Social Sciences & Humanities Division, Daniel Webster College

Art of the Modern Period (HU 308 A), Fall 2009

Professor: Donald Wellman
Office Location: DWH 223 A

Office hours: Monday & Wednesday 10-12 by appointment.

Voice mail: (603) 577-6654

SYLLABUS
The study of modern art, especially painting, presents an opportunity to examine changes in ways of seeing that hold continuing relevance to contemporary visual culture. This course covers the emergence and development of specifically modern styles of expression in the period from 1862 to the years immediately following the Second World War. This course meets 3d year general education elective requirements in the Humanities Area.

GLOBAL OUTCOMES:

Develop and demonstrate the ability to write perceptive and original insights into works of art.
Develop and demonstrate abilities in research, analysis, argument, and communication, at a level appropriate to the third-year of the General Education College Core.
Develop and demonstrate an understanding of social facts and social history characteristic of the modern period.
Increase media and visual literacy.

COURSE-LEVEL OUTCOMES:

Students will be able to evaluate historical changes in ways of seeing and representation.
Students will demonstrate understanding of the relations of form and color with respect to the depiction of volume and motion.
Students will demonstrate a critical appreciation of significant developments in the history of modern art, establishing a command of the vocabulary required to identify selected differences of style.
Students will identify themes in social history related to the subject matter and styles of composition surveyed in the course.
Students will demonstrate knowledge of how the arts of the modern period have influenced contemporary media and visual culture.
Using inductive processes, including inferences drawn from primary materials, students will demonstrate improved abilities in research and argumentation.

REQUIRED TEXTS:

E. H. Gombrich. Art and Illusion.
Jon Thompson. How to Read Modern Paintings: Lessons from the Modern Masters.
Flaminio Gualdoni. Art: The Twentieth Century.
Other required readings will be made available on line.

INSTRUCTOR'S EXPECTATIONS:

Each student is to have an e-mail account and a home page on web. IT here at DWC can provide you with both of these services, if they have not already been assigned to you. You may use other providers if you so desire.
No cuts. After the third absence, your cumulative average for the term will be reduced by 2 points for each absence. If you accumulate a deficit of 10 points, I will ask you to withdraw from the class.
Exercises and other short writings are due via e-mail by 9 pm of the day of the week specified in the Calendar, unless instructed otherwise. Always bring hard copies of your work to class. If you are repeatedly late with your work, the penalties similar to those for absences apply.
The hard copy of all work submitted for evaluation throughout the semester will conform to MLA style for format and citation. For e-mailed or posted copy you may use html or plain text. Copy in attached files will meet MLA standards. Proof-read all copy before submitting or posting. Incorrect, unclear, or wordy writing will affect your grade on individual assignments.
Plagiarism will be warrant for failing the class. Plagiarism is the misuse of the work of others or the passing off of the work of others as your own work. Plagiarism is often a matter of misattribution or false attribution. Any such failing is a failing in intellectual honesty and evidence of plagiarism.
Ask questions; share your ideas with the class; visit with me in my office and let me know how things are going for you in this class. The effort and energy that you will expend on various forms of participation is the best guarantee of your success in this class.

NOTE: As circumstances require, I reserve the right to alter this syllabus. The calendar too is also highly interactive, reflecting changes to assignment sheets and specifying reading requirements

WRITING AND RESEARCH ASSIGNMENTS:
There will be two short essays and one substantial term paper in essay form. All essays will makes use of both secondary research and analysis of of different art-objects. Each of these essays must be presented as the development of an original thesis or interpretation. Essays collectively count as 60% of the term grade. The weights are graduated 10%, 20%, and 30%.

Course work includes several short-writings or exercises, some random goodies, and a portfolio, drawn from these assignments as well as from original work. The portfolio can contain poetry or drawing as well as reflective prose. This term, I hope to see all students preparing an electronic version of their portfolio.

Preparation for class, timely completion of assignments, and availing yourself of opportunities for revision are crucial measures of participation. They will also guarantee your success in this course.

Course policies:

Americans with Disabilities Act: Students with any type of disability that may require accommodation should contact the Office of Academic Affairs at academicaffairs@dwc.edu or 577-6615 to arrange a meeting within the first two weeks of the fall 2009 semester. This meeting is extremely important, as it allows us to prepare your accommodations for the upcoming semester. In order for a student to be accommodated for a disability under the ADA, the individual seeking disability accommodations must disclose to the appointed disability coordinator. Disclosure to a staff, faculty or other campus affiliate does not determine eligibility or grant a student reasonable accommodations. Should you not wish to receive accommodations, or fail to arrange a meeting, you will be subject to all academic standards in your courses.

Academic Integrity Policy: “Daniel Webster College believes that all students have the right to learn in an academic community that insures fair competition and respects truth and honesty.” (Student Handbook-Ethical Standards) Students are expected to demonstrate scrupulous honesty in all academic work. Any violations of such honesty, including cheating on exams and plagiarism on papers, will result in two levels of penalties applied: Academic penalties and Disciplinary penalties. Academic penalties include, but are not limited to, a failing grade for the assignment and possible dismissal from the class; Disciplinary penalties include, but are not limited to, a written warning from the Vice President for Academic Affairs and temporary or permanent dismissal from the institution..

PEER-TUTORING RESOURCES: Daniel Webster College offers various tutoring resources for all students to utilize. If you feel you need tutoring in a course that you are currently enrolled, please contact the Dean of your School of study to make an appointment to review your needs. Your Dean will work closely with you and our Peer-Tutoring Coordinator to arrange appropriate tutoring as well as if deemed necessary to develop an academic plan with you that will assist with keeping you on track to achieve your educational goals. Should you need Writing or Math/Science Support, you will be referred appropriately to the Writing Center and the Math/Science Support Center for further assistance.

Course Calendar (Under construction)

Course Resources