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ALVERNIA UNIVERSITY
Art 105 - 30 Mr. Ilya Lerner
Art Appreciation Ilya.Lerner@alvernia.edu
Mod 3 January 20 - March 11, 2015
Wednesdays 8:00 PM – 10:20 PM, Francis Hall 142
UNIVERSITY OBJECTIVES
All courses at Alvernia are designed to foster the Core Franciscan Values of service, humility,
peacemaking, contemplation, and collegiality, as set forth by Alvernia’s Mission Statement, as well
as to promote the General Objectives as outlined in the University Catalog.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
An introductory course in visual art that includes an overview of:
- some of the relevant philosophical, social, political and theoretical issues
- art media, methods and techniques
- main periods of art history from prehistoric times through the present day.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
1. To develop a greater appreciation for art and how it impacts one's life.
2. To learn how to discuss artwork and issues related to art.
3. To get acquainted with some of the key artists and masterpieces of visual art.
4. To develop the ability to make aesthetic judgments, and articulate an informed personal reaction.
5. To demonstrate awareness of the scope and variety of works in the artistic field.
6. To understand certain artistic works as expressions of individual and human values.
7. To develop an appreciation for the aesthetic principles that guide or govern the arts.
8. To understand art vocabulary, and recognize the basic principles of art and design.8.
REQUIRED TEXT
Lewis, Richard, and Lewis, Susan. The Power of Art: Third Edition. Boston: Wadsworth, 2009.
COPYRIGHT RESTRICTION
Copyright Restriction: Materials used in conjunction with this course may be subject to copyright
protection under Title 17 of the United States Code. Under certain Fair Use circumstances specified
by law, copies may be made for private study, scholarship, or research. Electronic copies should not
be shared with unauthorized users. If a user fails to comply with Fair Use restrictions, he/she may be
liable for copyright infringement. For more information, including Fair Use guidelines, see the
Alvernia University Copyright and Fair Use Policy:
http://www.alvernia.edu/library/library_resources/copyright_policy.html

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Technology Requirements
Students are responsible for communications software and internet service. There are both
minimum and suggested requirements for computer setup. The Blackboard learning management
system, where students access their online courses, is accessible through the Alvernia Website at
http://www.alvernia.edu/logins
Students who enroll in Alvernia online courses must possess basic computer skills and have
regular access to appropriate computer hardware, software and Internet connectivity in order to
fully participate in coursework
PC-based Minimum Suggested
Processor Core2Duo i5 or i7
OS Windows XP Windows 7
RAM 1 GB 4 GB
Disk space 100 GB 250 GB or higher
Connection DSL Broadband, Cable
Browser Microsoft IE 7 Microsoft IE 7,8,9 Firefox 12,
Chrome
Java 6.29 7 update 4
Mac-based Minimum Suggested
Processor Core2Duo i5 or i7
OS Tiger 10.4 Snow Leopard 10.6 or Lion
RAM 1 GB 4 GB
Disk space 100 GB 250 GB or higher
Connection DSL Broadband, Cable
Browser Safari 4.0 Safari 5.1.2, Firefox 12,
Chrome
Java 6.29 7 update 4
Free programs, tools and media players
Below is a list of free downloadable browsers, programs and players that can be used to help you
through your online learning experience.
Mozilla Firefox - web browser Google Chrome - web browser JAVA - required for Blackboard
and Wimba to function properly Adobe Reader - to view pdf files. Macromedia Flash Player - to
view video podcasts Windows Media (players, encoders and codes) QuickTime Player - to view
and stream multimedia VLC Video Lan Player. – best free multimedia player Skype – to
communicate by audio, chat and video Join.me - share your desktop screen
Additional recommended technologies can be found on our Website at:
http://de.alvernia.edu/resources/technologies/

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COURSE FORMAT
This class will consist of lectures, discussions, seminars, writing and class presentation. This is a
blended course. At Alvernia University, an online course delivers 75% or more of the content
electronically; a blended course delivers 30%-75% of the content electronically; and a web-enhanced
course delivers less than 30% of the content electronically. Online/blended/web-enhanced courses
are conducted through asynchronous and synchronous tools. In asynchronous class sessions,
materials and discussion are accessed through a course management program called Blackboard.
Additional online resources, tools, and activities may be integrated into the course delivery. In
synchronous class sessions, materials and discussions are conducted through audio conferencing
and/or videoconferencing using a service called Horizon Wimba. If a student is unable to attend a
synchronous session, the audio and/or video sessions are archived for later retrieval. In addition to
the course instructor, a librarian and an educational technologist are embedded with each online and
blended course for assistance with student questions and mentoring pertaining to online resources
and technical issues.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
1. Readings/Viewings
Students must read/view assigned material BEFORE coming to class or by due date. It is imperative
to take notes.
2. Attendance/Participation
Class attendance and participation are vital to understanding the course material. Students are
encouraged to ask questions and expected to participate in discussion. Excessive lateness or absence
will result in a lower grade. More than one absence will affect the final grade, 10% for each
occurrence. Students absent from class are responsible for the material covered, notes, assignments
covered or due. Be on time..3 lates will be counted as an absence. In order to create the best
learning environment, mutual respect is expected. No eating in class. No cell phone use in class.
Any late assignment will receive 10% penalty for each week late. Quizzes must be taken within the
timeframe allotted…no additional time will be given. Due dates are adhered to, presentations/papers
not delivered will receive 0 points. No incompletes will be given for this course.
3. Assignments, Projects, Examination
Research Paper - Students will prepare and write a well researched paper. It can be about any topic
related to the course. Some examples are work of a single artist (please, do not select those who were
presented in class - see below) or group of artists, single important artwork, period of art history or
theoretical question. You have to express why this theme is important to you and well develop the main
points you are making. Your paper has to have bibliography and illustrations. The length of the paper
should be sufficient to clearly and thoughtfully express your ideas. You can choose any writing style.

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Revision Paper -Student will read and comment on peer's research paper using the criteria described
above. Please, be critical but supportive. Your revision paper will be read by both me and the author
of revised work.
Both research and revision papers should be submitted electronically.
Presentation – Students will give in class a multimedia presentation on one artist. It can be any artist
of your choosing though you are advised to select those whose work is important from the standpoint
of art history or understanding of contemporary art scene. You have to provide some biographical
information and show images of the most important work, explain your understanding of role of this
artist and why you have selected him//her. Presentation should last 10-15 minutes and will be
followed by brief discussion. I suggest you time your presentation to the seminar when we study
relevant media or period of art history.
Quizzes – Students will take online quizzes.
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Discussions - On-line discussions related to lectures, readings and presentations will be
conducted between seminars. You are encouraged to offer your own themes in addition to those
offered by me. I expect everybody to participate actively and express their own ideas as well as
comment on your peers' ones.
Exams - Two exams, first on theoretical issues and art media, and second on art history.
4. AcademicHonesty
All students are expected to adhere to the university’s Academic Honesty Policy, as outlined in the
Student Handbook. Breaches of honesty include but are not limited to:
Copying another student’s work
Plagiarizing the published work of another
Facilitating the dishonesty of another student
Cheating on an examination
5. Accommodationsfor LearningDisabilities
Special Needs Students
The University determines its ability to meet the specific requests of special needs students on a case-
by-case basis. Reasonable accommodations, as defined by Act 504 and the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA), are provided when students self-identify and provide documentation to the
University’s Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator. The ADA Director is located in BH 1121-
A. Details on academic support for special needs students can be found in the Academic Support
Services section of this catalog.
ADA Accommodations
In accordance with Act 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans With Disabilities Act
(“ADA”), the University offers accommodations to students with documented learning, physical
and/or psychological disabilities. It is the responsibility of the student to contact the ADA
coordinator, preferably prior to the beginning of the semester, to initiate the accommodation process
and to notify instructors as soon as possible to develop an accommodation plan. Course requirements

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will not be waived but, if possible, reasonable accommodations will be made to allow each student to
meet course requirements. Students needing assistance should contact the ADA Director, BH 1121-A
(610.568.1499) .
GRADING POLICY
All students will receive a final grade on a point system. All requirements must be met satisfactorily.
Participation/Attendance – 35%
Research and Revision Papers – 20%
Quizzes and Exams - 15%
Online Discussions - 10%
Presentation – 10%
Undergraduate Grading Policy
The University provides the following guidelines for grade assignments. Final grade assignments are
at the discretion of the faculty member.
A 94-100 C 73-76 P Passing Grade
A- 90-93 C- 70-72 I Incomplete
B+ 87-89 D+ 67-69 WP Withdrawal/Pass
B 83-86 D 63-66 WF Withdrawal/Fail
B- 80-82 D- 60-62 AU Audit
C+ 77-79 F Failure
It is the student’s responsibility to check Alvernia and Blackboard mail, message accounts on a
regular basis. Failure to check these accounts are not an acceptable excuse for missing important
information/deadlines that may be communicated by faculty or staff of Alvernia University. It is
highly encouraged that students enroll in the electronic emergency notification system called
e2Campus (www.alvernia.edu).
COURSE SCHEDULE
(Subject to change)
January 21 - Introductory Seminar. What is Art ?
January 28 – What is Art?(continued) The Primary Elements and Principles of Design
Introductory Lecture
reading - chapter 1, 2 and 3
quiz
February 4 - Drawing, Painting and Printmaking
Lecture 1
reading - chapter 4, 5 and 6
quiz
February 11 – Photography and New Media.
Lecture " Photography and New Media".
reading – ch 7 & 8
quiz
For this seminar, you are encouraged. though not required, to bring some of your own photographs
for a short classroom presentation.

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February 18 – Sculpture, Architecture, Decorative Arts and Design
Lecture "Sculpture, etc".
Reading – ch. 9, 10, 11
exam
February 25 - Ancient Art, Medieval Art, Italian Renaissance
Art History Lecture 1
reading – ch. 12, 13 and 14
Research Papers due
quiz
March 4 - Northern Renaissance; From Baroque to Impressionism
Art History Lecture 2
reading – ch.15, 16 & 17
quiz
Revision paper due
March 11 –Modernism and Contemporary Art
Art History Lecture 3
reading – ch. 18, 19 and 20
exam