FS 104A and B:  Looking at Art

Professor Amy Werbel

Library 306

Office phone: 654-2271

Office Hours: M 9:45-11:15, Tuesday and Thursday, 9-11 a.m.

awerbel@smcvt.edu

http://academics.smcvt.edu/awerbel

 

Class Meetings

 

JEM 144

Mon. Wed. Fri. 8:15-9:20 (Section A) or 11:45-12:50 (Section B)

Friday, Sept. 11.  5:00 p.m.-9:30 p.m. REQUIRED

Friday, Oct. 30. 7 a.m.–7 p.m. REQUIRED

 

Required Texts

 

Sylvan Barnet, A Short Guide to Writing About Art

Kenneth Haltman and Jules Prown, ed., American Artifacts: Essays in Material Culture

Drawing Us In: How we Experience Visual Arts

Section A:  James Early, The Colonial Architecture of Mexico (Southern Methodist University Press, 2001); and Sara Doris, Pop Art and the Contest over American Culture (Cambridge, University Press, 2007).

Section B:  Judith M. Barringer, Art, Myth, and Ritual in Classical Greece (Cambridge University Press, 2008); and Shawn Michelle Smith, Photography on the Color Line: W.E.B. DuBois, Race, and Material Culture (Duke University Press, 2004).

 

 

Other texts on eCollege in “doc sharing,” and t.b.a.

 

Course Syllabus

 

Introduction

 

Monday 8/31. Meet and Greet.   

Best practices:  asking good questions

Assignment: Bring in your questions about “Metamorphosis”

 

Wednesday 9/2. “Metamorphosis”

Best practices:  collegial discussion

Assignment: Bring in a revised list of three questions about “Metamorphosis,” with one that has a point paragraph response (see description below)

 

Thursday 9/3 individual meetings (see sign up sheet)

 

Friday 9/4. “Metamorphosis”

Best practices: time management. 

Assignment: 1. Review the 5 essays on “The Metamorphosis” in the online Bug Project.  Choose one of the essays to analyze.  Write down the question you think this author formulated, and then write a point paragraph reviewing the essay.  What is the “point” or thesis of the essay, and what type of evidence did the author use?  What is the most profound developing idea the author developed about “Metamorphosis?”  2.  Collect your syllabi for the semester, along with a list of weekend commitments, i.e. athletics, family events, employment obligations, etc. and then add all of the significant dates and deadlines over the next four months into a weekly assignment planner, or other time management tool, i.e. google calendar.   This should include the dates of exams, paper due dates, etc .  Bring in a Xerox copy or print out of the worst (most overwhelming) week you are facing this semester.

 

Unit One:  Looking at Anything / Everything

 

Monday 9/7.

Reading: Haltmann and Prown, and McLane, in American Artifacts, 1-27, and 109-128.

Assignment: point paragraph: what can we learn from material culture?

 

Wednesday 9/9.

Reading: Asleson, Roberts, and Ye, in American Artifacts, 29-46, 167-190, and 243-252.

Assignment: point paragraph: First generate a question about the reading.  You may be interested in shared themes or a comparison/contrast between the three approaches, or something to do with how these exemplify material culture theory. The point paragraph is an answer to your own question.  Write your guiding question at the top of the page.

 

Friday 9/11.

Reading: Holstein, Milller, and Werbel in American Artifacts, 93-108, 129-148, and 229-242.

Assignment: point paragraph

 

Mini-Unit: Art in Burlington

 

** Friday 9/11. 5:00-9:30 p.m. South End Art Hop **

Before you go:  Review Barnet, 159-175 for tips on writing an effective exhibition review.

We will meet at my house (12 Catherine Street, Burlington) for dinner at 5:00 p.m., and then attend the open studios at the art hop (in my neighborhood) from 6:30 to 9:30. You will be using CCTA transportation, and thus getting to know Burlington a bit.  More on that in class . . . Plan to leave campus at least by 4 p.m. Bring a notebook and pencil/pen to use at the “hop,” and a camera or phone with a camera if you have one. This trip is REQUIRED, so you will need a Dean’s excuse or an absence will be counted against you. 

 

Monday 9/14. Discussion of art at the “Hop”

Assignment: two-three page illustrated exhibition review of an artist or group of artists at the “hop” – Here are some ideas for you to think about as you tour the open studios: first, choose an artist or group of artists you find interesting – it would be helpful if they have a website or other source of information you can use for your essay.  Did you see any common themes in the work of the artist/s?  (think about materials, subject matter, format, political expression, presentation, etc.)? What kinds of things inspire the artist?  Remember to review Barnet, 159-175 for tips on writing an effective exhibition review.  Submit your paper in dropbox before class today.

 

Unit One, Continued

 

Wednesday 9/16. In-class writing workshop today

Assignment: 2-3 page descriptions of your objects are due (printed, in class)

Best practices: the writing process

 

Friday 9/18. In-class writing workshop today

Reading: Barnet, 176-219

Assignment: Complete rough draft due. Bring one copy printed, plus upload one copy in dropbox on eCollege.

Best practices: presentation style

 

Monday 9/21. nine-minute presentations

Revised draft due on the day you present in dropbox on eCollege

 

Wednesday 9/23. nine-minute presentations

Revised draft due on the day you present in dropbox on eCollege

 

Friday 9/25. nine-minute presentations

Revised draft due on the day you present in dropbox on eCollege

 

Monday 9/28. No class.  Yom Kippur.

Assignment: Final, revised, five-page material culture analysis due in dropbox on eCollege by 10 p.m. today.

 

Unit Two: Art as Inspiration. 

 

Wednesday 9/30. Drawing Us In

Reading: Drawing Us In. Wilson, 5-7, Allison, 8-17, Gordon 30-41, Fendrich, 68-76

Assignment: point paragraph

 

Thursday 10/1. Individual Meetings (see sign up sheet)

 

Friday 10/2. Drawing Us In

Reading: Drawing Us In. Danto, 91-95, Hooks, 96-104, Belle, 105-107,

Doty, 125-139

Assignment: point paragraph

 

Monday 10/5. Studio visit with Professor Will Mentor

**class meets in Sloane Hall, North Campus**

 

Wednesday 10/7. Creative Responses to Creative Works – Individual or Group Works

Assignment: short fiction, poems, or works of visual or performance art created in response to a work of art in the St. Michael’s cafeteria/ten-minute presentations.  Present your work, AND an explanation of your process in formulating what you have done. As always, I am looking for evidence of thoughtfulness, creativity, and labor. (see rubric below for grading creative response assignment).

 

Friday 10/9. Creative Responses to Creative Works – Individual or Group Works

Assignment: short fiction, poems, or works of visual or performance art created in response to a work of art in the St. Michael’s cafeteria/ten-minute presentations (please bring the work).  As always, I am looking for evidence of thoughtfulness, creativity, and labor.  Present your work, and an explanation of your process in formulating what you have done.  (see rubric below for grading creative response assignment).

 

Monday 10/12. No class - Break

 

Unit Three: Art History.  Looking at Art through Different Lenses

 

Wednesday 10/14. The Basics of Art History

Reading:  Barnet, 198-238 (8th edition) or 220-265 (9th edition)

Assignment: point paragraph

 

Friday, 10/16.   Artstor Training

Class Meets in the Library Instructional Training Room

 

Monday, 10/19.

Freudian Art History

Reading: Jules Prown, “Winslow Homer in His Art” (eCollege)

Assignment: point paragraph

 

Wednesday, 10/21.

Feminist Art History

Reading: Tamar Garb, “Renoir and the Natural Woman” (eCollege)

Assignment: point paragraph

 

Friday, 10/23.

The New Art History

Reading: Babatunde Lawal, “Art and the Social Order” (eCollege)

Assignment: point paragraph

 

Unit Four:  Art Now

 

Monday, 10/26. Art: 21, Season I.  “Place” and “Consumption”

Watching:   Watch the episodes “Place” and “Consumption” available in the left navigation bar at http://www.pbs.org/art21/series/seasonone/index.html

Assignment: Point Paragraph

 

Wednesday, 10/28. Art: 21, Season 3. “Play” and “Structures”

Watching:  Watch the episodes “Play” and “Structures” available in the left navigation bar at

http://www.pbs.org/art21/series/seasonthree/index.html

Assignment: Point paragraph

 

Friday, 10/30.

All Day Trip to Williamstown, MA.  7 a.m.-7 p.m.

Assignment: bring a pillow for the bus, a digital camera (you can share with a friend), $15.00 for admission to MassMoCa (if you haven’t paid already) plus some spending money (not necessary), and a clipboard, paper, and pencil to take notes (pen is not allowed in museums).  NOTE: This trip is required, and will constitute three class absences if you miss it.  You will be excused from your other classes to participate in this trip.

 

Unit Five: Historical Research

 

Monday, 11/2.

Discussion of the Remainder of the Semester.

Assignment:  Bring in a list of your three favorite works of art and artists from our visit to Williamstown that you think you might like to write your final paper about.

Best Practices: Choosing a research paper topic. 

 

Wednesday, 11/4. Research Methods and Proper Citations

Reading: Barnet, 266-306, and 323-327 (both in 9th edition)

Best Practices:  Research Methods and Citations

*** If you do not know PowerPoint, make an appointment with a

Reference librarian to learn the program*** 

 

Friday, 11/6. Opinion Day

Reading: find a story about a current art controversy in an online newspaper. You can find some good ideas at:  http://www.artnewsblog.com/art-blog/controversy/index.htm

Assignment:  point paragraph expressing your opinion about the controversy.  Include the url address of the story with your point paragraph.

 

Monday, 11/9 Art History Book of Choice I

Reading, Section A: The Colonial Architecture of Mexico, Preface, Chaps. 1, 2, and 3

Reading, Section B: Art, Myth, and Ritual in Classical Greece, Intro and Chap. 1

Assignment: point paragraph

 

Wednesday, 11/11. Art History Book of Choice I

Reading, Section A: The Colonial Architecture of Mexico, Chaps. 4 and 5

Reading, Section B: Art, Myth, and Ritual in Classical Greece, Chaps. 2 and 3

Assignment: point paragraph

 

Thursday, 11/12 Individual Meetings today (see sign-up sheet)

Preliminary Bibliographies due for final papers (one copy to my office, and one copy uploaded in eCollege dropbox)

 

Friday, 11/13. Art History Book of Choice I

Reading, Section A: The Colonial Architecture of Mexico, Chaps. 6, 7, and 8

Reading, Section B: Art, Myth, and Ritual in Classical Greece, Chaps. 4, 5, and Conclusion

Assignment: point paragraph

 

Monday, 11/16. No Class.

 

Wednesday, 11/18. Art History Book of Choice II

Reading, Section A: Pop Art and the Contest over American Culture, Intro and Chap. 1

Reading, Section B: Photography on the Color Line: W.E.B. DuBois, Race, and Material Culture, Intro and Chap. 1

Assignment: point paragraph

 

Friday, 11/ 20 Art History Book of Choice II

Reading, Section A: Pop Art and the Contest over American Culture, Chaps. 2 and 3

Reading, Section B: Photography on the Color Line: W.E.B. DuBois, Race, and Material Culture, Chaps. 2 and 3

Assignment: point paragraph

 

11/23-27.  No class. Happy Thanksgiving!

 

Monday, 11/30.  Art History Book of Choice II

Reading, Section A: Pop Art and the Contest over American Culture, Chaps. 4 and 5

Reading, Section B: Photography on the Color Line: W.E.B. DuBois, Race, and Material Culture, Chaps. 4 and 5

Assignment: point paragraph. 

 

Tuesday, 12/1. Individual meetings today.  Outline for final research paper, and opinion paper topic and bibliography (if you are writing one) due before our meeting (one copy printed and brought to my office, and one copy uploaded in eCollege dropboxes).

 

Wednesday, 12/2. Editing workshop:  Content

Reading: Barnet, 307-326 (9th edition), plus, review other relevant pages

Assignment: complete rough drafts due of research papers.  Bring one copy printed, plus upload one copy in dropbox on eCollege. 

Best Practices: Good editing

 

Friday, 12/4. Editing Workshop:  Writing Mechanics

Assignment: Bring one copy of either of your papers, to class, printed, for editing.

Best Practices: Good editing

 

Monday, 12/7. ten-minute Powerpoint presentations

 

Wednesday, 12/9. ten-minute Powerpoint presentations

 

Friday, 12/11. ten-minute Powerpoint presentations

 

Thursday, 12/17. Research and Opinion Papers Due Today

 

Course Requirements:

 

  1. Questions and answers about “Metamorphosis”: 1 point
  2. Time Management exercise: 1 point
  3. Class Contributions: 10 points (subtract 2 points for each unexcused absence after first 2.  Missing Art Hop trip counts as one absence. Missing trip to Williamstown counts as 3 absences)
  4. Fourteen point paragraphs: 1 point each = 14 points (there are 17 total assigned)
  5. Two-page essay on art hop: 4 points
  6. Five-page material culture essay

(includes 5 pts. for “process” assignments): 15 points

  1. Nine-minute presentation of object: 5 points
  2. Creative response assignment: 8 points
  3. Informal presentations of creative responses: 2 points
  4. Choice for 104A:

Ten-page research paper

(includes 2 points each for annotated bibliography, outline, and rough draft): 30 points

-or-

Five-page research paper plus four-page opinion paper

30 points (worth 20 points and 10 points, respectively)

Students in 104B:  **Honors students are required to complete BOTH the ten-page research paper AND the 4 page opinion paper**

  1. Ten-minute formal PowerPoint presentation of research paper: 10 points

All assignments subject to downgrading due to lateness (one-third grade per 24 hours)

 

Point paragraphs – BRING THESE TO CLASS - PRINTED

A point paragraph (PP) is a paragraph that names a viable discussion point and develops that point with evidence or argumentation—kind of a “mini-essay.” We’ll be using these as a way to direct our discussion of the readings as well as develop your critical thinking and analytical writing skills. The main components of a PP are its point and the demonstration of the point. A good point paragraph makes a single point with a strong demonstration, is well unified, and uses good style and mechanics. There’s no particular “good structure” for a point paragraph, just as there isn’t for an essay; you can, of course, start with your point, but you can also lead up to it, so it can appear in the middle or even at the end of the paragraph. Here’s more on these components:

 

Point.  A point (or thesis) is a proposition, theory, or position stated in a complete sentence (or two) that has three characteristics: 

  1. It makes explicit the relationship between two or more things (that is, two or more ideas or observations are connected by a specific verb that makes it clear how they relate to each other).
  2. It can be shown to be valid (which is not the same thing as “true”).
  3. It requires demonstration to help the reader see its validity.

It is not a statement of topic, a statement of fact, or a subjective opinion, reaction, or feeling. Compare these examples:

    • This paper will be about how artists get inspired to make art.
    • Artists get inspired to make art in a lot of different ways.
    • It’s interesting that artists get inspired in different ways.
    • The inspiration for art stems from a variety of sources, but at the end of the day, all of it is a form of self-promotion.

Only the fourth one makes a genuine Point. The best points also provide new insight into the material at hand, surprise us in some way, teach us something. It doesn’t have to be inarguable – point 4 is definitely debatable!

 

Demonstration.  Your point paragraph should include evidence—i.e. quotes from the reading for the day (examples, illustrations, observations related to the text assigned for the class) as well as clear explanation of how that evidence supports the Point. Check to see that it is clear in the writing how evidence supports the Point.

 

Focus and Style.  A paragraph should keep its focus on a point related to the reading for the day, and all sentences in the paragraph should relate to that point in one way or another. The paragraph should exhibit correct grammar, punctuation, spelling, capitalization, and so on.  

 

Developing Idea.  Make sure that your paragraph includes a sentence (or two) that articulates a philosophical / interpretive meaning all your own, that is not necessarily demonstrable with evidence.  For example – The point is that “The inspiration for art stems from a variety of sources, but at the end of the day, all of it is a form of self-promotion.”  The evidence describes three artists who promote themselves through their art.”  The developing idea goes beyond this to a speculation:  “We may like to think of artists as operating outside the power structures of society, or in opposition to them, but artists still need to eat, so they sell themselves just like any other product in American society. Very few of us can truly escape our capitalist roots.”


Grading Scale.  A point paragraph that is focused on the reading for the day, includes a point (as defined above), evidence to support that point, a developing idea, and exhibits good writing style, will receive 1 point.  Almost there = .8.  Not much effort shown = .6 point.  No grading categories met = 0 points.  You may write as many of these as you want to up to 14 points, but can not earn more points than that in this category of assignment. Late point paragraphs are not accepted, except in the case of illness.

 

Writing Proficiency Requirement
All St. Michael’s students must demonstrate entry-level writing proficiency prior to graduation. “Entry-level” writing proficiency means, simply, the ability to write a short, cohesive persuasive essay with a few or no surface errors that interfere with comprehension. The initial assessment of your writing falls to me, as your FS instructor, and I will certify you when you demonstrate proficiency in your writing assignments. If I'd like to get a second opinion about your writing, in October I'll ask you to take a short writing assessment, which two other faculty will review. If they feel your writing needs work, I'll refer you to the writing proficiency coordinator, who will give you several options for achieving proficiency, including getting a designated writing coach or taking a writing course in the spring. Of course, if your writing improves after October, I can still certify you proficient then. Note: If you would like some additional help with your writing right away, contact Elizabeth Inness-Brown, director of the Writing Center (einness-brown@smcvt.edu). She can set you up with a designated coach for one or two meetings a week. The Writing Center is also available, drop-in or by appointment, to all students; visit Library 119 to check it out. Hours are Sunday through Thursday late afternoons and evenings.

 

Presentation Guidelines for Unit One Material Culture Essay

For this presentation, you will read your essay to the class while standing at a podium -- as though you were delivering a paper at a conference.  It should take you approximately nine minutes to read a four-five page essay. The standard rule of thumb is 250 words per minute is a comfortable listening pace.

This assignment is all about volume, pace, and audience eye-contact when you speak publicly.  Here are some tips:

  • Print out your paper in bold and triple-spaced so you will have an easier time finding your place and not getting lost (the paper should be roughly 1200 words).
  • Practice, practice, practice -- time yourself as you read.  You probably will have to read in a way that feels slow to you. 
  • Look at your audience and make eye contact during the speech ( a tricky thing -- practice!).
  • Dress nicely to give yourself more confidence.
  • Shoulders back, chest projects forward, voice is directed at the audience member farthest from you.
  • Nerves are natural -- remember that the worst case scenario is really okay!!! 
  • Practicing this skill will help you get over any stage fright you might have.  Better to get on with that now. 

 

Essay Revision Checklist (and grading guidelines) – for material culture essay, exhibition review, research paper, and opinion paper

Students:  Use this list to help you revise your papers before you hand them in.  Start at the top; fulfilling the assignment and developing critical thinking are the first and most important things you need to do to write a good essay.  Work your way down the list as the semester progresses.  A good idea is to have a partner read your essay and give you feedback, using this list.  Or take it to the Writing Center (Library 119, Su-Th, 4-11 pm).

Essay Component

comment

CONTENT

__Assignment:  Is it addressed fully?

__Class concepts:  Are they understood and applied correctly?

__Other:

 

 

 

CRITICAL THINKING

__Thesis:  Is it explicit and arguable?

__Argument:  Is it logical?

__Evidence:  Is it sufficient, appropriate, credible?

__Analysis:  Does it show how evidence supports thesis?

__Counter-arguments:  Are they addressed, if necessary?

__Focus:  Does the essay stay on topic?

 

 

ESSAY STRUCTURE

__Paragraphs:  Are they organized in a deliberate and helpful way?

__Paragraphs:  Are they fully developed and appropriate in length?

__Transitions:  Do they help the reader move from thought to thought?

 

 

LANGUAGE CONTROL

__Style:  Is it controlled and easy to read?

__Style:  Is it appropriate to the assignment and a general academic audience?

__Language:  Are Standard Written English guidelines followed for:

                        __sentence structure/grammar

                        __word choice/usage

                        __punctuation/mechanics

                        __quotations/citations

                        __spelling

 

 

 

                                                                                   

 

 

Presentation Scoring Sheet – Creative Response Assignment

Student/s Name:

Component

Comments

 

 

ORGANIZATION:

*displays planning and logical order in presentation

 

CONTENT:

* fully describes process of choosing work and developing 

creative response

* demonstrates effort

* demonstrates creativity

 

PRESENTATION:

*well rehearsed

*audible and clear speech

*time well used, scheduled appropriately

      (not too much or too little time)

 

Grade:

 

 

Final Research Paper and Presentation

 

The final research paper is an opportunity for students to formulate an original thesis, and to support it well with trustworthy sources.  A minimum of six published academic sources must be used in preparing these papers.  Internet websites are only permissible as sources if they are sponsored by accredited museums, universities or if they are on-line publications of academic journals.  Research should be started early, since materials often must be ordered by inter-library loan from other institutions.  Websites can be very useful for getting topic ideas, locating images for presentations, and searching for bibliographic sources.  There is relatively little in the field of art history available in full text through the Internet.  Citations on long papers should be in the form of endnotes and bibliography in MLA style – this is the style used in the readings you will be doing for class.  In-text citations are not used in art history papers (pet peeve!!). 

Titles of art works discussed in your paper should always be underlined and identified as [fig. 1, 2, 3, etc.].  For example:  “Thomas Eakins’ Spinning Wheel Studies [fig. 1] is an excellent example of the artist’s use of preparatory perspectival studies.”  Zeroxed illustrations of each work you discuss should be included behind the endnotes and bibliography with corresponding identification by figure number.  These illustrations should also include artist, title, medium, date and location of the work, i.e.:

                                    [zerox of Spinning Wheel Studies ]

Fig. 3  Thomas Eakins, Spinning Wheel Studies, charcoal on paper, 1883,

            Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts

 

Your 10-minute research presentation should be created in PowerPoint.  You should bring your presentation in on a flash drive, in addition to keeping a copy elsewhere (i.e. on the College server).

 

Final Research Project Presentation Scoring Sheet

 

Component

Score and comments

ORGANIZATION:

*sets clear agenda at outset

* provides context for material in introduction

* presents information in a logical order

* sums up important points in a conclusion

 

CONTENT:

*gives overview, but also “goes deep” on

      important points

*goes beyond mere presentation of text;

      critiques author and approach

*demonstrates mastery of content

 

PRESENTATION:

* Powerpoint frames are attractive and clear –

No typos, and little text

*well rehearsed

*smooth transitions

*audible and clear speech

*time well used, scheduled appropriately

      (not too much or too little time)

 

 

 

Helpful people and places:

 

Reference Librarian: Michelle McCaffrey x2411

 

Chris Clary, Director of Career Development                                                        

Student Resource Ctr. ext. 2547

            · Study skills, choosing a major, career counseling

· Career staff (Chris, Donna Atwater, Ingrid Peterson) available to assist you with career counseling, non-academic

   internships, graduate school advising, part-time and summer jobs, full-time employment

 

Rev Brian Cummings, S.S.E., Director of Edmundite Campus Ministry

Alliot 133 ext. 2476

· Campus Ministry staff offers pastoral counseling, religious services, and programs to foster spiritual development

 

Faculty/Faculty Advisors

            · Advice on academics for pre-registration course selection, curriculum requirements, choosing a major           

 

Linda Hollingdale, Director (Personal Counseling)                                              

Student Resource Ctr.  ext. 2547

            · Counseling staff (Linda, Julia Wick, and Dave Kells) provide personal/social counseling, support groups

 

Elizabeth Inness-Brown, Director of the Writing Center/Writing Proficiency   

STE 333 ext. 2441                  

            · Writing Center – Library 119

 

Peggy Imai, Director of Study Abroad Program                                         

Klein 118 ext. 2222

 

Grace Kelly, Director of Student Activities                                                 

Alliot 223 ext. 2568

            · Information on student groups, student government, and various campus events

 

Will Marquess, Director of First-Year Seminar Program                           

STE 329 ext. 2802

 

Antonia Messuri, Director of Accessibility Services                                               

Klein 111 ext. 2818

            · Liaison for students with special needs, academic accommodations for disabilities

 

Megan Ohler, Director of New Student Programs                                     

Ryan 115 ext. 2248

            · Academic, personal, transition and adjustment issues and programs for new students

Resident Assistants & Resident Directors

            · Academic and personal concerns; residential living issues

           

Moise St. Louis, Director of Multicultural Student Affairs                        

Alliot 214A ext. 2663

            · Multicultural programming, Martin Luther King Society and Diversity Coalition

 

Heidi St. Peter, Director of Community Services (MOVE)                                  

Alliot 123 ext. 2674

            · Short-term and extended volunteer service opportunities

 

Joan Wagner, Peer Tutoring Program/Study Skills Program                                 

Klein 116 ext. 2844

            · Peer tutoring for specific subjects; study skills workshops

 

Joan Wry, Assistant Dean of the College                                                     

Founders 111 ext. 2347

            ·   Academic concerns

·        Communication with parents / family members