor attendance; seldom meets deadlines, may have an unconcerned attitude; work below average; contribute very little to class discussions.

    The “F” student continues to display poor attendance; seldom meet deadlines; turn in poor work; has a poor attitude, and/or impervious to the learning process. This type of student will fail the course.

    All assignments are to be completed in a thoughtful and timely manner.  

    The grade of “C” indicates an adequate level of overall work to gain credit for the course; a “B” means a student has achieved a more than adequate level of work. To excel, as indicated by an “A” requires a superior level of skill, concept, quantity, professionalism, risk, and a surpassing depth of FA111 seriousness. Moving beyond a “C” in this course will require your very best efforts in all areas of your output and growth in academic rigor.

    Undergraduate Grading 
    Grades calculated in grade point average (GPAs) as follows:
    A = 4.0     A- = 3.67 
    B+ = 3.33 B = 3.00  B- = 2.67
    C+ = 2.33 C =2.00  C- = 1.67
    D+ = 1.33 D = 1.00 F = 0.00

    Numerical Equivalencies 
    A      93-100  
    A-     92-90
    B+    89-87
    B      86-83
    B-     82-80
    C+    79-77
    C      76-73
    C-     72-70
    D+    69-67
    D      66-65
    F      64 or below

    Distribution of Grades:
    4 Exams -- 20% each
    Five exams are distributed evenly throughout the semester. The lowest grade of five will be disregarded from the student's overall grade.

    Dates of each are on the course calendar / pacing schedule page.

    Student multimedia presentations cumulate towards 5%

    Two research papers will be required totaling 5% each, equalling a total of 10% overall
    The due dates are noted on the calendar page.

    Participation and course engagement 5%

    TOTAL = 100%

    FINAL EXAMS for
    FA111.01 = TUESDAY DEC 18 from 12:30 - 2:30 PM
    FA111.02 = MONDAY DEC 17 from 2:45 - 4:45 PM
    Please note, if any student is scheduled for more than two exams in a single day they need to notify Dr. Jesse Lott in the Academic Learning Center.

    Course Policy 
    The atmosphere throughout this course is to create a community of active learners.

    We need to realize that world experience produces difference in all people. 

    Our differences often make communication and understanding difficult to comprehend, or even agree with, when considering the ideas of others. 

    We need to create a safe space where individuals can interject their ideas even if they may not be reflective of others. 

    Our space needs to be one where people are encouraged to ask questions, and not worry if they don’t have the ‘right’ answer, and have the space to take a wild guess by connecting earlier information together.

    Each of us needs to remain active participants in the world of learning.

    Our course together asks you to cultivate a relationship of mutual respect between each other and the work at large and your faculty.  This respect, and is hoped, may extend outside the walls of this community into the world in general. 

    The key is to listen and be considerate of all people.

    Confidentiality
    Self-expression and honest reflection will take place through our discussions, readings and written work. It is expected that each student will recognize that s/he will be privy to personal information about others in the class and must protect their privacy of the others by exercising strict confidentiality outside of class. 

    When discussing class content outside of class it is recommended that all identifying descriptors be removed from statements so that the statements cannot be attributed directly to the individual who had made the statement. 

    Respect for others is mandatory and non-negotiable. Please note that failure to adhere to confidentiality is a serious offense carrying severe penalties.

    Academic Honesty  
    Cazenovia College is committed to academic honesty.  
    The Committee on Academic honesty reviews all reported cases of alleged plagiarism, cheating on examinations, undocumented copying of art, and similar forms of academic dishonesty.  

    At the beginning of each full academic term, all new students receive a comprehensive orientation to the College's expectations regarding academic honesty. 

     It is expected that each student in this course will carry out all the assignments appropriately and that all work submitted by the student will be her or his own.  

    Academic dishonesty in any form (e.g., cheating in exams, using another's plan or project, fabricating a study, plagiarism, etc.) is a serious offense with severe penalties.  At the very least, the student will receive an F on the particular assignment or exam in question.  

    Cazenovia College’s policy for students who abuse the academic honesty policy is as follows: 
    The first offense the student is given a warning. Depending on the circumstances, the student may fail the course. 
    Second offense is reported to the Dean of Faculty and depending on the circumstances, the student may fail the course. 
    Third offense, depending on the circumstances, the student may be dismissed from the college. A description of plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty are to be found in the online Student Handbook @ www.cazenovia.edu


    Special Educational Needs
    Any student who requires special accommodations for classroom work, independent assignments, and/or examinations should notify the Office of Special Services at 315-655-7170.  

    The Office of Special Services will grant students accommodations in accordance with their identified individualized educational plans. Students with accommodations are responsible for informing their instructors of their needs and giving them the accommodations report provided by the Office of Special Services.

    Cell Phone Policy  
    Use of cell phones and/or text messaging during class is strictly prohibited. Please place your phones on vibrate. Cell phone usage in class or while on field trips or speaker presentations will negatively impact a student’s final grade.


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