OERu/Planning/OERu 2012 Prototype/Art Appreciation and Techniques/Design blueprint

Metadata summary

 * Level: First Year University - BC Canada
 * Discipline: Visual Arts
 * Notional learning hours: TBD
 * Credits: 3
 * Local credential at your institution: TBD

Purpose of Course
This course is an exploration of visual art forms and their cultural connections for the student with little experience in the visual arts. It includes a brief study of art history and in depth studies of the elements, media, and methods used in creative processes and thought. In this course, students will learn how to develop a five-step system for understanding visual art in all forms based on:


 * 1) Description: Explaining a work of art from an objective point of view, its physical attributes, and formal construction.
 * 2) Analysis: A detailed look at a work of art that combines physical attributes with subjective statements based on the viewer’s reaction to the work.
 * 3) Context: Any historical, religious, or environmental information that surrounds a particular work of art and which helps to understand the work’s meaning.
 * 4) Meaning: A statement of the work’s content. A message or narrative expressed by the subject matter.
 * 5) Judgment: A critical point of view about a work of art concerning its aesthetic or cultural value.

After completing this course, students will be able to interpret works of art based on this five-step system of analysis; explain the processes involved in artistic production, themes, and the political, social, cultural, and aesthetic issues that artists examine in their work; and explain the role and effect of the visual arts in societies, history, and other world cultures.

Intended target audience
Entry is open. This course is intended for learners who wish to explore visual art forms and their cultural connections. Some learners may have some practical experience with visual art forms, but have never taken an art appreciation course. Some may have intentions of getting a Fine Art degree and this is one of their introductory courses. Little or no experience in the visual arts is assumed.

Learners should be prepared to:


 * Engage and take responsibility as active learners.
 * Think critically
 * Communicate effectively
 * Participate in diverse environments
 * Utilize information literacy skills
 * Demonstrate computer and technology proficiency (It is important to consider that some learners may not be very familiar with computers and technology tools such as wikis, blogs...although they may know email and FB and the Web. If the goal is to be truly "open," perhaps some additional tutorials e.g. Common Craft videos might be helpful. Gail)

Learning activity types, options and assessments
The course will be provided in an independent-study model with options for individual or peer work. Opportunities for summative and building up a progressive portfolio for assessment will be provided throughout the course.

Authentication interview: OERu learners may be required to participate in a short telephone interview with the assessor for authentication purposes.

Credentialing: TBD

Learning outcomes / Graduate profile

 * Interpret examples of visual art using a five step critical process: description, analysis, context, meaning and judgment.
 * Identify and describe the elements and principles of art.
 * Utilize analytical skills to connect formal attributes of art with their meaning and expression.
 * Explain in writing the role and effect of the visual arts in societies, history, and other world cultures.
 * Articulate in writing the themes and issues that artists examine in their work.
 * Identify the processes and materials involved in art production.
 * Utilize information to locate, evaluate, effectively use and communicate information about visual art in its various forms.
 * Communicate effectively with others to understand and appreciate the variety of responses art provokes.
 * Participate in diverse learning environments, including collaborative group projects and online forums, to analyze and evaluate different artistic issues and perspectives.