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Introduction to Visual Culture Spring 2005 Jefferson Hendricks English Department Centenary College of Louisiana |
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Texts and Syllabus Policies and Requirements Writing Resources for Students Web Resources for Visual Culture |
Policies and Requirements
Course Description:
- This is an introductory course in looking at and thinking about art, design, and media. In our interaction with visual culture we will think about how meaning is created at different times and in different places. Who made the things around us? Who were they made for? What was their purposes? How did people understand them at that time? What do they mean to us today? When we ask such questions and come to see the connections between the appearances of objects and the culture that produces them--including our own right here and now--we increase both our visual vocabulary and our cultural awareness. We will encounter work from a wide variety of cultures in this course, but the emphasis is on the western tradition because that forms the context of much of our own visual culture. The approach will be both thematic and chronological with the goal of giving you a framework through which to "read/see" the world of visual culture around you more deeply and meaningfully.
- To develop visual literacy, and with it a broader understanding of art in various historical and cultural contexts.
- To interact with art, design, and media at various levels, in order to gain an understanding and appreciation of a variety of art-making practices.
- To better understand the role of art, design, and media in filling individual and societal needs, both today and throughout history.
- To practice and develop your critical thinking and communication skills in expressing your ideas and feelings about art, design, and media.
Grading:
- quizzes/in-class writing 20%
- 1st essay 10%
- 2nd essay 20%
- mid-term exam 10%
- final exam 20%
- work ethic 20%
Work Ethic:
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The nature of this class requires individual responsibility and maturity in participation and attendance. You are expected to prepare for class by reading and thinking about those readings before you come to class and you will be expected to actively participate in class discussions. Please be on time for all classes, prepared, and ready to listen, think, and contribute.
- Attendance is required and more than 2 absences will lower your grade. More than 4 will result in failure for the course.
- All papers must be word processed (to be turned in to Becky Palmer in Jackson Hall 307) in proper MLA format. Late Work--UNACCEPTABLE. All work is to be completed and turned in on time. Late papers will receive one letter grade lower for every day late. Late papers more than 3 days late automatically receive a failing grade.
- The class schedule is dynamic and therefore liable to change. The readings will remain constant, but if something interesting is happening that we should see, be prepared to spend class that day observing an art exhibition, a new building, or new images that someone may bring to class to share with us. It is your responsibility to check the online syllabus every few days to see what changes or additions have occured.
- If you have any questions or concerns about the course and its assignments, please feel free to make an appointment to see me when you need help. This semester my official office hours are Tu and Th from 9:45 to 11:00 and on Tu, Wed, Th from 1:15 to 1:50. However, I am generally here from 8 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday. Go to contact information for this course for specific ways to reach me.
- Plagiarism is a most serious offense. Penalties as severe as a zero on an assignment, failure in the course or expulsion from the college are possible. Learn and practice the Centenary Honor Code.