SYLLABUS

Course Description: This course focuses on the art and design of the post-war twentieth and twenty-first centuries, particularly in the United States after the influx of artists from Europe. Topics include modernism, post-modernism, contemporary art and design movements, the impact of electronic media, and the philosophical issues raised by emerging technologies.

Course Objectives: this course presents materials that will help students to

Explore developments in art and design since 1945.
Recognize the role of emerging technologies in the development of contemporary art.
Conduct research on issues in modern art and design.
Respond both critically and creatively to issues in contemporary art and design history.
Examine the influence of philosophy, culture, and politics on artists and designers in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries.

Student Learning Outcomes: by the end of this course, students are expected to demonstrate the ability to:

Recognize the principle movements in art and design that developed after 1945.
Participate in discussions that indicate the ability to think creatively and critically about contemporary works of art and design.
Deliver effective oral and visual presentations on selected artists, movements, or topics in contemporary art.
Conduct college-level research, work effectively in groups, present material cogently, and articulate conceptual development by designing and conducting a seminar discussion on a selected topic.
Create original works that employ an understanding of the historical techniques, subject matter, and cultural concerns of the post-war era.

Course Prerequisites: GE 2004 History of Art and Design I, GE 2014 History of Art and Design II or GE 2024 Art History I and GE 3004 Art History II.

Instructional Contact Hours/Credits

44 Contact Hours / 4 Quarter Credit Hours / 11 Weeks
Course Delivery: Lecture, discussion, student presentations, workshops, group-led seminar
Homework: Expect to spend at least 8 hours per week in reading and other preparation.

A quarter credit hour is an amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that is an institutionally established equivalency that reasonably approximates not less than:

1) One hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work each week for 10-12 weeks, or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time; or
2) At least an equivalent amount of work as required in paragraph (1) of this definition for other academic activities as established by the institution including laboratory work, internships, practical, studio work, and other academic work leading to the award of credit hours.

Instructional Methodology/Instructor's expectations

This course combines illustrated slide lectures with discussions, individual student presentations, topical workshops, and a final group-designed seminar presentation on a selected issue in contemporary art and design. The course website will augment this syllabus by providing links to online materials and resources, as well as detailed information on assignments. Students are expected to attend class faithfully, having read materials in advance of the class meeting to which they pertain, complete assignments according to standards outlined in their descriptions, partipate enthusiastically in discussions and workshops, and maintain a professional attitude toward their own work and that of their peers.

The ability to work independently and to develop creative curiosity by conducting college-level research is a major focus of this course. Grades will therefore reflect the extent to which you accomplish the objectives and exhibit developing intellectual skills, such as critical thinking, information literacy, effective writing, and careful reading.

Course Requirements

Deliver a short, illustrated presentation on a significant twentieth-century artist, designer, or movement (25%). The presentation, the primary basis for mid-term assessment, must be submitted as a PowerPoint or other presentation software file with notes.
Maintain a design workbook/sourcebook/sketchbook of images and ideas that reflect research and exploration into class topics (15%). Suggestions for exercises and inclusions for specific topics will be made each week, and students are encouraged to share what they discover on a weekly basis.

For extra credit, or to substitute for the workbook, you may create an original interpretive work based on an artist or designer may be submitted (up to 15 points). This work may be submitted at any time prior to week 10. To save yourself time and effort, consider choosing the subject of your illustrated presentation with this option in mind.

Present an illustrated, group seminar discussion on a topic of importance to the development of contemporary art and design (30%). This presentation must also include an in-depth, annotated bibliography, and a one-page concept statement that describes the focus of the of the project, as well as a "package" designed to exhibit the project materials to the class.
Participate in class discussions and in-class assignments and exhibit professionalism on a consistent basis by attending class regularly and punctually, submitting assignments on time, following instructions carefully, contributing to discussions, and producing work that demonstrates appropriate reading, writing, thinking, and research skills (10 points). The remaining 20 points can only be earned by participating in two in-class workshops; students must be present in class to earn these points. (30%)

All assignments, topics, and preparatory materials are listed on the Weekly Schedule. Criteria for specific assignments will be listed on the appropriate instruction/guideline pages on this site.

Course Materials/Supplies: Please purchase a loose-leaf, 3-ring binder or other "fillable" notebook to be used for your work/sourcebook. A set of dividers (a package of 12) and/or a set of pocket dividers (useful for holding materials you plan to include in your notebook) will help you sort things efficiently. The workbook should reflect your own creativity in addition to that of the artists and designers whose work, essays, ideas, etc. you collect, so choose something versatile to which you can add your own views and efforts.

Required Textbook/Resources: There is no required textbook for this course; I do, however, highly recommended Philip Meggs's History of Graphic Design (4th Edition. New York: Wiley, 2006). Also helpful are the later portions of survey textbooks like Marilyn Stokstad's Art History and Gardner's Art Through The Ages (now edited by Fred Kleiner). H. H. Arnason's History of Modern Art provides a nice supplement to surveys, as do Edward Lucie-Smith's Movements in Art Since 1945 , The Thames and Hudson Encyclopedia of 20th Century Design and Designers, by Guy Julier (which seems to be out of print, but you might find a copy at Half Price Books or through aLibris online), and The Thames & Hudson Dictionary of Design Since 1900, Second Edition (World of Art series). The latter three are available for under $20 each (some quite a bit less), and will help you build a basic design history library.

There are no technology requirements for the class, other than access to a computer, and to program software necessary for completing presentations and group projects.

Grading Criteria/Student Evaluation

Grading Criteria: For a description of the criteria used to grade each assignment, see the course rubric (attached to your print syllabus). Point values correspond to letter grades according to the following:
A = 100-93; A- = 92-90; B+ = 89-87; B = 86-83; B- = 82-80; C+ = 79-77; C = 76-73; C- = 72-70; D+ = 69-67; D = 66-60; F = 59-0.

Student work will be evaluated on the basis of a course rubric which includes criteria for each graded assignment. Midterm and final presentations will be returned with comments and detailed assessments on each of the assignment criteria. A copy of the course rubric will be distributed in class week 1.

Art Institute Policies on Class Assignments/Late Work

Faculty members encourage accountability and punctuality for future career success. Students are encouraged to turn-in all work for instructor feedback.

One late daily assignment (workshop) will be accepted without penalty. Subsequent late assignments may be accepted at the instructor’s discretion, but will involve penalties. The final project must be submitted on time for full credit; late work without prior arrangement will suffer substantial point deductions. Workshop grades are tied to participation. If you are not present for the class involved, you will not earn points but are encouraged to submit the work for critique and feedback.

Attendance Policy

Regular class attendance is expected and required. Most courses meet once per week. If a student misses more than 27% of class time he or she can be dropped for lack of attendance at the discretion of the faculty member.
The satisfactory explanation of an absence does not relieve the student from responsibility for the course work assigned and/or due during his/her absences. A student who does not attend class during the first week of school or starts late is still held responsible for his/her absences.
A student who fails to attend all classes on his/her schedule for two (2) consecutive weeks of the quarter will be automatically terminated from school for the remainder of the quarter by the Registrar’s Office. A student who wishes to appeal a drop or termination must appeal to the Academic Dean within 72 hours of notification.
If you are going to miss class, regardless of the reason, you must notify your instructor. You are responsible for gathering any information from the missed class period in a timely manner.

Classroom Standards

Tobacco Products, Eating, and Drinking: No smoking or other tobacco products may be used in any part of the building or near the main entrance. Smoking is only permitted in designated areas of the parking garage. Food and drinks are not permitted in the library or any computer lab under any circumstances.
Classroom Usage: Students are asked to clean their workspaces at the end of each class. Rooms should be reset at the end of class for the next group of students.
Disruptive or Disorderly Conduct: Engaging in behavior that substantially or repeatedly interrupts either the instructor’s ability to teach or fellow students’ ability to learn will result in a conduct referral to the Academic Director, Dean of Student Affairs, or Art Institute Security Personnel. The classroom extends to any setting or communication where a student is engaged in work toward academic credit, satisfaction of program-based requirements, or related activities.
Personal Technologies: All computers, entertainment and personal communication devices must be turned off during lectures unless otherwise specified. Students may, with permission, record lectures/demonstrations.
Visitors: To avoid class disruption, friends and relatives (including children) of students and faculty are not permitted to attend classes or use The Art Institute of Dallas equipment. Minors are not permitted on campus unless prior written permission has been granted by the Academic Dean.
Dress Code: Casual, reasonable, professional attire and clean appearance are recommended. Bare feet on the school grounds or in the building are not permitted as this is a health and safety regulation.
Identification Guidelines: All members of The Art Institute of Dallas community are to display their badges/photo ID in an easily visible location to identify themselves and their association with the school.

Additional notes on course and classroom etiquette:

E-mail: I can be reached reliably only through e-mail, or in person during my office hours. I am, however, reluctant to open mail from unidentified persons. Therefore, please place in the subject line of any e-mail your last name and the course number/section (e.g. GE2004 H). No days or times are necessary because the section letter provides me with that information. If you're unsure about your course number and section, consult my current course schedule on your syllabus. It's also listed on your own individual course schedule.

My email address is cuhlmeyer@aii.edu. For purposes of this course, please use your campus e-mail address. This will ensure that I can reach you if necessary in regard to schedule changes, issues of missed material, etc.

Please use standard English and correct spelling in your messages. I abhor the decline of language skills in the general population, and stupid (yes, stupid) abbreviations and other shortcuts are irritating at the very least. Do not treat an e-mail message to me as if it were a text-message to your friends. This owl don't tweet, either; think your message through before you send it, and make sure it makes sense.

As noted above, the Art Institute of Dallas prohibits the use of personal technologies (cell phones, laptops, pads, etc.) in class. If, however, you have a home- or work-related emergency, and need to stay in contact with a boss or family member, please let me know ahead of time, and I will accommodate you by allowing you to keep your cell phone in silent mode, and to leave the room to take a call. Otherwise, please turn phones off in order to avoid distraction. Computers and tablets may be used on occasion, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.

Note-taking is an art; it requires practice, and it is an essential skill for students in my classes. I have evidence from cognitive scientists that doodling and other expressions of "multitasking" are not, in fact, conducive to information retention, and can seriously inhibit your ability to assimilate information. You cannot convince me that doodling, drawing characters or sketches for another class, or other activities that interfere with your learning the material for my class are of any intellectual benefit at all. The only sketches you should be making are those related to slides or films being shown on the screen in front of you.

If you absolutely must draw, use the Cornell method (linked to the online version of this syllabus)--and relate your doodles to the material. In my experience, students who doodle rather than take notes do significantly worse on exams than those who actually pay attention and carefully record important information. If you don't want to sit in a class for a second time, take good notes and quit trying to weasel me into thinking that you "learn better while doodling." My exams are designed to help people show me what they've actually learned--so if you don't do well on them, even with the use of your workbooks, better note-taking is in order.

As a courtesy to your instructor and your fellow students, please avoid the use of heavily scented personal products. Many of us have become sensitive or allergic to colognes, body sprays, perfumes, and lotions containing strongly scented ingredients, and would appreciate your restraint.

Plagiarism/Acts of Dishonesty

Academic honesty is expected. Any infraction of the Art Institute of Dallas’ academic integrity policy will be referred to the Dean of Student Affairs and the Dean of Academic Affairs.

Each student should make sure all materials are documented carefully, to show the rightful designer, owner, proprietor, etc. for photos, drawings, book information, etc. in the development and display of their student work. Each student is responsible for reviewing the dishonesty act information found in the Student Handbook. Dishonesty in the classroom, including securing, passing, receiving a test prior to test date, or cheating on examinations is subject to a failing grade and possible suspension or termination from The Art Institute. Attempted and completed acts of dishonesty or plagiarism will be dealt with according to AID policies.

The same rule applies for detected plagiarism within the classroom. Plagiarism includes any unattributed use of materials from any source – including books, periodicals, CD-ROM’s, Videos, and the World Wide Web, as well as artwork/projects from other students or professionals. All quotations, paraphrases, or other adaptations of others work must be properly cited and documented.

All assignments are to be done individually and not jointly with other students, unless the instructor specifically designates the assignment as a group assignment in the handout. Copied or shared work will be reported for investigation to the Dean of Student Affairs and the Dean of Academic Affairs as cheating and a grade of zero will be recorded for the assignment.

If you are having trouble with a particular theory or assignment, ask your instructor for help immediately - office hours are set aside specifically for helping students. Be careful about consulting other students and using search engine results because both may provide misinformation and/or it may appear as though you are not doing your own work.

Copyright Materials

Trademarks and Copyrights are the property of their owners. As such, students may not infringe upon those rights of ownership. Proper attribution must be made for all assets used by a student for class assignments. Students are reminded to credit the sources and display the copyright notice © and copyright ownership information if this is shown in the original source for all works incorporated as part of educational projects, including those prepared under fair use. Crediting the source must adequately identify the source of the work, giving a full bibliographic description where available, i.e., author, title, publisher and place and date of publication. Additionally, the copyright ownership information includes the copyright notice, year of first publication and name of the copyright holder.

Material derived from Creative Commons licenses must be acknowledged by using the correct agreement designation. For explanations of various agreements, see http://creativecommons.org/licenses/.

Americans with Disabilities Act

The Art Institute of Dallas abides by the tenets of the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you are a student who has a need for a reasonable accommodation based on a documented disability, please contact the instructor privately either before or after class to discuss the accommodation. This request ideally should be made prior to the seating of the second class of the quarter. In order to receive a reasonable accommodation, you must have the appropriate documentation on file with the Academic and Disabilities Services Specialist. Academic and Disabilities Services may be reached at 469-587-1239, in person in room 514, or by e-mail at kkenner@aii.edu.

Student Assistance Program

The college provides confidential short-term counseling, crisis intervention, and community referral services through the Wellness Corporation Student Assistance Program (SAP), for a wide range of concerns, including relationship issues, family problems, loneliness, depression, and alcohol or drug abuse. The Student Affairs office also offers programs on mental health-related topics each quarter. If you have any questions regarding counseling services, please contact the Office of Student Affairs located in Room 509 for further inquiry or assistance.

SAP services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at https://artinstitutes.personaladvantage.com or 1.800.326.6142.

Inclement Weather

For immediate information regarding The Art Institute of Dallas late openings or school closings, students and faculty can call 214-692-8080 or 800-275-4243 for a recorded message. In case of inclement weather, a public announcement regarding the status of classes at The Art Institute will be made on WFAA (ABC), KXAS (NBC), and KDFW (FOX).

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