ARTH 250 Q*: Concepts in Art History,
FA17
Instructor: Dr. Stephanie Miller
Class Hours: TTh 12:15-1:30
Office: Edwards #271A
Tel: 349-2630
Email:
Office Hours: M 11:00-1:00; T 1:40-2:10, W 12:00- 1:30
Or by appointment
Course Description:
This course provides an introduction to aesthetics, art theory, and art criticism, as well as a foundation in the practice of research and writing in the arts. We will read theoretical and critical writing on art and art history, explore questions about the nature of art, and work with a number of theories and methodologies by which to understand art. Students will be introduced to the skills necessary to think, research, and write clearly.
Required Texts:
  • Vernon Hyde Minor, Art History’s History, 2nd ed. (Prentice Hall, 2001)
  • All other readings are available on Moodle
/
Mark Quinn: Self, 1991
  1. COURSE INSTRUCTIONAL OBJECTIVES

In this course we will:

1)Examine various theories and definitions of art as well as critical and methodological approaches

2)Introduce students to the proper methods of academic research

3)Improve student writing (from thesis formation, to organization, to grammar, to revisions)

  1. STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1) Demonstrate knowledge of various interpretations of the meaning of art

2) Demonstrate ability to analyze works of art using appropriate vocabulary

3) Demonstrate ability to analyze works of art in the context of various theories on art and aesthetics

The Coastal Experience QEP Goals and Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)

Goal 1. Students investigate and choose an Experiential Learning activity that complements their academic program and/or career goals.

Student Learning Outcome

1.A.StudentswillidentifyExperientialLearningactivitiesandselectoneormore that complement their academic program and/or careergoals.

Goal 2. Students participate in Experiential Learning activities that complement and build on the knowledge and skills relevant to their academic program and/or career goals.

Student Learning Outcomes

2.A.StudentswillidentifyknowledgeandskillstheyexpecttoapplyintheExperientialLearningactivitiestheyhavechosen.

2.B.Students will demonstrate the knowledge and skills obtained through participation in Experiential Learningactivities.

2.C.Students will compare and contrast their expected learning to their actual learningderivedfromExperientialLearningactivities.

  1. Grading Procedures:

90-100 = A

88-89 = B+

80-87 = B

78-79 = C+

70-77 = C

68-69 = D+

60-67 = D

59 or lower = F

Fx is assigned when failure occurs as a result of academic dishonesty.

You will be graded on the following:

Formal analysis paper:10%

Research paper:10%

Research proposal:5%

Research paper draft:5%

Exam 1:18%

Exam 2 (Final):22%

Role-Debate assignments:30% (3 “games” and their assignments are each 10% of final grade)

Discussion Forum Participation:10%(10 required posts out of 12 possible)

Your final grade will also be affected by your attendance. See attendance policy below.

***Should you desire to improve your grade, I will be happy to assist you by suggesting study or writing techniques or discussing core concepts with you. Never hesitate to seek help when you need it. You may also wish to work with the Learning Assistance Center ( or call 843-349-6536), located in the Prince Building. An art history tutor will be available, hours TBA.

  1. EXAMS:

The exams may consist of:

  • Multiple choice
  • Slide identification (artist, title, and date) and comparison. By comparing and contrasting the images, you will discuss both the historical and theoretical material we have covered.
  • Short answer
  • Essay question

The final will have a cumulative component.

EXAMS CANNOT BE MADE UP (unless under EXTREME circumstances. Oversleeping, etc. does NOT qualify). Purchased plane tickets, travel plans or special events are not valid excuses for missing the final exam. If you do miss an exam, or know of conflicts upon reading the syllabus, contact me immediately to discuss your options.

Review sheets will be provided for each exam that will include a list of required images, vocabulary, and concepts

  1. WRITING ASSIGNMENTS:
  • Each must be submitted MoodleTurnitin.
  • Late papers will not be accepted.
  • Please remember: only the most superior work will receive an A, and a C is not considered a failing grade. You will be graded solely on the merits of your work. Please view your grade as feedback on your command of the course material and your ability to express your own ideas in a clear and persuasive manner. In some cases I may require you to go to the Writing Center to revise your paper before I assign you a grade.

I STRONGLY encourage you to take a draft of your paper to the writing center for revision prior to turning it in to me. If you do go to the writing center, be sure to ask them to email me to let me know. I may ask you to revise your paper with the assistance of the writing center before assigning it a grade if there are significant writing issues.

All papers must include properly formatted footnotes and be written in compliance with CCU’s honor code. For more information about citing sources, see Moodle. Other helpful sites: and

Formal Analysis: This paper will be based on your chosen artwork. Detailed instructions will be posted on Moodle.

Research Paper: A 1250 word research paper (roughly 5 pages) will be due at the end of the semester on a work of art you select the first week of class. Your paper should provide a basic introduction to the topic, the major debates, the important critics, theorists, or academics who have published on the topic, and the pertinent issues. Students are expected to familiarize themselves with the major sources in at least one area of research. A first draft will be peer reviewed and you will present your findings to the rest of the class on August 4. Detailed instructions will be posted on Moodle.

Research Proposal: You will submit a one-page research proposal of at least 250 words outlining your topic. Your proposal must be structured with an introductory paragraph, thesis statement, supporting information, and conclusion. You must include a properly formatted annotated bibliography with four academic sources and at least two primary sources. Annotating means that you write the bibliographic information as well as a short summary of each book or article that demonstrates its relevance to your topic. Ideally, the summary also summarizes the key thesis or arguments made by the source.

  1. Reacting to the Past Games:

Three “games” will be “played” in class. You will be assigned particular roles related to specific art historical moments. With those assignments, you will be required to read pertinent, contemporary source material relevant to that person. Through the readings and the questions posed by the games, you will participate through written posts and emails, and most significantly, through persuasive speeches and arguments! This may cause temporary anxiety, but I promise, you’ll be okay, and you might even have a little fun.

  1. Discussion Forum Participation:

AREQUIRED but informal way to respond to what you are reading and class discussion/lecture. Post your thoughts no later than 8:00am the day of class.You MUST comment on the blog for 10 out of 12possible posts (exam and “game” days will not count). Comments posted after class will not count. To earn full credit, you must post a thoughtful, relevant discussion of at least 250 words in response to the reading:questions, comments, critiques. Be sure that your comments demonstrate your engagement with the assigned readings. For some forums, you will be given prompts to consider.

  1. ATTENDANCE POLICY

Coastal’s Attendance Policy:

SUMMARY:Students are expected to attend all of their scheduled classes as work at the university level requires regular attendance and preparation.

I. ADMINISTRATIVE ATTENDANCE POLICIES

A. The following policies have been established by the administration. They reflect both federal mandates and university wide practices that may not be amended by the Faculty Senate.

  1. Administratively excused absences: Coastal Carolina University realizes that there are valid circumstances under which a student may be absent from class. Professors are expected to excuse these absences, although documentation verifying the validity of the absence may be required. Students are responsible for working out any class requirements with their professors. The following are considered to be valid circumstances for student absence.
  1. Incapacitating illness or condition – limited to the number of absences that a faculty member determines to be a balance between accommodating the illness/condition and ensuring sufficient participation in class activities.
  2. Accommodation for a disability, working in conjunction with Accessibility and Disability Services.
  3. Official representation of the University (excuses for official representation of the University should be obtained from the official supervising the activity).
  4. Death of a close relative.
  5. Religious holidays (A list of primary sacred times for world religions can be found online at
  6. Active military duty or assignment
  7. Official University closings
  8. Compliance with a subpoena.
  9. Absences excused under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972: Please see UNIV - TIX 469 Pregnancy or Parenting Students

B. Syllabi Requirement – in compliance with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), all course syllabi must include an attendance policy that is consistent with this policy.

C. Mandatory Absence Reporting

1. In compliance with Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, attendance will be taken in all classes up to the census date. The census date, or the end of the 100% tuition refund period, is established for each term and announced by the Office of Student Accounts.

  1. For all online courses, attendance shall be taken as stipulated in the Distance Learning Curriculum Policies (ACAD - SENA 128).

II. INSTRUCTIONAL ATTENDANCE POLICIES

  1. The following policies have been established by the faculty, and as such, may be amended by the Faculty Senate.

1.Students’ Responsibilities – enrollment in a course obligates the student not only to prompt completion of all work assigned, but also to punctual and regular attendance, and to participation in whatever class discussion may occur. It is the student's responsibility to stay informed of all assignments, due dates and exams. Absences, whether excused or unexcused, do not absolve the student from this responsibility.

2.Missed Coursework – absences, excused or unexcused, do not absolve students from the responsibility of completing all assigned work promptly. Students who miss assignments, announced quizzes or other course work due to excused absences will be allowed to make up the work in a manner deemed appropriate by the instructor (as stated in the course syllabus). It will be the responsibility of the student to contact the instructor and make arrangements at the convenience of the instructor. The instructor is not obligated to allow a student to make up work missed due to an unexcused absence.

3. Instructor-Excused Absences – the instructor will determine whether absences other than those defined as excused in Section I.A. above should be excused or unexcused. In the event of an impasse between the student and the instructor, the department chair and/or the dean of the college will make the final decision as to whether an absence is to be considered excused.

4. Unexcused Absence Penalties – an instructor is permitted to impose a penalty, including assigning the grade of F, for unexcused absences in excess of 25 percent of the regularly scheduled class meetings. An instructor may require a more stringent class attendance policy. In such cases, the instructor will make this additional attendance requirement known to his/her dean. All instructors should state their class attendance and grading policiesin the course syllabus.

5. Attendance Taking and Absence Reporting – to promote academic success, instructors must monitor attendance in all 100- and 200-level courses and report total recorded absences, both excused and unexcused, with mid-term and final grades.

6. Instructors are encouraged to take attendance in all courses.

III. Attendance-Related Resources for Faculty

  1. If a faculty member is unable to contact a student following two (2) consecutive absences, a Faculty Absence Alert may be completed. The Dean of Students Office will then work with campus partners to make contact with the student.
  2. Faculty are encouraged to consult the “Guide for Teaching Faculty” for available resources for monitoring student attendance.

IV.Attendance - Related Resources for Students

  1. Students should consult specific course syllabi for additional information about attendance policies.
  2. When a student is unable to notify faculty of an unexpected absence, the student or a representative of the student may fill out an Attendance Notification Request form.

Additional attendance policies in ARTH 250:I will either take roll or send around a sign-in sheet at the beginning of each class. A student may have up to 3 unexcused absences without penalty. Absences 4 and 5 are punishable by grade reduction or other actions deemed appropriate by the instructor, and absence 7 may result in failure of the course.

SAVE YOUR UNEXCUSED ABSENCES FOR EMERGENCIES LIKE CAR PROBLEMS, MISSED FLIGHTS, COURT DATES, ROUTINE DOCTOR’S APPOINTMENTS, PARKING PROBLEMS, FAMILY EVENTS, ETC., AS THESE ARE NOT EXCUSED ABSENCES. I do not accept as excuses for absences, late assignments, or exams: computer failures/flash drive corruptions/printer snafus, family problems, romantic or other social problems, oversleeping, etc.

The instructor will determine whether other absences from class should be excused or unexcused. Such excuses must be brought to me IMMEDIATELY following the class that you missed.

If you miss more than one class in a row for any reason please contact me or I will assume you have dropped the class. The best thing to do is to keep me informed of your situation.

You are expected to be ON TIME to class; coming into the classroom late is disruptive and disrespectful to me and your classmates. If for some reason you know that you will be unable to get to class on time, or will need to leave early, please discuss this with me. I would rather you be late than miss class altogether.

  1. REQUIREMENTS and EXPECTATIONS

Readings should be prepared for the date on which they are listed in the syllabus. Lectures may not be recorded without permission.

Class Expectations and Etiquette

Courteous social interaction in the classroom is mandatory for maintaining a productive learning environment, and the following policies are intended to promote that environment. Please arrive on time for class. Keep talking and rummaging in backpacks to a minimum during class time. Talking while the instructor is talking is also strictly enforced and extremely rude. Important information is being presented and this will not be tolerated. Class ends on time. Please wait until I end the lecture before packing up your notebooks and flipping down tray tables. Please do not eat during class. Thank you.

CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS

In order to create and maintain a positive and productive environment in the classroom, it is essential that each person treat other class members and the instructor in a respectful manner. Therefore, disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. Disruptive behavior includes, but is not limited to, the following: intentionally antagonizing the instructor, receiving beeper or phone messages during class, leaving class early or coming to class late, talking while another individual is talking, sleeping in class, doing assignments for other classes during this class, and engaging in other activities that detract from the classroom learning experience. Students who disrupt the class will be given one warning; if the behavior persists the student will be asked to leave the class for the remainder of the class period and will be required to meet with the instructor prior to returning to class. If the student refuses to leave all conversation will be ended and campus security will be called to escort the student out of class. Continued disruption will result in the recommendation to the Dean of Students that you be expelled from the class.

NOTE: Please make sure all communication devices are turned off prior to class. If your cell phone rings you will be asked to turn it off. If you do not turn your phone off or refuse to, you will be asked to leave for the remainder of class and will need to discuss the issue with the instructor during office hours before returning to class.

Electronic Device Policy:

  • Cell phones, or any other telecommunication devices, as well as Ipods and MP3 players, are NOT to be out or turned on and must be put away during class. ***If you use your cell phone during the class to text, surf the net, etc., the entire class will be given a pop quiz AND you will lose one point off your final grade for the class.*** This type of behavior is distracting to me and to your classmates, in addition to simply being disrespectful.
  • Laptops may not be used in class without permission.

Your cooperation is most appreciated. Students who violate these policies may be asked to leave the classroom and will be counted as absent for that day.

Email policy:

• Check the syllabus or Moodle before emailing questions about class policies, assignments, or the reading schedule.
• Allow two business days for a response. If you don’t get a response by then, please follow up as I may not have received your email.
• Be professional in your emails:

o Use a subject heading.
o Address professor accordingly. EX: Dear Dr. Howie
o Use proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Proofread for errors.
o Sign emails with full name. EX: Best, Jane Smith

o Specify which of my courses you are taking

Title IX makes it clear that violence and harassment based on sex and gender are Civil Rights offenses subject to the same kinds of accountability and the same kinds of support applied to offenses against other protected categories such as race, national origin, etc. If you or someone you know has been harassed or assaulted, you can find the appropriate resources here:

Coastal’s Policy on Plagiarism and Cheating:

See also CCU’s Academic Integrity site,

Prohibited Conduct

1. Plagiarism, cheating and all other forms of academic dishonesty.

a. Examples of plagiarism include but are not limited to the following:

(i) Words, sentences, ideas, conclusions, examples and/or organization of an assignment are borrowed without proper acknowledgment from a source (for example, a book, article, electronic documents, or another student’s paper).