The course is intended as an introduction to looking at, 
analyzing, interpreting, and appreciating works of visual art.  
The development of critical thinking skills is an important 
course objective. Students enrolled in the course will:

1. Consider how opposing definitions and the categorization of 
"art" provides a framework for discussing the nature and value 
of art as topics of philosophical aesthetic debate.

2. Identify and define the formal elements and the components 
of structure.

3. Analyze and evaluate works of art through criterion-based 
methods of art criticism including realism, expressionistic 
style, instrumentalism, formalism and dewyian approaches.

4. Identify individual artists and works of art which serve as 
visual representatives of the major media and methodologies of 
art.

The course is divided into two sections - the first eight weeks 
are devoted to investigations into the nature of aesthetics, 
the visual language of art and various critical evaluative 
processes.

The second eight weeks investigates the various painting, 
printmaking, sculpture, architecture, photography, graphic 
design and performance/installation work. Presentation of 
material involves formal lectures and discussions.  Grades are
derived from two examinations and one research project.