Course Syllabus

Independent Study in Idaho

ISI Website indepst@uidaho.edu | 208-885-6641

ART 100 Introduction to Art

Painting Title: Wheat Field with Cypresses
Artist: Vincent van Gogh Date: 1889 Medium: Oil on canvas

Sponsoring Institution: Lewis-Clark State College

3 Credits

Instructor Information

Course Instructor: Diane Doty

  • Email: ddoty@uidaho.edu
  • Phone:  405-830-7639
  • Office Hours: By Appointment
  • Copy the ISI office at indepst@uidaho.edu on communications

I am originally from New Mexico. I have lived in Texas, Oklahoma, New York, and Idaho. I have taught art and art history at the university level since 1998. I have always wanted to be an artist and a teacher. I have a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Oklahoma with an emphasis in painting. I received my BFA from Texas Tech University with an emphasis on painting, as well. I have an extensive and national-level exhibition record. I enjoy teaching art and feel very lucky that I get to do so. Visit my art website.

Course Description

An interdisciplinary consideration of the historical sequence of art styles; slides, lectures, and discussions of architecture, painting, sculpture, and other arts are seen from the viewpoints of the philosopher, the artist, and the layperson.

Many students entering this course have never set foot in a gallery or museum of art. If you are new to the world of art, please don’t be intimidated. Whether you are a season pass holder at your local fine arts museum or a newbie, a dedicated student will learn new perspectives on art and find themselves approaching works of art more insightfully.

Course Objectives

The primary objective of this course is to gain a better understanding of the history and the world of art. You will be asked to hone skills for critiquing and examining works of art while placing the work into a context (historical, global, etc.) for better understanding. The art world is a large one, and approaching it requires some understanding of specific terms and a general idea of the history of art. (To join in a conversation successfully, one must first have an idea of what that conversation is about.)

Required Materials

Book cover of The Power of Art Revised 3rd EditionThe Power of Art, Revised | 3rd Edition. 
Richard L. Lewis/Susan Ingalls Lewis
ISBN-13: 9780357694374.  
It can be purchased or rented as a digital copy. 

Alternately you may use:

Book cover of The power of Art older 2nd editionThe Power of Art. 2nd ed.
Lewis, Richard, and Susan I. Lewis.
Thomson Wadsworth, 2009
ISBN-10: 0-534-64103-2
ISBN 13: 978-0-534-64103-0

Course Rules and Requirements

  • There will be no surprises in this class. The exam following each lesson and the final exam will cover only what I have asked you to study. Look at your lectures and lists of terms to help you study. Complete all assigned readings. If in doubt, contact your instructor.
  • There are four exams for this course. The exams are grouped as follows: Lesson 1 and 2, 3-5, 6 and 7, and a final comprehensive exam, covering the entire course.
  • Graded exams will not be returned to you.
  • Students may submit 2 assignments per week. Submit assignments and receive grades via Canvas.
  • Write your name, V number, course subject and number, and assignment number on every submission. 
  • Each lesson is comprised of a lecture, a reading assignment, and a writing assignment, followed by an exam. There will also be a comprehensive final exam.
  • Please use standard formatting and proper citation on all written assignments. Use quality sources such as your textbook. Any additional sources you may choose to use need to be current and from a quality art-based source with an author citation. For example, I would choose the magazine Art in America or its Web-site over Wikipedia. You must cite your sources when using someone else's words, ideas, or images.
  • Keep a copy of every assignment submitted. An instructor may take up to two weeks to grade so plan accordingly. Set a schedule allowing for completion of the course two weeks before your desired deadline. 
  • Web pages and URL links in the World Wide Web are subject to change. If you cannot access a link that has been listed in this course guide, use your favorite search engine (such as Google) to locate the site. To seek assistance or provide any updated information, contact your instructor.
  • Acts of academic dishonesty, including cheating or plagiarism, may result in a grade of “F” for the course.

Grade Information

The final course grade is issued after all assignments and exams have been graded. The course grade will be based upon the following considerations:

7 Written Assignments: 25 pts each = 175 pts

3 Lesson Exams: 100 pts each = 300 pts

Final Exam = 100 pts

575 total points possible

Students cannot fail all exams and pass the course. 

Grading Scale
Points Percent Grade
517-575 90-100% A
460-516 80-89% B
402-459 70-79% C
345-401 60-69% D
0-344 0-59% F

Course Policies

Refer to the ISI Policies for the most current policies and procedures, including information on setting up accounts, student confidentiality, exams, transcripts, course exchanges, refunds, academic integrity, library resources, disability support and other services. 

UNIVERSITY POLICIES AND RESOURCES

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

U of I Moscow is located on the homelands of the Nimiipuu (Nez Perce), Palus (Palouse) and Schitsu’umsh (Coeur d’Alene) tribes. We extend gratitude to the indigenous people that call this place home, since time immemorial. U of I recognizes that it is our academic responsibility to build relationships with the indigenous people to ensure integrity of tribal voices.

PROFESSIONALISM

This course is difficult, and I expect that you will want to work with a group on assignments. I encourage this, in fact. However, copying from another student or any online source/answer manual is plagiarism and is not allowed. Cheating and plagiarism will earn you an F in this course and, potentially, a visit to the dean of students. See Dean of Student's Student Code of Conduct for more information.

Remember: You’re paying to learn, not just get grades.

LEARNING CIVILITY

In any environment in which people gather to learn, it is essential that all members feel as free and safe as possible in their participation. To this end, it is expected that everyone in this course will be treated with mutual respect and civility, with an understanding that all of us (students, instructors, professors, guests, and teaching assistants) will be respectful and civil to one another in discussion, in action, in teaching, and in learning.

Should you feel our classroom interactions do not reflect an environment of civility and respect, you are encouraged to meet with your instructor during office hours to discuss your concern.  Additional resources for expression of concern or requesting support include the Dean of Students office and staff (208-885-6757), the U of I Counseling & Testing Center’s confidential services (208-885-6716), or the Office of Civil Rights and Investigations (208-885-4285).

DISABILITY ACCESS AND REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

University of Idaho is committed to ensuring an accessible learning environment where course or instructional content are usable by all students and faculty. If you believe that you require disability-related academic adjustments for this class (including pregnancy-related disabilities), please contact Center for Disability Access and Resources (CDAR) to discuss eligibility. A current accommodation letter from CDAR is required before any modifications, above and beyond what is otherwise available for all other students in this class will be provided. Please be advised that disability-related academic adjustments are not retroactive. CDAR is located at the Bruce Pitman Building, Suite 127. Phone is 208-885-6307 and e-mail is cdar@uidaho.edu.  For a complete listing of services and current business hours visit https://www.uidaho.edu/student-resources/disability-accessibility-resources.

VANDAL FOOD PANTRY

The Vandal Food Pantry is a free resource stocked weekly with food, grocery bags, and various hygiene items. Its eight locations across campus are accessible during building hours and open to all. Please take what you need.

GREEN DOT SAFETY PROGRAM

What's Your Green Dot? It's up to all of us to make a safer campus. Vandal Green Dot is a program that helps students learn about the power of the bystander, how to recognize potentially risky situations, and realistic ways to intervene. Together we can bring down the number of people being hurt by interpersonal violence on our campus. No one has to do everything, but everyone has to do something! Learn more and get involved by visiting UI's Green Dot Safety Program or emailing greendot@uidaho.edu.

FIREARMS

The University of Idaho bans firearms from its property with only limited exceptions. One exception applies to persons who hold a valid Idaho enhanced concealed carry license, provided those firearms remain concealed at all times. If an enhanced concealed carry license holder's firearm is displayed, other than in necessary self-defense, it is a violation of University policy. Please contact local law enforcement (call 911) to report firearms on University property. University of Idaho leadership remains committed to maintaining a safe work, living and learning environment on campus. We will not tolerate any threatening use of firearms or any other weapons. While authorized license holders may have familiarity and be at ease carrying a loaded firearm, we ask that they be aware that many people are not familiar with handguns and are uncomfortable in their presence.

OTHER HELP AND RESOURCES

STUDENT RESOURCES

The University of Idaho provides student support to ensure a successful learning experience.

LIBRARY HELP

The U of I Library website has many databases that will help you find relevant and reliable books, articles, images, and more. Don't hesitate to contact a librarian for research assistance.

TECHNOLOGY HELP

The U of I Student Technology Center provides many technology related services to students.

WRITING SUPPORT

The U of I Writing Center provides one-on-one assistance to student writers and other members of the campus community.

Back to top