HUM 101: Introduction to the Visual Arts

Course Syllabus
B02 Section 70749 3 Credit Hours/45 Contact Hours
Instructor: Dr. Addell Austin Anderson, WCCCD Humanities Department

Email Address: aander1@wcccd.edu Phone: 313-409-6684

Office Hours: By appointment Emails will be responded to within 48 hours, per WCCCD policy

24/7 Technical Support Information: Phone: 24/7 at 1-866-846-8494

Live chat and help ticket system: 24/7 at
https://help.edusupportcenter.com/shplite/wcccd/login

Distance Learning Contact Information: http://www.wcccd.edu/dept/distance_learning.htm

Phone: 313-496-2684 (M-F 8:30 am- 5:00 pm)
Email: distancelearning@wcccd.edu

Blackboard Orientation (to help ensure Student http://www.wcccd.edu/dept/blackboard_orien.html

Success):

Student Support Services (including Special Needs http://www.wcccd.edu/students/pp_disability.htm

Help) – ACCESS Information:

Learning Resource Center (library services): http://www.wcccd.edu/dept/learning_resource_center.htm

Textbook: A World of Art (8th edition) by Henry M. Sayre 

Note: You will not be able to pass the class without it. To
purchase, contact the WCCCD Bookstore or rent an electronic
version from a book retailer, such as Amazon.com. Make sure
you purchase the 8th edition. The 7th edition is no longer valid fo
this course.

Required Course Assignments: 1. Syllabus Quiz – 10 pts.

2. Course Commitment Statement – 5 pts.
3. Introductory Biography – 5 pts.
4. Profile Update & Internet Back-Up Plan – 5 pts.
5. Why Study the Humanities Essay – 5 pts.
6. Discussion Questions on Text Chapters: Using the
Discussion Board, each week students will be asked to
provide comments within a Discussion Thread the
 instructor has initiated, primarily regarding the
weekly readings from the course text. Students must
make, at least, one initial response to the discussion
board question, as well as, two additional separate
responses to classmate postings to receive credit – 12
Discussion Questions @ 5 pts. each = 60 pts.
7. Film Essay – 30 pts.
8. Exams – Students will have, at least, seven days to
complete each exam, which will require them to
apply knowledge gained via readings and assignments
to essay questions. 2 exams @ 30 pts. each = 60 pts.
9. Field Trip/DIA Critical Essay – One visit to the
Detroit Institute of Arts, as well as, one critical essay
based on the student’s experience on this field trip.
Admission is free for residents of Wayne, Macomb or
Oakland County. For everyone else, admission is $8
with school photo ID. Note: If the student does not
live in Southeastern Michigan, the instructor will
provide the student with an alternative list of
museums/galleries – upon the student’s request.
Critical essay associated with the field trip = 40 pts.
10. Multiple Choice Tests - These tests will be taken
via Blackboard. 16 @ 5 pts. each = 80 pts.
11. Field Trip to Fisher Building/Historic Landmark
Project – 30 pts.

Optional Assignment: While there are no extra credit assignments, you may
complete the Optional Assignment to replace one
assignment not completed or one that received a low
grade. This assignment may only be submitted once (with
the exception of the DIA Critical Essay which cannot be
replaced by the Optional Assignment). Note: If more than
one Optional Assignment is offered during the semester,
the score of only one Optional Assignment can be used
during the semester. Maximum points possible = 30 pts.

Course Description: Course Description: This course provides an overview of

the visual arts and its importance in our lives. The course
 covers the visual arts in regards to basic elements, such
as line, space, color and light. Through a global lens, it
also delves into specific art forms, such as painting,
sculpture, film and architecture. The course is designed
for those desiring to become a better informed and
appreciative audience member of the visual arts. Field
trips are required to enhance the student’s learning
process and experience.
Course Objectives: 1. To enhance the student’s knowledge and
appreciation of the visual arts.
2. To improve the student’s ability to critically think
and write about the arts.
3. To inspire the student’s creative spirit.
4. To introduce students to careers in the visual arts.

Course Outcomes/Competencies: Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
 Discuss the importance of the visual arts.
 Discuss these arts as creative forms of aesthetic
experiences and social significance.
 Analyze these arts as sensual, emotional, and
intellectual forms of human endeavor.
 Make informed judgments concerning the arts and the
inherent values that they represent.
 Demonstrate an ability to critically think and write
about the visual arts.
 Demonstrate an enhanced appreciation of the art form.

Class Policies: 1. Assignment Submission: All assignments are

submitted through Blackboard, unless otherwise
noted.
2. Due Dates: Assignments are due by 11:59 PM of the
due date, unless otherwise indicated. Assignments are
usually due on Mondays and Thursdays. However,
there are a few exceptions, which are highlighted in
schedule.
3. Instructor Feedback: The instructor will usually
provide feedback on assignments within 7-10 days of
the due date.
4. Instructor Availability: The best way to contact the
 instructor is via email – aander1@wcccd.edu. The
instructor checks her email – at least – once a day and,
in most cases, will respond to a question or concern
within 48 hours or sooner of its receipt. If you do not
receive an acknowledgment or response to your email
within 48 hours, you should assume the instructor did
not receive it and should try sending it, again. Her cell
phone number – PH: 313-409-6684 – should be used
only in cases when the student must speak to the
instructor; or, when email is unavailable or does not
seem to be functioning properly.
5. Late Assignments: Late assignments are not
accepted unless the deadline is missed due to a
malfunction on Blackboard. If a student finds he/she is
unable to post an assignment due to such an issue –
within 30 minutes of being aware of the problem - the
student must document this issue by: 1) calling
Blackboard technical support – PH: 1-866-846-8494;
and 2) emailing the assignment to the instructor –
Email: aander1@wcccd.edu.
6. Work or Personal Conflicts: Work or personal
conflicts may not be used to excuse a late assignment.
If your work schedule or personal life is unpredictable,
please complete your assignments as soon as possible
to avoid conflicts that may prohibit you from
submitting an assignment in a timely manner. If you
miss a major assignment, remember you may choose
to complete the Optional Assignment to replace one
assignment not completed or one that received a low
grade. This assignment may only be submitted once
(with the exception of the DIA Critical Essay which
cannot be replaced by the Optional Assignment).
7. Incomplete Grade: The instructor may give an “I” or
“Incomplete” grade for a student when the student
cannot complete the course requirements during the
last two weeks of the course because of emergency
circumstances. The criteria to give an “I” grade are as
follows: 1) The student must be passing the course; 2)
The student must have 30 or less points of the course
left to complete; and 3) The student must have a true
emergency, such as emergency surgery.
 8. Withdrawal from the Course: It is the policy of the
college that the responsibility for dropping a class
belongs to the student.
9. Academic Honesty: The expectation at the College is
that the principles of truth and honesty will be practiced
in all academic matters. Therefore, acts of academic
dishonesty, including plagiarism or cheating, are
regarded by the College as very serious offenses. In the
event that cheating, plagiarism or other forms of
academic dishonesty on the part of students is
discovered, each incident will be handled on an
individual basis as deemed appropriate by the instructor.
Care shall be taken that students’ rights are not violated
and that punitive measures are only in cases when
documentation of the offenses exists. However, if a
student is found in violation of academic honesty, the
student will receive a “0” for each assignment in which a
breach in this code has been made.
10. Changes in the Course: Due to unforeseen
circumstances, the instructor reserves the right to alter
the material covered, as well as, assignment dates.
Students should refer to the Announcements forum in
Blackboard on a weekly basis to check for any updates
to the schedule or assignments.
11. Student Responsibility: Remember - your grade is
your responsibility. Any concerns about your progress
or any of the assignments should be brought to the
instructor’s attention, as soon as possible.

Final Grading Scale: A = 296 - 330 pts.

B = 264 – 295.9 pts.
C = 231 – 263.9 pts.
D = 198 – 230.9 pts.
E = 197.9 pts. & below

Netiquette - How to participate online: “Netiquette,” Study Guides and Strategies. Retrieved 8/9/2019
from http://www.studygs.net/netiquette.htm
Communicating clearly on the Internet 
without creating misunderstandings is a challenge.
One problem is that you haven't any facial expressions, body
language, or environment to help you express yourself; 
another that there is little "give and take" for developing what
you mean to say or are discussing.
These guidelines hopefully will help you:
 Be clear
Make sure the subject line (e-mail) or title (web page)
reflects your content.
 Use appropriate language
If you have a question on whether or not you are too
emotional, don't send the message. Instead, save it, and
review it "later."
Remember: No one can guess your mood or see your
facial expressions. All they have are your words, and yo
words can express the opposite of what you feel.
 Don't use ALL CAPITAL LETTERS--it's equal to shouting
screaming.
 Be brief
If your message is short, people will be more likely to
read it. Refer to the Guide on "Writing for the Internet"
 Make a good impression
Your words and content represent you; review/edit you
words and images before sending.
 Be selective on what information
when you put in an e-mail or on a web site:
Information on the Internet is very public, and can seen
by anyone in the world including criminals, future
employers, and governments.
 Remember you are not anonymous
What you write in an e-mail and web site can be traced
back to you.
 Obey copyright laws
Visit the Library of Congress' Guide on "Copyright Basic
for students and teachers.
 Cite others' work you use
Refer to the Guide on "Citation"
 Use distribution lists appropriately and with permissio
 Do not send SPAM
SPAM is posting or e-mailing unsolicited e-mail, often
advertising messages, to a wide audience.
 Don't forward chain letters
 If you receive one, notify your web master.
 Don't respond to "flames" or personal attacks
Contact your web master for action and referral.

Due Dates Weekly Schedule of Topics & Assignments

Notes
1. Assignments are due no later than 11:55 PM on the indicated date.
2. Assignments are usually due on Mondays and Thursdays. However, there are a few exceptions,
which are highlighted in schedule.

Aug 29 Reading: Syllabus

Tues, Sept 3 Assignment: Introductory Biography – 1st Response

Sept 5 Assignments: Profile Update & Internet Back-Up Plan; Introductory Biography – Response to Classmates;
Syllabus Quiz; Why Study the Humanities Essay; Course Commitment Statement

Sept 9 Readings: Chpt. 1: Discovering a World of Art; Chpt. 2 Developing Visual Literacy

Assignment: Discussion Question 1 – 1st Response

Sept 12 Assignments: Multiple Choice Test for Chpt. 1; Multiple Choice Test for Chpt. 2; Discussion Question 1 –
Response to Classmates
Sept 16 Readings:  Chpt. 3 Line; Chpt. 4: Shape and Space
Assignments: Discussion Question 2 – 1st Response

Sept 19 Assignments: Multiple Choice Test for Chpt. 3; Multiple Choice Test for Chpt. 4; Discussion Question 2 –
Response to Classmates

Sept 23 Readings:  Chpt. 5: Light and Color; Chpt. 6: Texture, Time and Motion
Assignment: Discussion Question 3 –1st Response

Sept 26 Assignments: Multiple Choice Test for Chpt. 5; Multiple Choice Test for Chpt. 6; Discussion Question 3

Sept 30 Readings:  Chpt. 7: The Principles of Design

Assignment: Discussion Question 4 –1st Response

Oct 3 Assignments: Multiple Choice Test for Chpt. 7; Discussion Question 4 – Response to Classmates

Oct 7 Reading: Chpt. 14: Architecture

Assignments: Exam #1; Discussion Question 5 –1st Response

Oct 10 Assignments: Multiple Choice Test for Chpt. 14; Discussion Question 5 – Response to Classmates

Oct 14 Reading: Chpt. 9: Painting

 Assignments: Discussion Question 6 –1st Response

Oct 17 Assignments: Multiple Choice Test for Chpt. 9; Discussion Question 6 – Response to Classmates

Oct 21 Reading: Chpt. 12: Sculpture

Assignments: Historic Landmark Project – Fisher Building; Discussion Question 7 –1st Response

Oct 24 Assignments: Multiple Choice Test for Chpt. 12; Discussion Question 7 – Response to Classmates

Oct 28 Reading: Chpt. 16: The Ancient World

Assignment: Discussion Question 8 – 1st Response

Oct 31 Assignments: Multiple Choice Test for Chpt. 16; Discussion Question 8 – Response to Classmates

Nov 4 Reading: Chpt. 17: The Age of Faith

Assignments: DIA Critical Essay; Discussion Question 9 – 1st Response

Nov 7 Assignments: Multiple Choice Test for Chpt. 17; Discussion Question 9 – Response to Classmates;

Nov 11 Readings: Chpt. 18: The Renaissance through the Baroque

Assignment: Discussion Question 10 –1st Response

Nov 14 Assignments:  Multiple Choice Test for Chpt. 18; Discussion Question 10 – Response to Classmates

Nov 18 Readings: Chpt. 19: The Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries; Chpt. 20: From 1900 to the Present
Assignments: Discussion Question 11 –1st Response; Discussion Question 12 –1st Response

Nov 21 Assignments: Multiple Choice Test for Chpt. 19; Multiple Choice Test for Chpt. 20; Discussion Question
11 – Response to Classmates; Discussion Question 12 – Response to Classmates

Nov 25 Assignment: Exam #2

Dec 2 Reading: Chpt. 11: Photography and Time-Based Media

Dec 5 Assignments: Multiple Choice Test for Chpt. 11; Optional Assignment

Dec 9 Assignment: Film Essay

Academic Grades
The following is the grading system used at Wayne County Community College District:

Grade Points Description/Explanation

A 4.0 Excellent
B 3.0 Above Average

C 2.0 Average

D 1.0 Below Average

E 0.0 Failure to complete course requirements satisfactorily

Academic grades are “A”, “B”, “C”, “D”, and “E”. Pluses and minuses are not given with the grades.

Incomplete Grade

An instructor may give an “I” or “Incomplete” grade for a student during the final two weeks of the
semester when the student cannot complete the course requirements because of emergency
circumstances. Emergency circumstances are considered situations beyond the control of the student.
The criteria to give an “I” grade are as follows:
1). The student must be passing the course.
2). The student must have to complete a project or an exam.
3). The student must have a true emergency, such as emergency surgery.
The instructor and the student complete the “I” form contract and discuss the conditions of the
contract. The student must agree to the conditions of the contract and must sign the contract. The
instructor signs the contract, records the grade on the “Final Grade Report and Permanent Roster,”
and turns in a copy of the contract at final checkout.
District policy requires all students who earn an incomplete “I” grade to complete that course by the
end of two consecutive regular semesters after the term in which the “I” grade was given. The
student is charged with the responsibility of completing the course requirements through the
instructor who issued the “I” grade.
In the event the student is unable to contact the instructor, the student must immediately contact the
appropriate campus academic administrator for instructions. Failure to complete the course
requirements within the two regular consecutive semester time limit shall result in a grade of “E”
replacing the “I” grade. Students should not register a second time for a course in which they have
received an outstanding “I” grade.

“W” Grades

WI Institutional For failure to attend any class during the first four (4) weeks of
Withdrawal the semester.

W Withdrawal Withdrawal by the student during the first half of the semester.

WP Withdrawal Withdrawal by the student doing passing work from the fourth
Passing (4th) week through the twelfth (12th) week of classes. The
add/drop form must be signed by the instructor.
 WF Withdrawal Withdrawal by the student doing failing work from the fourth (4 th)
Failing week through the twelfth (12th) week of classes. The add/drop
form must be signed by the instructor.

XN Non- Suppresses grade due to non-payment.

payment

XW Walk-away Walk away status. Attended at least one class during the first
third of the semester and failed to withdraw during the
remaining two-thirds of the semester.

Note:
While neither grades WI, W, WP, nor WF are calculated as part of the official grade point
average, they are counted in determining satisfactory academic progress for students receiving
financial aid and continuing eligibility.

It is the policy of the College that the responsibility for dropping a class belongs to the student.
Students may drop the class until the eighth (8 th) week of the semester without an instructor
signature. From the ninth (9th) to the twelfth (12th) week the student must obtain their instructor’s
signature on the add/drop form.
Change of Grades
There is a process by which faculty can change grades.
Grades are assigned based upon the faculty member’s assessment of student performance in achieving
the competencies identified for the course. In cases where a clerical error was made in recording grades
from the instructor’s records to the college records, the faculty member can initiate a change of grade.
Or, if a mistake in calculation caused a faculty member to assign a grade inconsistent with performance
at the time grades were due, the change of grade process is the mechanism by which the college record
can be altered (within one year) to reflect the instructor’s valid assessment.
While a student can request that the instructor review with him or her, the basis upon which a grade is
awarded, the student should be made to understand that performance in meeting course objectives as
judged by the faculty is, in the final analysis, the basis upon which the grade is awarded. A grade appeal
process is available to the student and is described in a number of college publications.
To the extent that effort, hard work, and improvement contribute to performance of competencies,
those attributes are reinforced through grades as well. However, students at times need to be gently
reminded that effort, improvement, and working hard do not, in and of themselves, merit an “A” grade
in a course.
Similarly, the student also needs to understand that the pressures of his/her non-academic
commitments (family, jobs, social, community) do not constitute a valid reason for the instructor to have
lower expectations of some students than of others. At times, students try to do too much and,
therefore, cannot devote the time to academics that is required. Those students may benefit from
assistance in planning their academic schedules so as to meet educational goals while fulfilling personal
commitments.
Academic Honesty
The expectations at Wayne County Community College District are that the principles of truth and
honesty will be practiced in all academic matters. Therefore, acts of academic dishonesty, including
such activities as plagiarism or cheating, are regarded by the College as very serious offenses. In the
event that cheating, plagiarism or other forms of academic dishonesty on the part of students are
discovered, each incident will be handled on a individual basis as deemed appropriate by the instructor.

Disclaimer
Due to unforeseen circumstances, the instructor reserves the right to alter the material covered and
exam dates.

Multi-Learning Lab (MLL)

The MLL, funded by the U.S. Department of Education, assists students with regularly scheduled tutoring
appointments. Many other students are assisted on a drop-in basis.
The MLL will give presentations to classes upon requests and welcomes instructors to walk students to
the lab to familiarize them with the location.
Tutoring is offered for all courses subject to the availability of a tutor.

ACCESS
The ACCESS program provides supportive services and academic assistance to students enrolled in
vocational, technical and occupational programs and who are handicapped, academically or
economically disadvantaged or who have limited English proficiency.
Such services include educational, career and personal counseling, interpreters, note takers, readers,
tutors, mobility assistance and referral services. Special equipment such as tape recorders, computers,
and telecommunication devices for the deaf and closed-circuit televisions are available to support
students with special needs.
Downriver 734-374-3206 Voice/TDD
734-946-3500
Downtown 313-496-2708 Voice/TDD
313-496-2758
Eastern 313-579-6923 Voice/TDD
313-922-3311
Northwest 313-943-4073 Voice/TDD
313-943-4000
Ted Scott 734-374-3206 Voice/TDD
734-699-7008