MOLLOY COLLEGE

Rockville Centre, NY 11571

Course Outline

Department: Art Spring 2018

Course # 135 Section 05 (online) Professor Stacey Weir

History of Western Art II: Renaissance-Modern

CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION

A general survey of art from the Renaissance through Modern times. This course is designed
to develop an understanding and appreciation of the visual arts and artists with an emphasis on the
origins of well-known styles and eras of Western Art such as Baroque, Neo-Classical,
Impressionism, Expressionism, Cubism, Surrealism, Pop and Contemporary Art.
MOLLOY COLLEGE Professor Stacey Weir
ART 136: HISTORY OF WESTERN ART II E-mail: sweir@molloy.edu
Spring 2018 (Online Course)

Course Description: This course is a one-semester course designed for the beginning student with
little or no background in the history of art. Each student will become acquainted with the general
historical development of art as understood through a wide range of cultures from the Renaissance
period to Modern times. Consideration will be given to the sociological factors, politics, economics,
religion, science, and philosophies which may have played a role in the development of the various
artistic styles which have emerged over the course of art history. Our approach to the individual
works of art will emphasize three main areas: 1) formal qualities (such as style and composition); 2)
iconography (content, the visual means of expressing it, and its significance); and 3) historical and
art historical context.

Course Goal: Students will demonstrate effective oral and written skills relevant to the
understanding of Western art history. They will demonstrate the ability to critically analyze,
evaluate and discuss the issues that may have influenced artists in their decisions to create the works
that they produced. Students will be able to describe and critically assess art historical periods, and
to describe at least one period in detail.

Class Text: Janson’s History of Art, 8th ed. by Penelope J. Davies, et al

Course Format: This fully online course is intended to give students the ability to plan their study
time around other daily home and work obligations. This format allows students to avoid the trials
and tribulations of commuting—such as traveling in inclement weather or having to miss classes for
same—while enabling them to conduct their studies in an environment of their own design where
they may be most comfortable and undistracted by other students or activity typical of traditional
on-site classrooms. Furthermore, this fully online format will help students to improve their
technical skills by teaching them how to perform such tasks as creating and sharing documents,
incorporating materials in a variety of formats (ie: audio and video files), and more, which will be
useful in a variety of professions.

Communication:

Student to Instructor (private matters): Students will communicate with the instructor regarding any
private matters via Canvas email, which will be checked on a daily basis (see instructor’s hours
below).

Instructor to Students (both private matters and announcements to the class): The instructor will
email students through Canvas for both private matters (on an individual basis) and group
announcements. Therefore, it is imperative that students check their email daily. It is highly
recommended that every student set their Canvas notification settings (found under the “Account”
tab) to alert them of announcements immediately.
“Netiquette”: Netiquette is a set of rules for behaving properly online. Digital Communication
often makes it easy for people to forget that they are interacting with other real people. Therefore,
the following guidelines should be adhered to when communicating online:

• Be mindful of the fact that there will be cultural and linguistic backgrounds, as well as different
political and religious beliefs presented by your peers.
• Use good taste when composing your responses in Discussion Forums. Swearing and profanity
will NOT be tolerated. Also consider that slang can be misunderstood or misinterpreted.
• Be respectful of your fellow students’ views and opinions. Avoid “flaming” (publicly attacking
or insulting) them as this can cause hurt feelings and decrease the chances of evoking different
points of view. Repeated swearing and/or “flaming” may result in the removal of a post by the
instructor and the forfeit of points by the offender.
• Use good grammar and spelling, and avoid using text messaging shortcuts.

Instructor’s Contact Hours: Student emails will be checked and responded to every morning,
typically between 9:00am and 11:00am, but may be returned sooner if feasible.

Computer Specifications for Use of Canvas: In order to ensure the best experience using Canvas,
please use the latest version of any popular web browser in conjunction with the latest versions of
Flash and Java. Please note that “Internet Explorer” may conflict with some content in Canvas.
Firefox, Chrome or Safari are more reliable options. A webcam is needed to participate in
Conferences and for online proctoring. Please make sure that you have access to a computer that is
compatible with Canvas. Please remember that there are several computer labs on campus that you
can use. It is your responsibility to ensure access to adequate equipment. For more information
about supported browsers and software, please visit: https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-
1284

**“Important!!! This online class is image intensive. Due to the visual nature of the content of
this class, you will regularly download large files containing high resolution images and
movies.”**

Respondus Monitor and LockDown Browser: All quizzes and exams will require the use of
LockDown Browser (Found under the LockDown Browser tab in Canvas if it does not
automatically launch when a quiz link is clicked) and exams will require the use of Respondus
Monitor. These apps may need to be downloaded onto each student’s computer. If this is not
feasible, students may need to utilize computer labs on Campus for exams and quizzes. Please leave
enough time to troubleshoot these apps before the first quiz and first exam deadlines.

Technical Support at Molloy: Canvas Support is accessed through the HELP feature in the lower
left hand corner of Canvas. You can either call Canvas at 844-408-6455 or use the online chat
feature and both services are available 24 hours 7 days a week. Technology Support Services and
The Information Commons are available to support students’ technology needs. Technology Support
Services is located in Kellenberg 022 and can be reached via phone: 516.323.4800, email:
helpdesk@molloy.edu or twitter: @molloyTSS. The Information Commons is located on the second
floor of Public Square and can be reached at 516.323.4817 or email: slewis2@molloy.edu. Check
their website for hours: http://www.molloy.edu/tss
Office of Blended/ Online Learning and Student Success: The Office of Blended/Online
Learning and Student Success advances Molloy's education mission of academic excellence to
support the delivery of high-quality, student-centered programs in a variety of formats by fostering
innovative teaching and active learning. Our blended learning programs combine the best of
traditional classroom teaching and online learning.
Molloy offers a full range of Student Services and Support at:
http://www.molloy.edu/academics/flexible-learning-opportunities/student-services-and-support

REQUIREMENTS:

ATTENDANCE: Class attendance is mandatory and can be “seen” in Canvas. If you do miss a
class, you are still responsible for the material covered that week.

READINGS: Students are expected to demonstrate their understanding of the readings in the
textbook as well as posted PowerPoint lectures through online quizzes/exams, discussion forums
and written assignments. Specific textbook page numbers (for the current 8th edition) will be listed
on the module overviews posted on Canvas. If using an older edition, students may need to consult
the table of contents to find the corresponding pages for each chapter/module.

ONLINE DISCUSSION FORUMS: A Weekly discussion question/forum will be posted (almost)

every Sunday by midnight and pertain to the chapter(s) read and discussed during the week. These
forums can be accessed through any of the following tabs: Modules, Assignments, or Discussions.

You will have until that next Thursday to respond to the question and then respond to TWO other
responses given by your classmates by Sunday afternoon, in order to generate a discussion about the
topic.

Therefore, you have four days to answer the question based on our readings and then three more
days to respond to two of your classmates’ responses by the following Sunday. This is a time
sensitive discussion and will end on Sunday night at 11:59pm. The discussion module will
close at 12 midnight and cannot be reopened.

In other words, you will be answering the previous week’s lecture question while you are viewing
the current week’s lectures. It will make sense once we get going and it will become a familiar
format.

Monday through Thursday-Answer discussion question

Thursday through Sunday- respond to two student answers.

Weekly lectures available Monday-Sunday

EXAMS: Three exams will be given, one (roughly) every five weeks, to assess each student’s
understanding of the readings, PowerPoint lectures and (for some modules) movies for the
chapters/modules covered during the five weeks prior. The third one will be given during finals
week. Make-ups will only be given in case of a documented medical or personal emergency.
Each exam will consist of four “Compare and Contrast” essay questions in which students will be
asked to:
1) identify the works of art by artist name, title, and stylistic period
2) critically evaluate the works in terms of style (“form and content”)
3) describe the differences and similarities between their respective art historical periods.

The works of art tested will be taken directly from the slide set posted under the “Exam Slide Set”
module on Canvas. You will have 1½ hours to complete the exam once you start. Students who are
in certain programs at Molloy and need additional time should contact me in advance.

MUSEUM RESEARCH PAPER: There will be a required trip to a reputable art museum
(preferably the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC), which MUST be approved by me in advance.
Each student will write a research paper (5-6 pages in length) following guidelines that will be
distributed. Please submit the assignment through the corresponding link under the
“assignments” tab in Canvas. Late assignments will not be accepted.

DEADLINES: All posted assignment, exam and/or discussion forum deadlines are based on
Eastern Standard Time (For anyone working while on vacation in a different time zone!)

COURSE PARTICIPATION: Course participation, which is an important component of the

course requirements (see grade breakdown below), will be based on the amount of time students
spend reviewing posted materials and their contributions to the discussion forums.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: Molloy College is dedicated to the Catholic and Dominican ideals of
truth and academic excellence. As such, every member of the community shares in the
responsibility for protecting the academic integrity of the institution. The commitment to academic
honor reaffirms the high ethical standards that are fundamental to the mission of Molloy. By signing
an honor pledge, students take personal responsibility to uphold the standards of truth and free
inquiry, while sharing in the common commitment to protect these principles and the value of a
Molloy Degree.

PLAGIARISM: Plagiarism involves using words or ideas, orally or in a paper, obtained in books,
articles, the Internet, interviews, radio or TV programs, without appropriate citation. It also includes
the following:
• Presenting someone else's words or ideas as one's own in a paper or exam without
acknowledgement
• Incorporating published passages into a paper without quotation marks or footnotes
• Quoting word-for-word from a source without using quotation marks, a citation, or a
reference
• Handing in another's paper or project as one's own or reusing papers.

Plagiarism is a serious breach of the honor system and, therefore, a serious academic offense. In
order to ensure that it is avoided, each student MUST submit their short essay and research paper to
turnitin.com via the link provided under the “assignments” tab in Canvas.
Grading:
45% Examinations (15% each)
40% Discussion Forums and Class Participation
15% Museum Research Paper

Communicating Across the Curriculum Requirements are satisfied by:

WRITING ASSIGNMENTS:
DISCUSSION FORUMS: 40%
RESEARCH PAPER 15%

Statement on Communicating Across the Curriculum (see Molloy College catalogue):

Instruction provides students with reflective critical thinking, writing and communication skills they
can use to achieve across the entire curriculum. Art provides personal connections to and an
appreciation of other cultures and people.

Statement on Americans With Disabilities Act: If you have a disability that qualifies under the
Americans with Disabilities Act and require special accommodations, you should contact DSS –
Disability Support Services

Withdrawal policies: It is the accepted practice at Molloy College that faculty take attendance in
all courses. - Students should notify faculty if an absence is necessary as the result of a serious
situation. - Failure to attend class for two (2) consecutive weeks at any point in the semester,
without notification of extenuating circumstances, will result in an administrative withdrawal from
the course. - Administrative withdrawal results in removal from the course with a grade of "WA" or
"WF" determined by the point in the term and the academic performance. - Students should consult
the College catalog for complete details regarding withdrawals and the potential financial
implications of a withdrawal.

COURSE OUTLINE
Week 1 Module 1: Introduction to the course and Looking at Art: the Visual
1/16-1/20 Elements.

Week 2 Module1 (continued): Chapter 13: Late Gothic Art in Italy, 1200-1400.
1/21-1/27

Week 3 Module 2: Chapter 15: The Early Renaissance in Italy, 1400-1500.

1/28-2/3

Week 4 Module 3: Chapter 16: The High and Late Renaissance in Italy, 1500-1600.
2/4-2/10

Week 5 Module 4: Chapter 14&18: Northern Europe and Spain, 1400-1600.

2/11-2/17 Baroque Art, Part I: Chapter 19: Italy and Spain 1600-1700.

Week 6 Exam 1 (Sunday 2/18 by 11:59pm) and Module 5: Baroque Art, Part II: Chapter
2/18-2/24 20: Northern Europe, 1600-1700. Baroque Art, Part III, Chapter 21: France, 1600-
1700
Week 7 Module 6: Chapter 22&23: Europe and America, 1700-1800. The
2/25-3/3 Rococo Period and Neoclassicism.

Week 8 Module 7: Chapter 24&25: Europe and America 1800-1870. Romanticism &
3/4-3/10 Realism. Chapter 25 (continued): Europe and America 1870-1900. Impressionism

Week 9 NO CLASS – SPRING BREAK

3/11-3/17

Week 10 Module 8: Chapter 26: Europe and America 1870-1900. Post-Impressionism and
3/18-3/24 Symbolism. 19th century Sculpture and Architecture, p 851-856 and 897-900.

Week 11 Exam 2 (Sunday 3/25 by 11:59pm) and Module 9: Chapter 27: Europe and
3/25-3/31 America 1900-1945. Fauvism, German Expressionism, Cubism and Futurism

Week 12 Module 10: Chapter 28: Dada and Neue Sachlichkeit, Surrealism and DeStijl.
4/1-4/7

Week 13 Module 11: Chapter 28 (continued). Early 20th century Sculpture and Architecture
4/8-4/14 American Art p.1015-1023

Week 14 Module 12: Chapter 29: Europe and America After 1945. Painting and Sculpture
4/15-4/21 1945-1970, Pop art and Superrealism

Week 15 Module 13: Late 20th century Sculpture and Architecture.

4/22-4/28

Week 16 No Class – Study Days (officially 5/1-5/6)

4/29-5/5

Week 17 FINAL EXAM Due Friday May 11th by 11:59pm