NORMANDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE COMMON COURSE OUTLINE

ART 1101: THE VISUAL ARTS

I. Effective Date: Spring, 2002

II. Catalog Description: An introduction to the concepts underlying the production and appreciation of the visual arts. Students view and discuss works of western and non-western art, examining the visual elements, artistic mediums, expression, and style. Weekly studio sessions allow students to explore the creative process in their own works of art using a variety of materials.

MNTC Goals 2, 6 & 8

III. Recommended Skills: No prerequisites. Reading/Writing

IV. Course Content:

A. Art as Communication and Expression

B. The Visual Elements: Line, Form, Space, Texture, Value, Color

C. Design Principles: Focal Point, Unity, Variety, Balance

D. The Major Media: Painting, Sculpture, Photography, Architecture

E. Technical Processes

F. Realism and Abstraction

G. A Survey of Major Artists and Artistic Styles

V. Outcomes: Students should be able to:

A. Identify and explain the characteristics of various artistic mediums such as painting, sculpture, photography, and architecture. MNTC Goal 6 (A, C, D); Goal 8 (A, D)

B. Identify and explain the visual elements that are common to all works of art: line, form, space, texture, value, and color. MNTC Goal 6 (A, C, D)

C. Recognize and explain some major styles in the history of art and identify key examples of those styles. MNTC Goal 2 (C); Goal 6 (A, B); Goal 8 (A, D, E)

D. Identify and explain the criteria by which works of art are evaluated. MNTC Goal 2 (C); Goal 6 (A, B, C, E)

E. Explain and discuss art as a means of visual communication and expression. MNTC Goal 2 (D); Goal 6 (A, B, C, E); Goal 8 (A, D, E)

F. Participate in the creative process by successfully completing and evaluating a variety of studio projects in a variety of mediums. MNTC Goal 2 (A); Goal 6 (D, E); Goal 8 (A, E)

VI. Evaluation: Methods of evaluation may include:

A. Exams

B. Studio Assignments

C. Attendance and Class Participation