Understanding two- and three-dimensional media and practices within the field of art through language and history to enhance aesthetic appreciation for visual culture and one’s own creative expression.
Athena Title
Art Appreciation
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in ARTS 2000E
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall and spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
Students will gain an appreciation for the field of art and will analyze works of artwork by identifying visual language, understanding art historical periods and movements, critically evaluating artworks and establishing a deeper aesthetic appreciation for visual culture and their own creative expression.
Students enrolled in the course will identify the visual elements and principles of design of art, describing how they are used throughout various two- and three- dimensional media and practices.
Students enrolled in the course will analyze major art historical periods and movements, further understanding the cultural, social, and historical contexts in which art was created and how art reflects and shapes cultural values and beliefs.
Students enrolled in the course will recognize the importance of critical thinking and evaluation by developing skills in visual analysis and interpretation of artworks, by formulating informed opinions and judgments about art, by comparing and contrasting different artworks and artistic styles, and by understanding the role of art in society and culture.
Students enrolled in the course will consider a personal aesthetic appreciation for the diversity and richness of art by connecting art to their own experiences and perspectives, by engaging in discussions about art, and by exploring their own creative potential by expressing themselves through artmaking.
Topical Outline
The first half of the semester is devoted to exploring aesthetic appreciation and the visual languages of art and critical evaluative processes in addition to identifying various two- and three- dimensional art media and their compositions and themes.
The second half of the semester, students will understand major art historical periods and movements which strengthen the ability to evaluate, compare and critique works of art in addition to exploring their own creativity by expressing themselves through art and visual culture.
Course content is presented via lectures, discussions, films, studio projects in addition to gallery and site explorations. Final course grades consist of creative projects, homework assignments, a museum critique paper and two exams (midterm and final).
General Education Core
CORE IV: Humanities and the Arts
Institutional Competencies
Creativity & Innovation
The capacity to combine or synthesize existing ideas, images, or expertise in original ways and the experience of thinking, reacting, and working in an imaginative way characterized by innovation, divergent thinking, and risk taking.
Critical Thinking
The ability to pursue and comprehensively evaluate information before accepting or establishing a conclusion, decision, or action.
Social Awareness & Responsibility
The capacity to understand the interdependence of people, communities, and self in a global society.
