ART

Course Synopsis: ART1001 – Introduction to Art

ART1001: Introduction to Art is a foundational survey course that explores the diverse world of artistic expression across cultures, media, and historical periods. Designed for learners of all backgrounds, this course introduces students to the language of visual and performing arts by studying major movements, styles, and innovations in both traditional and contemporary forms.

Through an interdisciplinary lens, students will examine key concepts such as aesthetics, the elements and principles of design, and the role of art in shaping identity, culture, and society. Topics include painting, sculpture, architecture, photography, printmaking, digital art, performing arts, cinema, fashion, industrial design, and technology's impact on creative practices.

Special emphasis is placed on global perspectives, cultural diversity, and social relevance, highlighting how art communicates meaning, reflects values, and responds to historical and political contexts. Students will also explore career pathways in the arts and the role of museums, galleries, and institutions in preserving and presenting artistic heritage.

All course content is assessed through a multiple-choice examination, designed to evaluate the student’s ability to recognize key concepts, analyze works of art, and demonstrate a foundational understanding of artistic principles, practices, and significance.

By the end of this course, learners will be equipped with a broad understanding of art’s past, present, and future—and will gain critical tools for engaging with visual culture in everyday life and professional settings.

• Learners will be able to define art and aesthetics and explain how definitions and purposes of art have evolved across cultures and periods.

• Learners will be able to identify and apply the elements and principles of design, including line, shape, color, texture, balance, emphasis, and unity.

• Learners will be able to distinguish between major artistic media and techniques, including painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, printmaking, and digital art.

• Learners will be able to describe the functions and characteristics of design-based disciplines, including architecture, fashion, industrial, and product design.

• Learners will be able to recognize key components of the performing arts, including theatre, dance, and music, and describe how they differ from visual arts.

• Learners will be able to analyze the impact of digital technology—including VR, NFTs, and AI—on modern art forms such as animation, cinema, and digital installations.

• Learners will be able to identify how art reflects personal and group identity, particularly through themes of gender, race, culture, and intersectionality.

• Learners will be able to compare global artistic traditions, demonstrating understanding of non-Western art, cultural symbolism, and globalization's effects on art.

• Learners will be able to describe the role of museums, galleries, and curators, including how these institutions preserve, interpret, and exhibit works of art.

• Learners will be able to identify primary career paths in the arts and recognize the skills and knowledge needed for roles in creative, educational, and technological sectors.

Evaluation is exclusively through Multiple-Choice (MC) and True-False (TF) examinations, measuring students' comprehension, application, and synthesis of course material.