Art 118: American Art

Course Description/Overview

The history of American art from colonial times to the present. Painting, sculpture, architecture, and crafts will be examined within their historical, political and sociocultural background. Students learn to identify works by pivotal artists, recognize techniques and formal visual elements, and critically analyze artwork within its contextual framework.

Transferability

UC/CSU

Requisites/Advisories

RECOMMENDED PREP: Readiness for college-level English or ESL 188

Grading Options

Letter or P/NP

TEXTBOOKS

Required: Frances K. Pohl, Framing America (new or used)

Recommended: Sylvan Barnet, A Short Guide to Writing About Art (new or used, current or earlier edition) Both are available at the City College of San Francisco Bookstore, as well as through the publishers or online vendors.

MAJOR LEARNING OUTCOMES

• 1. Identify and analyze the formal visual elements and techniques of individual works of American art in different media.

  2. Compare the stylistic aspects and trends of American art.

  3. Evaluate works of American art in relation to their cultural and historical context.

  4. Define and distinguish the American visual tradition.

Equity Statement

I am committed to inclusivity, equity and diversity among our college community members, including students. I believe that all students, of varying backgrounds, races, abilities, nationalities, genders, sexual orientations, beliefs, religions, and socio-economic status, have the right to access a higher education and receive the resources and support they need to achieve their educational and professional goals. I welcome, encourage, and engage in diverse perspectives in respectful dialogue, and my commitment is to be critically race-conscious, anti-racist, and culturally responsive in all that I do. Education is for all who enter the doors of this college. I welcome you.

Important Information for Online Students with Disabilities

Students who need academic accommodations should request them from the (new window) Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSPS) located in the Rosenberg Library, Room 323, on the Ocean Campus. Telephone: 415-452-5481 (V) 415-452-5451 (TDD). DSPS is the campus office responsible for verifying disability-related need for academic accommodations, assessing that need, and planning accommodations in cooperation with students and instructors as needed and consistent with course requirements.

Course Technology

Students will use the Canvas Learning Management system [for assignment instructions, submitting assignments, viewing classmates' work, sharing resources, and viewing grades]. I can help with the course material and with some Canvas issues. But, if you need help uploading an assignment or with the mechanics of Canvas, use Canvas Chat support feature, accessed through the Help link in the global menu. The searchable Canvas Guides are a great resource.

Required Software

• Adobe Reader

• Update your browser

Field Trip Information

No field trips

Grading Policies and Evaluation Methods

Methods of Evaluation

Each week you will complete graded assignments. There is a Discussion and a Quiz most weeks. Quizzes may be taken unlimited times until they close. The last score will count. All of these assignments should be completed after reading the textbook and the content in the modules. Quizzes will be based on textbook reading and Canvas content.

Course Requirements

1. Reading assignments in the textbook

2. Articles and other materials accessed through links in the course

3. Discussion forums

4. Periodic quizzes (no midterm or final exam)

5. Term paper (required to pass the class)

Grading

40% Term Paper

40% Quizzes and Assignments

20% Discussion Forums (Note: less than 70% on the discussion score at the conclusion of the class will result in a deduction on the final grade)