Academic Catalogs

ART A107: Introduction To Art

Course Outline of Record
Item Value
Curriculum Committee Approval Date 12/08/2021
Top Code 100200 - Art
Units 3 Total Units 
Hours 54 Total Hours (Lecture Hours 54)
Total Outside of Class Hours 0
Course Credit Status Credit: Degree Applicable (D)
Material Fee No
Basic Skills Not Basic Skills (N)
Repeatable No
Grading Policy Standard Letter (S), 
  • Pass/No Pass (B)
Associate Arts Local General Education (GE)
  • OC Humanities - AA (OC1)
Associate Science Local General Education (GE)
  • OCC Arts - AS (OSC1)
California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC)
  • Cal-GETC 3A Arts (3A)
Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC)
  • IGETC 3A Arts (3A)
California State University General Education Breadth (CSU GE-Breadth)
  • CSU C1 Arts (C1)

Course Description

This course provides a general introduction to art that offers a look at works of art through the study of theory, terminology, themes, design principles, media, techniques, with an introduction to the visual arts across time and diverse cultures. Topics will include drawing, painting, sculpture, film arts, printmaking, and architecture. Gallery/museum visits are required. Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.

Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)

  1. Conceptually design and complete an original work of art from two of the following disciplines: painting, drawing, film art, computer art, print art, sculpture, or ceramics.
  2. Demonstrate by written composition their ability to analyze and critique a work of art emphasizing their personal understanding of the elements and principles of design in historical context to representational and abstract expressionistic art.

Course Objectives

  • 1. Demonstrate understanding of the formal elements and principles of design through the creation of an art object.
  • 2. Utilize the formal elements and principles of design to describe and critique works of art and architecture.
  • 3. Define art concepts such as form, content, style, iconography, perception, creativity and aesthetics.
  • 4. Identify and differentiate materials and techniques used in the production of art and architecture.
  • 5. Describe and differentiate prominent methodologies in art history and art criticism.
  • 6. Identify the historical, social and psychological factors involved in the making of art objects.
  • 7. Identify the roles of art, architecture, and artists in diverse cultures.
  • 8. Construct personal criteria for evaluating and producing art.
  • 9. Discuss the importance of art as an expression of human consciousness.
  • 10. Recognize, compare and contrast specific works of art in relation to the cultural, historical and social context from which they emerge.

Lecture Content

Introduction to the Nature of Art  Defining Art: Functions The role of the artist Record Visualize the unknown  Portray feelings Offer innovative approaches Themes, purposes, and motivations of art making in relation to society Visual Impression, Emotional Expression, Symbolic and Allegorical Art Art definitions Form   Content  Iconography Aesthetics Style The Visual Elements of Design Line  Value  Shape and Mass  Color Light  Texture  2-Dimensional Space The Principles of Design Geometric  Unity and Variety Golden Mean  Emphasis/De-emphasis  Symmetrical and Asymmetrical balance Proportion and Scale  Rhythm  Perspective Media and Techniques Drawing: demonstration of different materials - dry and liquid Painting  Encaustic  Fresco  Egg Tempera  Oil Watercolor  Mosaic Illustration/Graphic design Printmaking Relief  Intaglio  Planographic Monotype   Camera Related Arts Photography  Film  Video  Computer/Special Effects technologies Sculpture Additive  Subtractive  Replacement methods (examples of relief and in-the-round) Architecture Conceptual Art Happenings  Performance Art  Earthworks Installations Survey of Nonwestern Art traditions  African and Asian arts and crafts Developing a personal aesthetic Analyzing media and technique in artworks The hands-on making of art objects Methodologies of Art History and Art Criticism Overview of art history from a global perspective

Method(s) of Instruction

  • Lecture (02)

Instructional Techniques

1.   Lectures 2.   Text reading assignments 3.   Slides and Video. 4.   Demonstrations of Methodology and Material usage 5.   Class discussion 6.   Field trips to galleries and art museums

Reading Assignments

Student will spend approximately 12 hours per semester doing artist research (library)

Writing Assignments

Written analysis of an artwork will take approximately 1 hour a week (18 hours)

Out-of-class Assignments

Gallery and Museum reports will take approximately 1 hour a week (18 hours total)Creation of a work of art will take approximately 1 hour a week (18 hours)

Demonstration of Critical Thinking

Identifying, comparing, and contrasting, through objective examination, works of art created by different artists, cultures, historical times, and media. Identifying and interpreting specific materials and techniques used in the creation of art in oral discussions of written reports. Creation and critiquing of original art works by the student. Classroom discussions Objective exams Projects and presentations Quizzes

Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration

1.Written essays, assignments, and/or research projects 2. Essay exams 3. Quizzes

Eligible Disciplines

Art: Masters degree in fine arts, art, or art history OR bachelors degree in any of the above AND masters degree in humanities OR the equivalent. Note: “masters degree in fine arts” as used here refers to any masters degree in the subject matter of fine arts, which is defined to include visual studio arts such as drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, ceramics, textiles, and metal and jewelry art; and also, art education and art therapy. It does not refer to the “Master of Fine Arts” (MFA) degree when that degree is based on specialization in performing arts or dance, film, video, photography, creative writing, or other non-plastic arts. Masters degree required. Art history: Masters degree in art history, history of art and architecture, or visual culture/visual studies OR bachelors degree in art history and masters degree in history OR masters degree in art with a recorded emphasis or concentration in art history OR the equivalent. Masters degree required. Art history: Masters degree in art history, history of art and architecture, or visual culture/visual studies OR bachelors degree in art history and masters degree in history OR masters degree in art with a recorded emphasis or concentration in art history OR the equivalent. Masters degree required.

Textbooks Resources

1. Required Sayre, Henry M. . A World of Art, ed. New York: Pearson, 2012 Rationale: -

Other Resources

1. Students will supply art materials. Instructor will provide handouts and special resources (DVDs, video, etc.)