VAFA190 Art Appreciation
Department of Arts and Communication: Visual Arts
- I. Course Number and Title
- VAFA190 Art Appreciation
- II. Number of Credits
- 3 credits
- III. Number of Instructional Minutes
- 2250
- IV. Prerequisites
- None
- Corequisites
- None
- V. Other Pertinent Information
- Students are expected to work outside of class time on homework assignments. Students will need to purchase materials and supplies. Students must submit a final portfolio for faculty review visually demonstrating an understanding of the semester's course work.
- VI. Catalog Course Description
- This course surveys the visual arts including the analysis of forms, media and technical procedures, subject matter, composition, theory, philosophy, and cultural and social values and influences in a global context. Lectures, projects, discussions, and presentations facilitate the ability to think and communicate visually.
- VII. Required Course Content and Direction
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Course Learning Goals
Students will
- articulate the formal and compositional tools used to activate meaningful visual communication;
- explore a range of studio media and techniques [Arts/Humanities];
- produce written analysis of works of art across geographic locations and time periods based on their formal, sociocultural, and expressive qualities [Cultural Competency]; and
- apply the above concepts and skills to the creation of works of art.
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Planned Sequence of Topics and/or Learning Activities
- Visual Communication: Nature of Art & Visual Communication
- The Elements of Art and Principles of Design
- Media and Techniques (including photography, drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture and craft)
- Context and Connoisseurship: Evaluating Art
- Art History: Overview of prehistory through the present
- Museum Exploration
- Application: Artwork Experiments, Project proposal, Selection and Execution
- Collaboration
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Assessment Methods for Course Learning Goals
- Assessment methods will include projects, papers, critiques and reflections.
- Additional evaluative tools may include one or more of the following: performance- based tasks, discussions, exercises, written assignments, research-based reports, presentations, online activities, quizzes and/or exams.
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Reference, Resource, or Learning Materials to be used by Student:
Digital images and technology as selected by instructor are incorporated. See course syllabus. Textbook may also be required.
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New: 4/30/2026