Art Appreciation Syllabus for 2025-2026
Return to Syllabus List

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.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement

Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.

If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

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

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: Students who are attending Texas institutions of higher education, for the first time fall 2007 and later, may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

ARTS-1301-MCC1 Art Appreciation

Prerequisites

Course Description

A general introduction to the visual arts designed to create an appreciation of the vocabulary, media, techniques and purposes of the creative process. Students will critically interpret and evaluate works of art within formal, cultural and historical contexts.

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

Tech Supported

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Textbook Access Code through the Amarillo College Bookstore: 

REVEL for A World of Art -- Access Card 
Prentice-Hall, New York, NY, 9th Edition
Author: Henry M. Sayre
ISBN 978-013-6828488

REVEL access code, for digital edition, is available at the Amarillo College Bookstore. Important that you get access code, in order to complete course.

- Pearson recommends using the latest version of Chrome, Firefox, or Safari with this digital product.  

Supplies

Textbook, Revel code, access to a computer for technical supported leaning with camera, microphone/earphone to participate in classes on Blackboard Collaborate and complete online assignments, discussions and vocabulary and review class material.

1. COMPUTER REQUIREMENTS. Students are responsible for having the minimum computer requirements. Students must have regular access to a computer with the following: 

• Windows 2000 or higher.
• Internet Service Provider (ISP) capable of supplying at least 56k connection speed.
• Email account
• Supported web browsers:  Firefox, Google Chrome, and Safari work the best.  Internet Explorer may not support some features of our AC Connect course.
• Browser settings for your AC Connect course: Make sure that JavaScript in enabled in your browser. Make sure that you allow pop windows in our browser for your AC Connect course.  If your browser warns you that there is a pop up window anywhere in our AC Connect course, choose "allow" for the pop up window.
• Screen resolution of at least 800 x 600.
• Students are responsible for downloading all course required plug-ins (such as the Adobe Flash Player – required plug-in) and having access to a computer that is capable of viewing all material on the Content page.
• Access to YouTube videos is required.  Students are responsible for obtaining access to YouTube videos that the instructor specifically links to on the YouTube website.  The instructor is not responsible for the content of YouTube videos that are not specifically linked to in the course.  Links to YouTube videos are constantly changing, so the instructor needs to be informed of any broken links to YouTube videos that are specifically linked to in the course.

Student Performance

ART APPRECIATION

ARTS 1301 Art Appreciation
A general introduction to the visual arts designed to create an appreciation of the vocabulary, media, techniques, and purposes of the creative process. Students will critically interpret and evaluate works of art within formal, cultural, and historical contexts.

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

1. Apply art terminology as it specifically relates to works of art.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of art elements and principles of design.
3. Differentiate between the processes and materials used in the production of various works of art.
4. Critically interpret and evaluate works of art.
5. Demonstrate an understanding of the impact of arts on culture.

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 understand the visual elements and principles.
4. Students will apply art terminology as it specifically relates to works of art.
5. Students will demonstrate knowledge of materials and techniques developed by artists over the centuries.
6. Students will understand the general characteristics of major art periods or styles.
7. Students will analyze works of art formally and conceptually.

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

Students are required to turn on your camera's, dress appropriately in class & learn to apply "rule of thirds" when addressing the camera.

Academic Honesty: All matters of academic dishonesty including plagiarism (the act of copying and pasting information from one source and inserting into a paper without proper citations, rewriting information from another source and inserting into a paper with proper citations, copying and rewriting from another student’s work and using as your own), collusion, fabrication, cheating etc. will result in a failing grade for the assignment in question.

Cyber bullying or cyber-harassment includes sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about someone else. It can include sharing personal or private information about someone else causing embarrassment or humiliation. Some cyber bullying crosses the line into unlawful or criminal behavior.

Policy Concerning Sensitive Subject Matter: In the college experience, students encounter diverse views and new subject matter, which expand their knowledge and perspective. In all Humanities or Philosophy courses, we might observe, read and discuss some works with subject matter that could include (but not limited to) death, violence, sexuality, race potentially offensive language, and political or religious viewpoints different from your own. If any sensitive subject matter is a concern for you, please arrange a meeting with the instructor.

Grading Criteria

Grading Criteria

The final grade is based on a total of 100 possible percentage points that the student can earn through completing assignments, midterm and final exam, a team term project, as well as other grade considerations mentioned below.
90 - 100  = A
80 - 89 = B
70 - 79 = C
60 - 69 = D
0 - 59  = F

TIMELINE PROJECT         40%

EXAMS                              20%

DISCUSSIONS                  10%

REVEL                               20%

ATTENDANCE                  10%

TOTAL GRADE               100%

AC Connect course grade book: Your course grades are accessed through the  “My Grades” link on the Course menu in our AC Connect course as well as other links in AC Connect.  You can access your grade book through the "My Grades" link on our AC Connect Course Menu as well as other access points through AC Connect.

Due Dates of Course Work: Students are responsible for checking their AC Connect Course Content each week for specific course due dates (that are subject to change). Late assignments will not be accepted, except in the case of a course or campus wide malfunction of AC Connect.  If this occurs, the instructor will accept the assignment or project late or arrange a makeup exam without penalty to the students.

Course Work:  You will complete your course work in class and through our AC Connect Content section. Students are responsible for and will be tested on all vocabulary, lecture presentation information and related links, class discussions, and assigned reading material.  Reviews for each exam will be provided by the instructor.

Also see Instructor Attendance Policy and Student Behavior sections of the syllabus for more information about grading criteria.

Attendance

Attendance Policy for Lecture:

• This is a technically supported class; therefore, students are required to attend lecture.
• Attendance is monitored by Watermark (10% of your grade), one excused absent.
• It is the student’s responsibility to access the course online and complete all discussions, essays, and exams according to the course calendar.
• Students are expected to access the online course every day to complete all requirements. Communications emailed to the instructor must be sent through Blackboard. Attendance is required to succeed in the course.
• Attendance census report will be completed by 03/30/2026
• If you have not logged in to Blackboard Collaborate to attend class, you risk automatically be withdrawn from the course.

Attendance is required to succeed in the course.  The attendance census report will be completed by 03/30/2026 If you do not attend class, you will be automatically be withdrawn from the course.

Final date to withdraw from the course without a failing grade: 05/05/2026

Disability Statement: Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact Disability Services Phone: 806-371-5436 as soon as possible.

Calendar

Additional Information

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

New Social Services Office at Amarillo College
Resources for social services or emergency services for students are available at - https://www.actx.edu/socialservices/ .  So please let me know if there is some situation that you have that is interfering with your performance in the class, and be sure to take advantage of the resources available through the Social Services Office.

Helpful Links:

Direct link to AC Connect portal and courses as well as your AC Connect email - https://acconnect.actx.edu/. You will log in with the same ID and password you use for WebAdvisor.  Contact AskAC (806-371-5000) for help if you have trouble with your log in.

AskAC  -  http://www.actx.edu/contact/-   Please contact AskAC for technical help.

AC Connect Student Resources  - https://www.actx.edu/ctl/pagesmith/11 

Learn about using AC Connect (Blackboard) and using features of our course by reviewing the following tutorials:
Blackboard On Demand Learning Center for Students– http://ondemand.blackboard.com/students.htm .

Student and Faculty Help Center  and AC Connect Resources -  https://www.actx.edu/ctl/pagesmith/119  Offers technical help to AC students.
The purpose of the Student & Faculty Help Center is to introduce and/or instruct students in the proper procedures to interact confidently with AC Connect components or other software required for course assignments.

Writers' Corner

If you feel you need help organizing and writing course work, check this out:
Writers’ Corner: Tutoring with Pizzazz - http://www.actx.edu/english/index.php?module=article&id=36. Writers' Corner is a great resource for help with writing papers and assignments. They can't help you with the content of your work, but they can help you write your work in the proper format.