Wiki Page, ART100 #65264 Online (Spring 2019): Module 1 Introduction: What is Art?

Wiki Page
2019-01-28T12:22:14-08:00

Introductory video:

In this, and all other Modules, you'll notice a link (or links) to parts of the e-book as well as links and information to specific Discussions. All Modules are organized in a similar manner-- they generally start with chapter readings ("Readings for Module #"), are followed by multiple discussions, and conclude with a quiz. You can proceed through the work of each Module either from the summary at the end of each introductory page, or by clicking through each individual item ("Readings", "Discussions", "Quizzes") in each Module.

All of our regular weekly activities are conducted through the Discussions, but the instructions for each Discussion may be quite different. Sometimes I want to know your opinion about something, sometimes I'll ask you to analyze a work of art, and sometimes you'll need to find answers to specific questions in the e-book. You can get to the Discussions through the links below, through the Modules, or through the Discussions link in the navigational menu on the left. At the end of each of the six Modules is a graded quiz.

Always start by reading the chapter(s) provided for the Module; you won't be able to address many of the discussions, nor successfully complete the Module quiz without doing so. As you do your readings in the e-book, you'll notice many links to artworks, museum websites, videos, etc. Make sure you click on the links in order to get the most out of your e-book. If you ever find a broken link please send me an email to notify me.

Remember: All Discussions and quizzes must be completed in by the due date in order to receive credit. There is no credit for late work except for emergency situations. Follow all directions carefully. Always use complete sentences, proper grammar, spelling, capitalization, etc. in your Discussion posts.

Module 1 introduces some ideas about what art is. After a rather lengthy reading (the longest in the e-book) of some historical and contemporary Western definitions and ideas about art, you'll read about some different purposes that art may have (at least according to this author). Then you'll learn a little about aesthetics and value. Finally, Module 1 discusses the concepts of representational, abstract, and nonrepresentational art.

READINGS FOR MODULE 1

ACTIVITIES FOR MODULE 1

1. Discussion 1: #1 - Getting to Know You
The first thing we'll do is get to know one another. I have already posted a little about me on the discussion board; now it's your turn. Click on the Discussion "1: #1 Getting to know You" link above for further instructions and to get started.

2. Discussion 1: #2 - Painting Done with Elephant Dung
Make sure to read pages 1-20. The information may not be especially useful for this Discussion, but you'll want to have an understanding of this material before the first quiz.

3. Read the section of your E-Book on Purposes of Art (pages 21-22) and then complete Discussion 1: #3 - Purposes of Art

4. Read the section of your E-Book on Representational, Abstract, and Nonrepresentational art (starting on page 27) and then complete Discussion 1: #4 - Representational, Abstract, Nonrepresentational

5. Once you've completed ALL the Readings and Discussions, you can proceed to Quiz #1.

LEARNING OBJECTIVE(S) FOR MODULE 1

Classify works of art into categories based on their purpose and/or function and general appearance.