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Module 1: Introduction to Art Appreciation

Photo grabbed from: https://www.1africa.tv/art-appreciation/

Overview:

Hello and welcome to our subject, our dear students! This subject is called Art
Appreciation, with the subject code “ART AP”. Above everything, we truly hope that this
subject finds you well during these really trying times. We all know how much
adjustment is needed from everyone as we are cruising through the waves of this
pandemic and the “new normal” that it brought about. We are really thankful that you
are here with us at this moment and we hope that even if we are not seeing each other
physically, you will still have a very fruitful time while taking the subject.

Before anything else, what is in your mind when you hear the
word “art”? Are you thinking of paintings or drawings? How about
music? Theatre? Singing or dancing? Playing musical
instruments? Movies and television? Digital editing?
Photography? Architecture and interior design? Literature? If
the thing in your mind is the same as those creative activities
mentioned, then yes, that is under the “gigantic umbrella" of The
Arts. The thing with The Arts is that it is such a highly broad topic,
and its horizons are getting broader and broader as people—artists and
artisans—are always challenging the norms and questioning what Art really constitutes.
Like everyone says, Art is subjective. As times change, The Arts also change. Besides,
who’s to say what’s Art and what’s not?

Here’s the thing, with all of the things that are under the “gigantic umbrella” of Art,
it is really difficult to encapsulate everything into a mere subject or even a degree. Art,
as a subject, also belongs to an even bigger ideation of the Humanities. What’s awe-
inspiring here is that there is an immense world that longs to be talked about; a colorful
world that enthralls us as humans into working for a greater society.

AUF CAS Soc. Sci. Dept. | A.Y. 2020-2021 Art Appreciation - Module 1 JTT

For the first week of Art

Appreciation, we will explore Art and
its philosophies, its foundations,
theories, characteristics,
assumptions, and more. There will
also be a discussion on Art’s
purpose and importance, and Art
Appreciation’s inclusion in the
curriculum as a subject. We are
going to talk about the many Movie still from E.T. the Extra Terrestrial (1982)
different factors, issues, facts, Directed by Steven Spielberg
misconceptions, and opinions about
Art, with its end goal being able to define Art in our own ways, while tapping into our
different experiences, too. Furthermore, we will talk about the different artistic
movements, both the most common and the unconventional. Finally, on the latter part of
the module, there will also be a discussion as to a subject and its usage in an artwork,
and its different sources.

One of our favorite sayings pertaining to Art is, “The Earth without Art is just EH.”
We are hoping that this subject takes you on a colorful journey into the magnificent
world of Art! We, as your instructors, will be with you and guide you along the way.

Timeframe:

Activity Approximate Time

Videos, Lectures, and Readings 2-3 hours
Icebreaker Activity 10-15 minutes
Collaborative Work and Essay 3-4 hours

Discussion:

For the required content of this topic, we have provided a PDF format of the
lecture, a Powerpoint Presentation of the said lecture with a recorded discussion, and a
supplemental video we made about the topic. We also have a podcast entitled podCAS.
For the podcast, it is a free-flowing discussion that we, your instructors, have where we
talk all things Art. The things that are being talked about in the podcast will not be
required in any of the quizzes or exams in this subject. Instead, the podcast is intended
for us to share some more art knowledge, in a more interesting way. Here’s the fun
thing: there is a new episode of podCAS in each and every module! Also, there will be a
discussion forum that is open for everyone. In here, you can ask questions about the
topic that anyone can answer (including us), share opinions, comments, suggestions,
experiences, and so on, and you could also reply to your classmates’ posts. The forum

AUF CAS Soc. Sci. Dept. | A.Y. 2020-2021 Art Appreciation - Module 1 JTT

will also be a way for us to reach all of you, too, in an asynchronous virtual classroom
setting!

Guide Questions For Studying:

1. How do we define Art?

2. Why study Art? Do we really need Art?
3. How is Art important in my academic line? Why do I have to study it even if it is
not directly related to my profession in the future?
4. What are the different assumptions that people have about Art and what are
misconceptions?
5. Is nature Art?
6. What is a subject? What can be a subject?
7. How will I be able to utilize a certain subject and put it on my work?

Objectives:

First objective is of course to define the study of Humanities and then

differentiate it from the Sciences, basically giving a brief background on it. After which, a
working definition for the Arts shall be talked about. We know that there will be a lot of
talk, opinions versus opinions, facts and all, but we also have to look at Art and view it
from an academic point of view. We still have to have a definitive statement about Art
since it will be an endless discussion about it if we aren’t going to do so.

As we go on with the topic, we will also talk about assumptions and clarify the
many misconceptions about Art and what it constitutes. In this part of the topic, we will
talk about the motivations of people as to why they make different artworks and why it is
said to be used as a preliminarily as an expression. It becomes true then how this
expression is reflected off of different things we experience as people, as a society.
Further into this juncture, we are also going to talk about different artistic philosophies,
perspectives and Art’s effect in our society and its importance looking in the bigger
picture.

After discussing motivations, we will also talk about the

artworks and their subjects. We aim to identify and classify
subjects, from those that are “representational” and the “non-
representational”. These terms will be discussed in the
materials that are provided in this module. We will try to
understand different subjects and talk about the countless
sources of subjects, and how artists are able to utilize these
subjects in their creations.

One of the main end goals of the opening module for

this subject is to basically help you loosen up. We all know
that there are so many things that are going on in your mind right now, such as first
impressions about the subject and some anxieties that come along with the title of the

AUF CAS Soc. Sci. Dept. | A.Y. 2020-2021 Art Appreciation - Module 1 JTT

course itself. We understand all of these things and please be aware that it is
completely normal for you feel anxious about the subject. Just know that this subject
can be considered as your little bubble—a safe space for you to be expressive and let
your artistry do all the talking! No prior art experience required! Just remember that we
are all here to be able to appreciate the wonder of mankind’s creativity, a glorious thing
called Art!

The Activities and Workshops

For the first ever activity for the subject, there is

an audio file in the materials for this module with the
file name “Icebreaker Activity”. The icebreaker activity
only requires that you have a writing material (a ball pen
or a pencil will do) and a small piece of paper with you. It
can even be a scratch paper! For the instructions on how
the activity is going to happen, just listen to the file and play
along with what is being instructed. And oh, we won’t spoil it
here! Enjoy!

For the next activity, it will be our first collaborative work. We know that this
pandemic may have led us to feel some degrees of isolation. In this collaborative work,
the class will be divided into 5 or more groups, depending on the number of the
students, the division of groups will be given by your instructors. After going through the
first topic, you will get to know more about the different artistic philosophies from
different scholars.

The activity will be simple, we would like you guys to look all over the internet for
photographs of your favorite artworks, artworks that you like, or just merely artworks
that have caught your attention. After doing so, make a group collage containing all of
the pictures that have been given by each member. We would like to emphasize that
there will only be one collage per group and NOT one collage per member. The collage
can be created using any graphic designing application that you have, you may use
Canva, Photoshop, or even just paste the pictures in a Powerpoint File then save it in
JPEG (.jpg) format! The next step after that is to create your group’s own artistic
philosophy. What for your group is art? Write an essay following the collage of your
group. The essay about your Artistic philosophy must have at least three hundred (300)
words. The essay is also a collaborative work and WILL NOT be individually done.

For the submission, an assignment will be opened in our MyClass for Art
Appreciation. You will attach your submission there in the assignment that will be
opened. For the collage, you could either screenshot it and attach the screenshot or
save it as a photo in JPEG format (.jpg) for easier access. For easy access to your file,
we would prefer that the scanned copy or the picture of your drawing is in JPEG (.jpg)
format. Although we understand the many constraints of our situation today, we would
still accept any other file formats, as long as we could access it. We may have to ask
you to re-upload your submission if we are not able to access it. The JPEG (.jpg)

AUF CAS Soc. Sci. Dept. | A.Y. 2020-2021 Art Appreciation - Module 1 JTT

preference is just rooted from the idea that it would be easier for you to upload the file
and it would be easier for us to access and view it, as well. Finally, this workshop will be
recorded. See the rubrics below to know how you may be graded for your submission.

Why These Activities and Workshops?

The first activity, the icebreaker, is actually intended to help ease your anxieties
about the subject. Basically, to take it easy and just have a little fun. We understand how
talking about Arts or even the idea of taking up an Art subject could be intimidating for
some. Some may feel like they don’t have enough prior knowledge about Art. This
activity is here to tell you that it is perfectly okay and that this subject is not here to
judge you on your expertise about the subject matter. It is also a way for us instructors
to communicate and have fun with you as we introduce you and traverse the wonderful
world of Art.

The second activity, the collage and essay, is an activity where we, your
instructors, can gauge, see, and assess your learnings, reactions, impressions,
reflections, and ideas as we open a brand new learning chapter. It also gives us an
overview of which artistic creations you are familiar with or your inclinations. One of the
main objectives of this chapter is for you to be able to express your own artistic
philosophies and immerse in the subjectivity of Art and your inner sensibilities. This is
also done in a collaborative way so as for you to be able to have a virtual bonding
moment with your classmates, in an academic sense and discourse.

The end goal of these activities is for us to get to know you and your thoughts.
This is a way for you, as well, to tap into that creative and expressive side of yours.
Each and every one of us has that creative side. Each of us are born or harnessed with
different artistic capabilities and talents. As aforementioned, this shall be your safe
space, your personal artistic bubble, where you are allowed to be artistically expressive,
free of the judging senses.

Rubrics

There is just one workshop in this module and of course, we would like you to
know that even if Art is subjective, you will still be graded objectively as much as
possible so that everything is fair. We will do everything in our power as your instructors
to grade your works objectively. Please do note that you can always ask your instructors
about your grades and how you are being graded. For the first activity, the collage is
your first collaborative work and it will be graded in such a way that the group’s overall
grade will be the grade that is recorded for each member. So for example, the group got
a perfect score, then it only means that each member of the group will also get a perfect
score. It is mostly an assessment for us to be able to gauge your understanding of Art,
its theories, principles, and so on. It will also allow us to know about your opinions and
views on the subject matter. The rubrics for the first and second workshops are provided
on the next page.

AUF CAS Soc. Sci. Dept. | A.Y. 2020-2021 Art Appreciation - Module 1 JTT

Rubric for Collage and Essay

TOTAL Excellent Very Good Adequate Needs

___/30 pts.
Aesthetic Factor The collaborative work
of Collage showed prowess that is
expected of a team of
(10 pts.) college level students.
The photographs’
placement is neat and
makes sense. Overall,
the collage is pleasing
to look at. (9-10 pts.)
The collaborative work
showed good teamwork
expected from college
level students. The
photographs’ placement
is mostly neat and
effectve. Overall, the
collage is still pleasing
to look at. (7-8 pts.)
Improvement
The collaboration is The collage is a
somewhat lacking and reflection of little to no
is seen in how the collaboration from the
collage looks. group. The collage
Presentation of the looks like a convoluted
collage is sparse and mess and does not
somehow renders it make sense. Overall, it
ineffective. (5-6 pts.) conveys minimal to no
effort. (4 pts. and
below)

Adherence to All of the instructions Most of the instructions A good number of More instructions
Instructions regarding the collage were followed. Some instructions were not weren’t followed than
construction and instructions weren’t followed by the group, the ones which were
(10 pts.) explanation of adhered to but it didn’t and somehow affected followed, resulting to a
philosophy were affect the overall work the collage and its poor overall output. (4
followed to the dot. very much. (7-8 pts.) explanation negatively. pts. and below)
(9-10 pts.) (5-6 pts.)

Explanation The group’s explanation
(10 pts.) of their philosophy is
well thought of, well-
structured, expressed
complete understanding
of the subject matter
and is free from
grammatical errors.
(9-10 pts.)
The group’s explanation
of their philosophy
shows good analytical
skills, with good
structure and
understanding of the
subject matter. Some
grammatical errors are
present. (7-8 pts.)
The group’s explanation The group’s
of their philosophy is explanation was
not very well-structured. problematic in most
Some statements do parts, very hard to
not make sense or are understand, poorly
a little far from what the structured, and infested
group wants to relay. A with grammatical and
good number of clerical errors. (4 pts.
grammatical errors are and below)
present. (5-6 pts.)

Some Suggested Readings, Videos, and Other Sources:

The Art world is vast, that’s for sure. Sometimes, even we are lost for words
when talking about the grandeur of this subject matter. It is just so difficult to envelop
everything into just a few slides, videos or discussions. Here are some more articles,
videos, and other supplemental stuff we curated especially for you! These are all free
and can be accessed anywhere you have internet!

1. The Definition of Art (Compilation by Thomas Adaijan)

• https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/art-definition/

2. Art and Interpretation (Published Research by Szu-Yen Lin)

• https://iep.utm.edu/artinter/

3. Art and Nature (Article by John-Paul Stonard)

• https://www.tate.org.uk/tate-etc/issue-43-summer-2018/opinion-art-nature

4. Art: An Expression with Meaning (Article by Meaghan Nunley)

• https://www.theodysseyonline.com/art-expression-meaning

AUF CAS Soc. Sci. Dept. | A.Y. 2020-2021 Art Appreciation - Module 1 JTT

5. Who Decides What Art Means? - Hayley Levitt (Video by TED-Ed)

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoXyw909Qu0

6. What is Art for?

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sn0bDD4gXrE
______________________________________________________________________

And that is all for the first module! We hope that you are well during these times,
and we are happy and thankful that we get to journey through the wonderful world of Art
with you! And oh, buckle in, the ride is just starting! Now off to the next one!

“Art is the only serious thing in the world. And the artist is the only person who is never
serious.” - Oscar Wilde

AUF CAS Soc. Sci. Dept. | A.Y. 2020-2021 Art Appreciation - Module 1 JTT