Art History 100
Art Department
Sections 001 and 002
3 Credit Hours

Office: AJ 218

Office hours: 1:30-2:30pm MWF (and by appointment!)

Phone: 285-5850, 285-5838 (Art Department)

E-mail: Robinhicks3913@hotmail.com (preferred) Also: rmhicks@bsu.edu



-course description-
-course objectives-
-course policies-
-seating-
-grades-
-academic dishonesty-


Course Description as per the Ball State University Catalogue:

Introduction to Art. (3) Through a survey of art and artifacts from ancient through modern times and the historical and social elements that helped to shape them, course offers an introduction to understanding, and appreciating painting, sculpture, and architecture. Open only to students not majoring in art.

We will also discuss photography, feminist issues, fashion as art, and other media.

Text: Responding to Art: Form, Content, and Context by Robert Bersson (McGraw Hill, 2004); Ways of Seeing by John Berger (Penguin Press)

Course Objectives:

To promote a better understanding of the history of art, an individual must appreciate the total environment of an artist. We must investigate the influences of culture, politics, religion and economics upon the creator of a work of art. There is detective work that must be learned and then undertaken; every clue along the way will further our investigations. We need to first ask the "why" question.

Course policies:

Late work not accepted without a serious, legitimate excuse; you will be required to show proof to me in the form of a printout from the hospital, university-sponsored travel documents, judicial proceeding slips, etc. (Letting me know in advance will help you gain missed hand-outs, etc.) Also keep in mind that if you sleep in class, you are not considered here, so you might as well stay in bed because I will count you as absent. It is not possible to earn an "A" or a "B" if there are excessive missed classes.

Extra credit may be earned, up to 15 pts. Extra credit usually involves a written review of a hometown museum, "doodle-book", or a review of a specific video/movie. See me for details!

ALL overdue assignments and extra credit due by Friday, Novemeber 12, 2004

CHANGE OF GRADE PROBLEMS must be resolved by the end of the 2nd week of the following semester.

Seating:

I will count you present if you arrive by the time I take attendance (or the sheet to be signed has been collected). Please avoid entering the lecture hall late!!! It is bothersome to all. Coming in late may count as 1/2 day missed (hint: make friends with your class neighbors! They may be very helpful when you've missed class and need to copy any notes. Please do not request missed class information from me).

Grades:

A total of 100 points may be earned:
15 pts - Test 1
15 pts - Test 2
15 pts - Test 3
15 pts - Art and Journalism Gallery reviews
20 pts - Ball State Art Museum stamped art card
20 pts - Mystery homework assignment
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100 pts - Total.

All students are required to attend class on the assigned Finals Day.

**Those students acquiring an A- (90 pts., 90%) by the Final Exam may be excused from the Final itself. I will announce the date and time for the Final Exam schedule.

The final grades are determined according to the following scale out of 100:
95 = A, 90-94 = A-, 86-89 = B+, 85 = B, 80-84 = B-, 76-79 = C+, 75 = C, 70-74 = C-, 66-69 = D+, 65 = D, 60-64 = D- (necessary to pass course)

The final grade will be given as determined by your points earned, any extra credit, attendance, class participation, and punctuality. Missed homework will result in 0 points. Work may often be turned in late with the understanding that points will be deducted; up to 50%. You need to contact me.

Keep track of your points earned and the dates you are not in class.

Throughout the semester we will also be viewing movies, videos, and various slides.

Homework assignments will be integrated into the readings, examples such as: urban and campus architecture, graveyard rubbings, contour line drawings, negative space illustration, basic perspective, a "treasure hunt," using a color wheel and the internet. Sexual politics in art and a brief history of photography are to be included as discussion topics. Sometimes we are able to acquire speakers. Anything covered during class-time, outside assignments, etc. will be subject to inclusion in any exam.



Ball State Policy:

If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, if you have emergency information to share with me, or if you need special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please make an appointment with me as soon as possible. My office location and hours are listed above.

Academic Dishonesty:

Honesty, trust, and personal responsibility are fundamental attributes of the university community. Academic dishonesty by a student will not be tolerated, for it threatens the foundation of an institution dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge. To maintain its credibility and reputation, and to equitably assign evaluations of scholastic and creative performance, Ball State University is committed to maintaining a climate that upholds and values the highest standards of academic integrity. Any student found to have violated this trust is subject to "F" on the assignment (or the final grade at semester's end) and/or to facing expulsion from Ball State University. (Faculty and Professional Personnel Handbook)

Note: Any materials left with me at the end of the semester will be held for one semester only, then destroyed. Please contact me to make arrangements for pick-up.