Syllabus

ART 103: SURVEY OF ART II (72583)

This course is an introduction to the history and development of Western
art from the Renaissance to the present. It focuses on major works of art
and architecture and the broader social and cultural forces that have
shaped the Western tradition. Periods and movements covered include
the Renaissance, the Enlightenment, Romanticism and Realism,
Modernism, Postmodernism, and the contemporary world.
WHO IS YOUR INSTRUCTOR?
My name is Rainer Mack. I teach Art History in the Department of Visual
and Performing Arts at Oxnard College. My PhD is in the art and
architecture of ancient Greece and Rome, though I teach all areas of art
history. Ive been an archaeologist (at Tel Dor, Israel), a museum
administrator (at the Getty Villa in Malibu), and a professor (at UCSB, Cal
Poly SLO, SMC, OC and elsewhere).
WHAT WILL WE LEARN IN THIS COURSE?
This course provides introductory knowledge of the history and
development of art in the Western world from the Renaissance to the
present. Anticipated student learning outcomes are:
Students will be able to recognize works of art from the major
cultures and historical periods of the Western tradition (Renaissance
to present)
Students will be able to analyze and interpret works of art from an
historical perspective, taking into account social and historical forces
that shape them
HOW DOES THIS COURSE WORK?
This is a web-enhanced course that includes classroom meetings

(twice/week), a required textbook, required reading, writing, viewing, and

speaking assignments, and a course website. This course may include
field trips.
Class meetings include lecture, discussion, film screenings, quizzes, and
student presentations. You must come to class prepared to participate! To
prepare for class, complete the reading assignments listed on the
Schedule. Reading assignments are drawn from the textbook and
materials on the course website.
The course website uses Canvas, Oxnard Colleges Learning Management
System (LMS). All course information, materials, and assignments are
posted on our Canvas site. Some assignments are submitted online. You
must know how to use Canvas to take this course.
The required textbook is Fred Kleiner, Gardners Art Through The Ages: A
Concise History of Western Art (4th ed.) available in the bookstore, online,
and elsewhere.
We meet on Mondays and Wednesdays (12:30-1:45 in LS 8). Class
meetings are required. If you miss more than three class meetings you
may be dropped.
To take this course, you need a computer with a reliable internet
connection and familiarity with basic online tasks such as uploading and
downloading files, posting comments, and navigating websites. It is your
responsibility to successfully navigate the course and complete
assignments on time and in accordance with instructions. For help
with Canvas, see Help with Canvas.
HOW WILL YOUR PERFORMANCE BE ASSESSED?
Your grades on individual assignments, as well as a running total, are
available online (select Grades in the left-hand navigation column). If you
have any questions or concerns about a grade, contact me (see below).
For a breakdown of assignments and points, see Grade Scheme in the
Course Orientation Module. For more information on grading, see Guide to
Assignments and Grading.

Keeping up with assignments is required. You will be dropped from the

course if you are not actively completing assignments.
The grading scale for this course is standard: 100-90% (A), 89-80% (B),
79-70% (C), 69-60% (D), 59% and below (F).
ACCOMMODATIONS
Students with need should contact the Educational Assistance Center
at (805) 986-5830 or on campus in the Student Services and
Administration Building. Accommodations are made with the authorization
of the EAC.
HOW DO WE STAY CONNECTED?
In addition to our classroom meetings, information and updates are
posted online (select Announcements in the left-hand navigation
column). You can receive notification of Announcements (and many other
course activities) by email. Check your settings by going to your Canvas
Account and selecting Notifications.
You should check your school email at least once/day. If you are not in
the habit of using school email, you might consider setting up a forward
to whichever email account you do check regularly. It is your
responsibility to remain informed about course assignments,
activities, due dates, updates, etc.
I can be reached by email at rmack@vcccd.edu and by phone at 805-6785181. My office is in the North Faculty Wing (A). My office hours are M (23:20), T (2-3:20, W (2-3:20), and Th (11-12).
All email communications must include an appropriate address (e.g., Hello
Prof. Mack) and your first and last name. The subject line should clearly
indicate the topic. If these conditions are met, I will reply within 48 hours
(not including Saturday and Sunday).
DISCLAIMER

This syllabus may be changed at the instructors discretion. Changes will

be posted on the D2L site and communicated in class and/or by email.