Art History I Syllabus for 2025-2026
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Instructor Information

Course Information

AI Statement

Collusion is defined as “the unauthorized collaboration with another person or by any other means, including artificial intelligence (AI) and computer translators, in preparing work for fulfillment of course requirements.” Using AI like (ChatGPT or Google Gemini) to create a document is considered colluding. The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence on specific assignments is at the discretion of the instructor.

Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Reporting

Amarillo College prohibits discrimination and harassment based on sex, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, under Title IX and Texas Education Code §51.253–255. Faculty and staff are mandatory reporters and must share any related concerns with the Title IX Coordinator at titleix@actx.edu. Reports and additional information are available at https://www.actx.edu/hr/title-ixtitle-ix. Confidential counseling and advocacy services are available through the Counseling Center and Advocacy & Resource Center.

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Enrollment Center, Suite 700. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
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Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Tutoring for Success applies to any student whose overall performance in the course falls below 75%. The instructor will create the task in the Student Engagement Portal (Watermark) to direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty- or SI-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. The tutoring service assigned, the due date for when the tutoring must be completed, and the amount of tutoring required are at the discretion of the instructor. Additionally, the task will alert the student’s success team. Students who do not fulfill the assigned tutoring task may be subject to program- and course-specific penalties that could result in a grade reduction and/or in not being allowed to progress in the course until the tutoring requirement has been satisfied.

Administrative Drop Policy

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

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Course

ARTS-1303-001 Art History I

Prerequisites

Course Description

A chronological analysis of the historical and cultural contexts of the visual arts from prehistoric times to the 14th century.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

Hybrid

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

RECOMMENDED TEXT: Janson’s History of Art, The Western Tradition, Prentice-Hall, 8th edition

(7th edition ok, but plate numbers differ)  The REVEL edition has online access.

see upcoming email for your REVEL course “invitation”

I have designed free course materials based on the text above, 

Supplies

Additional Materials:  You should keep a well-organized portfolio for this class, including this syllabus, all review sheets and handouts, your notes and notecards.  

Please take notes by hand. 
You may use your hand-written (not printed) notes on the exams.

Student Performance

ARTS 1303 Art History I (Prehistoric to the 14th century)
 A chronological analysis of the historical and cultural contexts of the visual arts from prehistoric times to the 14th century.

Learning Outcomes (ACGM)
 Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

1. Identify and describe works of art based on their chronology and style, using standard categories and terminology.
 2. Investigate major artistic developments and significant works of art from prehistoric times to the 14th century.
 3. Analyze the relationship of art to history by placing works of art within cultural, historical, and chronological contexts.
 4. Critically interpret and evaluate works of art.

Specific Course Outcomes:
 1. Students will demonstrate effective communication, critical thinking, and teamwork skills.
 2. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the relationship of the Visual Arts and Social Responsibility.
 3. Students will demonstrate an understanding of stylistic trends in art history.
 4. Students will develop a basic understanding of the development of western art embedded within its historical context from the 14th century to the present.
 5. Students will recognize the qualities of various art movements, periods, and styles.
 6. Students will analyze works of art formally and conceptually.
 7. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the stylistic and symbolic content of artworks from different periods and individual artists.
 8. Students will analyze works of art using appropriate terminology and articulate these thoughts effectively in writing (and/or in oral presentation).
 9. Students will explain connections between the visual properties of the art object and its social, cultural, intellectual and historical contexts and meanings using appropriate vocabulary.
 10. Students will maintain a professional and respectful attitude.
 11. Students will understand and refrain from plagiarism.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

Class Decorum: College is a community of scholars. College tradition demands a respect for others and their ideas. For many students, college represents a vital step toward the opportunity for financial and intellectual independence. Simply stated, rules for classroom etiquette include the requirement that no one stand in the way of someone else trying to learn. The goal of this outline is to create an atmosphere of MUTUAL RESPECT.

• Be on time for class. Being late can interrupt the lecture and attention of students and faculty.
• In order to protect the learning experience of the majority of students, consistently disruptive students will be asked to leave the class.
• Do not carry on personal conversations in the class.
• Seek help and ask questions whenever you are unsure about course material; I am here to help you.
• Turn off all cell phones before entering class. If you forget, and your phone rings, do not answer it, and do not use your phone for text messaging. 
• I RESERVE THE RIGHT TO CONFISCATE YOUR CELL PHONE UNTIL THE END OF CLASS.

COVID/FLU etc. info: if you are sick, please do not come to class. I will work with you to maintain participation remotely. 

Grading Criteria

GRADING:

Student grades will be based on three notebook checks, 3 exams and one (group/Core Curriculum) assignment.

All exams given in class unless there are extenuating circumstances.

MAKE-UP EXAMS: You are allowed ONE make-up exam at the Testing Center. CONTACT ME IMMEDIATELY AFTER MISSING AN EXAM to MUST GAIN PERMISSION to take the make-up. 

ONLY make-up exams will be given at the Testing Center, where you must make an appointment and bring your student ID

Testing Center

Location: Student Service Center, Room 101

Phone: 806-371-5445

Testing Center Hours: 

Monday: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM                                   

Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM                                  

Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM                             

Thursday: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM*                               

Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM                                      

Saturday: CLOSED                                                  

Sunday: CLOSED

*Testing Services will open at 9:30 am on the last Thursday of each month due to staff training and development.*

NO EXAMS WILL BE GIVEN OUT THE LAST HOUR OF BUSINESS!

Testing Center: Information That Students Must Know

• Students MUST MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
• Students must present a photo ID for all exams. No exceptions.
• Students must know the instructor's name, and the specific name of the exam that they need.
• Students may not start an exam within one hour of closing. If there is a time limit on your exam, they must adjust their starting time accordingly. (Example: If we close at 7:00 and you have a 2 hour time limit on your test, you may start your test no later than 5:00.) No exceptions.
• Students are strongly encouraged to not wait until the last minute to take their exams.  Testing Services staff will pick up exams five - ten minutes before closing.  The Testing Center will close promptly at posted times.
• It is very important for students to understand that the Testing Center testing rooms are being video recorded at all times, and that cheating, or aiding another student to cheat, will NOT be tolerated.  Your test will be taken up and reported to your instructor, as well as to the Associate Dean of Enrollment Management for disciplinary action.
• It is the student's responsibility to report to the Testing Center early enough to make sure they have the time they need to complete their exam!!!!
• All computer- based exams are administered by appointment only.
• Childcare arrangements must be made PRIOR to taking an exam in the Testing Center. Children MAY NOT accompany students into assessment rooms or be left unattended anywhere on campus.
• Disruptive or rude behavior will not be tolerated. Students engaging in this behavior will be asked to leave and will forfeit the right to use the Testing Center.
• No personal items are allowed in the testing rooms other than those specifically cleared by the instructor (example: calculators, charts, scantrons).  While open shelving is available, students are encouraged to leave cell phones, purses, books, backpacks, etc. at home or in their car

Attendance

ATTENDANCE/PARTICIPATION POLICY: Attendance and participation is CRITICAL to your success in this course. 

In order to keep up with the content of the course, you will need to attend class sessions as well as engage with recorded lectures and slideshows, etc. 

Calendar

Additional Information

DEPARTMENTAL INFORMATION:

• Department Coordinator: John Brixen, Parcells Hall #313D 
• Dean’s Office: Parcells #404
• Departmental Counselor/Career Advisor: Sarah Webb