Name: Jennifer Reis
Department: Art
Funding Option: Stipend
Completion Date: Fall 2001
http://people.morehead-st.edu/fs/j.reis/
The primary objective of my proposal is to incorporate internet based artworks and art web sites into the two sessions of Understanding the Visual Arts (FNA 160) by creating a web site that would provide links to digital art along with analysis of the art form. In addition to allowing access to web based art, the web site will also have class materials and linked Internet resources complimenting the lectures and the textbook.
The primary objective of my proposal was to incorporate internet based artworks and art web sites into the two sessions of Understanding the Visual Arts (FNA 160) by creating a web site that would provide links to digital art along with analysis of the art form. In addition to allowing access to web based art, the web site also has class materials and linked Internet resources complimenting the lectures and the textbook. In the final product, the priorities were switched: providing class resources became paramount, while exploration of digital art was a secondary goal. Additionally, the proposed project serves as an study to research students' interaction with web based art and class materials in a large general education course such as Understanding the Visual Arts (FNA 160).
The web site contains two major selections: the first acts as an expanded curriculum page; the second explores and links to various examples of contemporary digital art on the Internet.
The first element of the web page provides course materials on-line as well as additional resources. The course materials include the syllabus, class calendar, project descriptions, study sheets, and also includes helpful resources such as the Getty Research Institute and various museum web sites like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Chicago Art Institute. By going to my web site at "http://people.morehead-st.edu/fs/j.reis/" and clicking on "FNA 160", the user is able to assess an interactive version of the course syllabus. From this page, the student is able to view and print off the study sheets, project and paper descriptions, and the class calendar. From the home page, the user is also able to click on "Art Links", a page that provides numerous links to art museums, image databases, and miscellaneous art resources.
The second element of the web site focuses on showcasing contemporary web based digital art, and that is accessed by going to the "Papers and Projects" page from the and selecting "Digital Art Project". Posting materials including links and a method of analyzing this new art form on a web site was the most reasonable manner of dealing with this new art material. The students are given a project assignment that encourages them to explore the links provided, and to assess the validity of a digital artwork using the same criteria used to critically analyze more traditional work.
My assessment of the web site at this point is not complete, but I can address the issues I have with it currently. The most important criteria for the success of this project hinges on the ability of the students to utilize it as an important component of "Understanding the Visual Arts". Throughout the semester, I will be monitoring students' responses to the material ? this will be fairly easy to judge since much of the material on the web site is mandatory class information and failure to retrieve it will be noticeable in class performance.
The web site in its current state fulfills the project proposal concerning the content. Due to the web site's function of providing class resources and materials, my main objective focused on publishing the materials on-line in a timely matter. That attitude is reflected in the web site's current style ? it is not visually exciting or stylish, but it does provide the necessary information in what I believe to be a clear and assessable structure. With all on-line publications, there is never really a finished project. The web site is organic, and my goal for the next version (to be ready for the spring semester) will consist of more sophisticated page design, as well as possible integration of simple Flash animation. The new pages will also be designed with Adobe's GoLive web design software; this software allowed more sophisticated visual design aids than Netscape's Composer (used to design the current version of the web site).
The PT3 project forced me to create a useful tool for my course. I say "forced" because building a practical web site for the class had been my intention for some time. Proposing the project allowed me to plan the web site and work towards an effective product. As mentioned prior, the real assessment of the site will occur as the semester moves on and the students begin using it as a class resource.
Course description: An examination of visual art from various cultures, including the study of materials, techniques, subjects, style, issues, functions and meanings in art objects. This course satisfies the area studies-humanities for general education.
Instructor: Jennifer Reis, CY 108, 783-5446, j.reis@morehead-st.edu.
Office hours: 9:00 - 10:00 am Tuesday & Thursday, or by appointment.
Text: Artforms: An Introduction to the Visual Arts. Duane Preble, Sarah Preble, and Patrick Frank. 6th edition, New York: Longman, 1999.
Class Description: The goal of this course is to give you tools for appreciating and understanding the visual arts, and effectively communicating that information to others, mainly in a written form. The course is divided into three general areas: 1. Meaning, purpose, and philosophy of he visual arts in various cultures and centuries (what is art, what makes "good" art, what is the function of art in society); 2. Vocabulary of art (media, form, style, etc.); 3. Brief history of art (chronological survey of art focusing on western art).
This is primarily a slide lecture course, and because of that, good notes are absolutely necessary. You are allowed to tape the lectures if you like. You will not pass this class unless you have the text. You are responsible for identifying images that appear in the book. You are also responsible for information covered in my lectures, as well as the text. There are weekly study sheets addressing vocabulary, concepts, and images pertaining to the week's lecture available.
Course requirements: Quizzes will be given at unscheduled times. They cannot be made up, but I will drop the lowest quiz grade when averaging grades. Papers and Projects will be required. These will be discussed as they are assigned. If you need special art supplies, you'll be warned ahead of time. All materials can be purchased from the bookstore or Wal-Mart, etc. Some of these projects will be started in class, and you will be required to complete them on your own. Participation grade: I will be giving everyone a participation grade that is worth 1/4 of your course grade. Everyone starts out with an A. Each time you miss class w/out a written medical excuse, 3 points are deducted from your participation grade. Each time you are talking in class (uninvolved in a class discussion), you are sleeping, you arrive to class late, or your cell phone rings, or are engaged in any other behavior that I consider disruptive or rude, you will have 3 points knocked off the grade. A positive learning environment can only exist in an atmosphere of mutual respect.
Grading breakdown: 100-90 = A; 89-80 = B; 79-70 C; 69-60 = D
Participation grade = 1/4; Quizzes = 1/4; Papers/Projects = 1/4; Exams = 1/4
If you are not satisfied with your grade, you can turn in a five to seven page paper complete with references and bibliography. Please discuss paper topics with me prior to writing them.
Attendance policy: This is not a correspondence class. Therefore, you must attend class. See participation grade information to view penalties for missing class.
Academic Honesty Policy: All students at Morehead State University are required to abide by accepted standards of academic honesty. Academic honesty includes doing one's own work, giving credit for the work of others, and using resources appropriately. If a student in this class shows evidence of academic dishonesty in an assignment, as penalty for that first offense there will be no points awarded for that assignment (an "E"). If the student is repeatedly academically dishonest, an "E" will be given for the final course grade. Any questions concerning academic dishonesty can be answered in the Undergraduate Catalog, pg. 30. Please realize that supplying viewpoints and research (especially off the Internet) other than your own is easy to spot in this class. This projects demand creativity and critical thinking, things not easily forged.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), all qualified students enrolled in this course are entitled to "reasonable accommodations". It is the student's responsibility to inform me of any special needs before the end of the second week of class.
Respect of the diversity of peoples, cultures, world views and thought are essential to the pursuit of healthy intellect inquiry and creative exploration, and will be expected from both faculty and students. It is the nature of this course to deal with subjects and images you may be uncomfortable with or unused to. When walking into this classroom, I ask you to suspend your disbelief.