ARTS 1553 Art Appreciation Syllabus W01 Summer 2026

Credit Hours 3.00 Lecture Hours 2 Clinical/Lab Hours 2
Type of Credit
CIP Code
50.0701
Course Meeting Time

Online

Course Description

This course is intended for non-art majors to learn basic information about how visual art forms and applications existing in the everyday world can be used to enrich and enhance the individual's life. Students will receive an overview of art history including major artistic achievements, schools, and trends. The course stresses the development of understanding and appreciation of aesthetic concepts, theory, and criticism. A minimal amount of "hands on" studio experience will provide opportunity for non-art majors to experience the creative processes necessary in many art capacities.

Course Alignment

IAI Number
F2-900
IAI Title
Art Appreciation
General Education Outcomes

General Education Outcomes are the knowledge, skills, abilities, attitudes, and behaviors that students are expected to develop as a result of their overall experiences with any aspect of the college, including courses, programs, and student services, both inside and outside of the classroom. The General Education Outcomes specifically learned in this course are:

  1. Communication

Faculty Contact Information

Faculty Name
Chelise Slowik
Faculty Email
Faculty Phone
815-802-8717
Faculty Office Number
R 118
Faculty Student Support Hours

Online, by appointment. 

Course Information

Course Outcomes

At the end of this course, students will be able to:

  1. The ability to develop, understand and critically analyze the formal design concepts and principles in artworks
  2. A descriptive vocabulary, set of terms, phrases, concepts, and approaches that allows for thinking critically about visual images
  3. An understanding of the processes involved in making art
  4. An awareness of changing art climates and stylistic changes in art
Topical Outline
  1. The purpose and function of art in society
  2. The visual elements
    1. Line
    2. Shape
    3. Space
    4. Color
    5. Value
    6. Texture
  3. The principles of design
    1. Rhythm
    2. Repetition
    3. Unity
    4. Contrast
    5. Balance
    6. Emphasis
  4. Media
    1. Drawing
    2. Painting
    3. Sculpture
    4. Craft media
  5. Art historical application of art appreciation from Cave Art through Postwar Art movements including Western and Non-Western art
Textbook/s and Course Materials

Textbook: THERE is NO TEXTBOOK for this class. All information is OER: Open Educational Resource, free use of materials.

You will need to have good access to the internet, as well as the following materials:

9” x 11” (or larger) Sketchbook, drawing pencil kit (graphite), black sharpie marker or micron pens, watercolor paints, glue stick or Elmer’s Glue, scissors, tape, and various other art supplies. (You will be told in advance what you will be needing). You will also need access to a printer for printing out occasional photos. There are printers at the KCC library if needed.

Methods of Evaluation

Evaluation
Student performance will be evaluated as follows:

  • Quiz scores
  • Written assignments
  • Technical skill development in studio problems (Sketchbook / artwork)
  • Sketchbook note taking on lectures

 

Evaluation:

Attendance/Participation: You are expected to log on to this course at least every 72 hours. Do not get into the habit of only logging on the evening before assignments are due or your grades will be affected.

Weekly Assignments: All assignments will be posted under the “modules” tab in CANVAS. You will need to check for assignments each week, and complete them by the time stated (typically Monday at midnight unless otherwise mentioned). They will primarily consist of reading materials provided, video / PowerPoint lectures, documentary videos to watch (often with short quizzes) and discussion questions to answer. Outside sources need to be used in your research, so PLEASE DOCUMENT, quote when necessary, and include work cited pages. Even opinion answers will often need back-up documentation in order to be a quality response. Work cited pages are almost always necessary!

If there is an assignment within the weekly module that DOES NOT have a due date on it, it is STILL DUE AT THE END OF THAT WEEK along with all of the other assignments.

Late work: You are only allowed to turn in work one week late, with a daily penalty. After that, I will not accept late work, the module will be closed, and it will be graded as a 0.

Grading scale: 90-100=A 80-89=B 70-79=C 60-69=D 59-0=F

 

Tests / Quizzes: All Quizzes are online, in a TIMED format. Quizzes must be completed by the due date.

Academic Division

Liberal Arts & Sciences

Dean, Jennifer Huggins; 815-802-8484; R310; jhuggins@kcc.edu; Division Office- W102; 815-802-8700

Course Calendar

All Modules are up to date in the CANVAS calendar. 

College Policies, Resources and Supports

College Policies

For information related to the Student Code of Conduct Policy, Withdrawal Policy, Email Policy, and Non- Attendance/Non-Participation Policy, please review the college’s Code of Campus Affairs and Regulations webpage, which can be found at catalog.kcc.edu under the Academic Regulations & Conduct Guide. 

Resources

KCC offers various academic and personal resources for all students. Many services are offered virtually, as well as in person. Please visit Student Resources - Kankakee Community College to access student resources services such as:

  • Clubs and organizations
  • Counseling and referral services
  • Office of disability services
  • Student complaint policy
  • Transfer services
  • Tutoring services, etc.