Montgomery College - Arts Division
Arts 1301 Flex Class with Internet Support

Help Desk Phone Number for WebCt: 832-813-6700
Instructor: Linda Woodward
Office:340F Building THIRD floor
Phone/ Voice Mail: 936.273.7228
Email: lwoodward@nhmccd.edu
Email: lwoodward@nhmccd.edu
Prerequisite: None

Text Required: Responding to Art, Berrson
Published by McGraw Hill, {1st Edition for Fall 2004 and subsequent semesters}
This text comes with a CDRom in the back of the book [not required]

This text is available at both Montgomery Book Stores. Other colleges within our district may use other texts.
Course Description: This is an introductory course that studies the visual arts (painting, architecture, sculpture and crafts) through an exploration of their purpose and processes. It examines the art created throughout history by many different cultures. We will explore art using images, videos, computer, Internet, class discussions, hands-on experience and a  field trip, as well as reading assignments. This syllabus is subject to revision as deemed by the instructor. Students taking this course agree to the terms of the syllabus.
Expectations: We have no formal orientation for this course.Browse through the course homepage and be sure to check the calendar for testing and portfolio dates!
Students are to get the necessary logins to enter WebCt and retrieve assignments through downloading from there. Students are responsible for checking this site at least three times a week for emails and postings from the instructor in regard to projects and assignments. It is the student's responsibility to have access to a computer and to make themselves knowledgeable of assignments and events pertaining to the course in a timely manner. The site is http:// ecampus.nhmccd.edu
Objectives:
  1. Identify the elements and principles of design in works of art throughout history and across cultures.
  2. Identify contemporary and traditional media in the visual arts, and explain basic techniques.
  3. Describe basic approaches to art making through analysis of its nature and function, motivations of individual artists, influences of culture, history and media.
  4. Sample studio processes through a series of activities designed to introduce specific media or conceptual concerns.
  5. Use the above skills to develop personal interpretations of art works.
  6. Visit museums and galleries to increase exposure to 
    works of art.
Assessment: Material covered on the exam will be taken from artwork in the text and the readings assigned. Tests are administered at the Montgomery College testing center for designated time periods noted on the WebCt calendar. You are responsible for knowing when the tests are offered and when the center is open. Being unable to make it to the testing center due to distance from work or lack of transportation is not considered excusable.

**Make up tests are not administered with the exception of a very very serious and documented excuse. This would be at the discretion of the instructor and not the student.
A missed examination does NOT entitle one to a make up exam.
Testing Format and Goals: Tests consist of several parts that enable the student to not only remember important information, but also to use critical skills of analysis to uncover similarities and differences in works or art that will ultimately reveal cultural aspects as well. There will be memorization of selected slides from the text, aspects of their respective significance, short answer questions and essay questions.

Test questions are taken from all sources, not only the study questions! Some students make the assumption that this course is easy. I advise students to study hard for ALL tests in order to succeed in this course. Art is an area often unfamiliar to the student and this course requires careful and timely readings. I also advise notetaking and doing all the study questions. I do not give out copies of the test. If you wish to discuss the test, please bring a packet containing the study questions with the answers to the meeting. NOTHING IS PERMITTED AT THE TESTING CENTER. This means that no paper, writing instrument or cell phone is permitted while you are taking the test. Students caught violating this are subject to a 0 for the test and possible dismissal from the class. DO NOT BRING CELL PHONES INTO THE TESTING CENTER.
Grade scale  Grade Composition
A: 90 - 100

3 exams @ 20%
1 journal @ 30% **

Posting to Discussions is 10% [Must post to all chapters to receive 10%. This is all or nothing.]


**Due to the amount of work
involved in writing and projects, my students have reported that this is a more equitable.

I do not change or round up grades. Please do not ask me to change your final grade average unless there is a question on the compilation of the grades. I am always ready to check the math!

B: 80 - 89
C: 70 - 79
D: 60 - 69
Journal This course requires a written explanation within a journal showing your knowledge of the Visual Elements and Principles of Design. Students may visit a local museum [either the Menil Collection or Museum of Fine Arts]and select a painting to examine. The student will then write a description of the visual elements and principles of design using specific areas as examples in this painting. A picture or postcard of the work [often purchased from the museum gift shop] must accompany the writing for reference. Additionally, a ticket or brochure from the museum needs to be attached to the paper. Further explanation of this paper will be posted in WebCT. I cannot grade a paper without an image of the work discussed. Other visual activities are included in the journal for specific chapters of the textbook. These are also a part of the journal grade. It is turned in towards the end of the semester as directed by the calendar in WebCt. Journals must be submitted in a sealed large envelope with your name, the class, and my name. It may be turned in at my office or at the drop box for Liberal Arts in the circle drive by the fountain in front of Montgomery College.
. 
This is meant to be a learning experience that will prepare you for your further academics and understanding of visual arts.

Late journals will not be accepted. Please do not ask to be the exception. All students must meet the deadline.  I cannot leave journals outside of my office or give to anyone but the student who created the journal. This is a privacy law and not my personal policy. If you want a journal returned, please submit a postage paid large manila shpping envelope pre-addressed or come during office hours for me to return to you.

Students are responsible for delivering journals to me either by mail or personally no later than the due date. 
Attendance and Participation

Since this is a Distance class, there is only virtual attendence by logging into the class and participating It is important that you stay in touch with the group and myself by email through WebCt
If weeks go by and I haven't heard from you, I may assume you have "disappeared". I have posted office hours on my door and am always willing and able to help a student.

Discussions: We have a discussion board where you can ask questions and find important bulletins. It is my expectation that you post for each and every chapter. It is a part of participation for the class. This is 10% of your final grade. You must post to all 10 chapter questions and the introduction to receive points.

 

TESTS are taken at an NHMCCD assessment center. If you are not in the campus areas and need an alternative site, you must get with me before class starts to set this up! Do not contact me at the time of the test for this. The procedure has many steps and contacts. This cannot be done in one day. Tests are not taken at home, nor are they "open book".

DROP POLICY: It is the student's responsibility to do the necessary paperwork to add or drop this class. The instructor will not 'drop' students who are not participating.
POLICY ON PLAGIARISM and/or CHEATING:
  Cheating is not tolerated and a zero grade will be entered for the exam or paper. Students are entitled to an appeal through appropriate academic channels. In writing research papers ALL THOUGHTS AND INFORMATION that are NOT your own must be documented in footnotes and/or bibliography entries to avoid plagiarism. If you are unsure of anything in your writings, please contact me. ANY PAPER that is undocumented [without proper citations] will be graded severely. Any paper copied from the net or any other source may result in a zero grade for the course and possible expulsion from the college.

EXTRA CREDIT POLICY: I do not offer  "extra credit". Your grade is the result of tests and your paper.   Please do not ask me to make a special exception for you. 

TECHONOLOGY REQUIREMENTS: Students must know how to use WebCt and have access to a computer to successfully complete the course. Instructions on WebCt and the use of it is covered at Orientation. If you have problems with WebCt, please call the DL Center at 832.813.6700. They are very helpful and knowledgable

INTERNET ETIQUETTE: All in this virtual classroom must have a polite regard and email as such. Students who "flame" or use poor behavior will be denied access to the class and possible administrative action. Instructor may monitor discussions. I will not tolerate any rudeness or inappropriate behavior in the format of WebCt.

INSTRUCTOR'S TEACHING PHILOSOPHY: It is my commitment to you, as a student in my class, to empower you to be successful in your endeavors. I encourage you to contact me either by appointment, phone or e-mail with any questions or problems pertaining to the course. 

I believe it is important to know my student in order to best help them. Class participation is most welcome and encouraged. Our class is a community of learners! We all learn from well-addressed questions and comments.

 
Let's learn together. 
Learning Resources Centers:
  The Learning Resources Centers (LRCs) at each college provide print and non-print resources and services for students. The materials have been selected to serve the curricular, vocational, and recreational needs of the college community. Each college LRC provides computer access to a variety of information in electronic form including bibliographic indexes to journals, Internet resources, and multimedia publications.
Learning Support Centers: 
  Learning Support Centers: Learning Support Centers at each college provide print and audio-visual materials as well as tutorial assistance and computer labs for students who need academic support services. Materials from other disciplines are available in each center including reading, writing, math and college study skills.
Internet & E-mail:
  The District provides computing and network resources to students. Students are encouraged to use the computers, software packages, and electronic mail (e-mail), for educational or District-related activities and to facilitate the efficient exchange of useful information. However, the equipment, software and network capacities provided through the District computer services are and remain the property of the District. Use of the equipment and networks is to comport with the policies and procedures of the district, and access may be denied to any student who fails to comply with the District's policies and procedures regarding its use.

Access to the District's e-mail and similar electronic communication systems are a privilege and certain responsibilities accompany that privilege. District users are expected to demonstrate the same level of ethical and professional manner, as is required in face-to-face or written communications. Anonymous or forged messages will be treated as a violation of this policy.

Students with Disabilities: North Harris College provides reasonable accommodations, in compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Please inform your professor of any special accommodations which you may need as a result of disability. It is the student's responsibility to request these accommodations. For additional information, refer to the NHMCCD catalog.
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