ART 290/WOM 295: WOMEN IN THE ARTS
Fall 2011
M/W 1:00-1:50 p.m.
3 credits
Associate Professor Barbara Reinhart
Office: Southview 101
Office phone: 262-521-5543
Office hours: M/W 2:00-3:00 pm
COURSE DESCRIPTION
ART 290/WOM 295 is an interdisciplinary exploration of women as artists. The course is designed to introduce issues in contemporary visual art as they relate to women and Women’s Studies. There will be opportunities for analysis of art in a variety of genres and media. Underlying ideologies that influence our understanding of and access to the artistic production of women and artists of color will be explored. Theories and experiences of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, and class as they are articulated in the contemporary visual culture will be examined. This course has been developed to maximize student participation. It is structured around reading assignments, group discussions, presentations, and independent research. The success of the course depends on the level of involvement of the participants.
ART 290/WOM 295 is presented as a blended course combining online learning activities along with in-class meetings. The class will meet twice each week with the equivalent of a third weekly class meeting taking place in the form of asynchronous online discussions and related assignments.
Colleges-Wide Proficiencies
- Analyze, synthesize, evaluate and interpret information and ideas.
- Gather and assess information from printed sources, electronic sources, and observation.
- Read and listen with comprehension and critical perception.
- Write and speak clearly, precisely, and in a well-organized manner.
- Demonstrate a large and varied vocabulary.
- Use computer technologies for communication and problem solving.
- Employ and expand the imagination
- Engage in creative expression.
- Respond to the world and creative expression with knowledge and sensitivity.
Department-Specific Proficiencies
- To gain an overview of the contributions of women visual artists (both historical and contemporary)
- To increase understanding of art made by women through the use of multiple methodologies for solving problems
- To acquire an understanding of how women view, and are viewed by, art historians and art institutions.
- To examine the assumptions underlying traditional research methods and to identify potential sources of gender biases in art and design.
- To relate the issue of gender bias to other forms of “other” bias in the visual arts.
- To participate in creating a classroom environment in which incorporating gender-inclusive alternative teaching methods that emphasize cooperative learning, group discussion and critical analysis validates the experiences of all human beings.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
1.Attendance is mandatory: It is important that you attend classes and come to classes prepared to discuss the topic assigned; class attendance and preparedness are major factors in the final course evaluation.
2. Active participation: Informed, thoughtful, and engaged discussion about the readings, films, guests, and the issues raised in the class is important to creating an active learning environment for everyone. Because the core of this course is reading and discussion, keeping up with the class readings and coming to class prepared to discuss them is critical to full participation in the course.
3. Online activities: Due to the blended nature of the course it will be crucial to have dependable online access and at least one back-up access plan. All online assignments will have specific time as well as date deadlines to assist with scheduling.
4. Panel Discussions: Each student will work with other students in small groups to take responsibility for two panel discussions during the semester (see discussion handout). These discussions will be focused on issues raised in the weekly readings of the course.
5. Final Project/Paper and Quiz: Students will have a choice of a final art or service learning project (including a 3-4 page paper) or research paper (8-10 pages). The final project/paper will directly address topics covered in the course. A comprehensive quiz is scheduled for during finals week.
Required Text and Readings
- A course packet available only from the campus bookstore
- A selection of readings located on the D2L site.
Recommended Text
- A good dictionary to have by your side as you read!
Field Trip: the Art Dept will organize a bus trip to the Art Institute of Chicago. Attendance is strongly recommended. Transportation and museum entrance is included in course fee.
Artist lectures and exhibitions: Opportunities will be announced. Attendance is strongly recommended at one or more of these events. Extra credit may be available.
COURSE POLICIES
Grades
90% or more of the total points (see assignments) will result in a grade in the A/A- range; 80-89% will result in a grade in the B+/B/B- range; 70-79% will result in a grade in the C+/C/C- range; 60-69% will result in a grade in the D+/D/D- range. Class participation and general contribution to a positive learning environment are mitigating factors.
Absences and Late Assignments
Students who rarely if ever miss a class tend to earn better grades. Your semester grade will be reduced by one full letter grade if you miss 4 to 5 classroom meetings. You will fail the course if you miss 6 or more classroom meetings. Late online discussion and journal entries will not be accepted and will earn no points. All other assignments will be reduced by one full letter grade if turned in after the deadline. You will have one, and only one, chance to be permitted a 24-hour grace period in case of computer problems. Save it for an emergency. You are well advised to budget your time wisely and post early.
Time Commitment
The standard is to budget 3 hours per credit per week for a college-level course. For this blended course, only two of those hours count for in-class time. That leaves seven hours (more or less depending on other factors) per week that you should plan to commit to outside of class including the time spent online.
Computer Problems
We all have them. You must have at least one back-up plan such as the campus computers, your local library, or a friend with Internet access. Use D2L tech support for technical problems.
Plagiarism and Scholastic Conduct
As stated in the Student Rights and Regulations Handbook, academic misconduct is an act in which a student “seeks to claim credit for the work or efforts of another without authorization or citation”. This may include “submitting a paper or assignment as one’s own work that in whole or in part is the work of another” or that “contains ideas or research of others without appropriately identifying the sources of those ideas”. There are serious consequences for plagiarism so refer to the handbook and see me if you have any questions at all about this matter.
In class
-Cell phone use is not permitted during class. Save yourself the unnecessary embarrassment by turning your phone off before entering the classroom.
-Laptop use is not permitted during class. Extensive note-taking from lectures is not necessary for this course and it is crucial to have everyone’s attention directed towards the whiteboard or each other during presentations and discussions. Notes made from required course readings outside of class are strongly recommended in which case a laptop may be very useful and convenient.
Online etiquette
Refer to the “Netiquette” link on the course D2L site and abide by the rules. In addition, use salutations, signatures and spell-check for all postings.
ART 290/ WOM 295
Assignments and Proposed Weekly Schedule (subject to revision with reasonable notice)
WeekDate
1W9/7Introduction to the course and each other, D2L, personal profile, Artist Diary assignment introduction, campus library and on-line research tutorial
On-line by 9/12Post personal profile on D2L
2M9/12Artist Diary assignment discussion, Unit 1 images
W9/14Final Paper/Project introduction, quiz question #1
On-line by 9/19Post artist’s diary on discussion board
3M9/19Unit 2 images, quiz question #2
On-line by 9/21Responses to artists’ diaries on discussion board
W9/21Panel Discussion intro & sign-up, quiz question #3
On-line by 9/26Journal entry (in drop box) & reading discussion unit 2
4M9/26 Unit 3 images, Women’s Work assignment introduction, quiz
question #4
W9/28“Quilts of Gee’s Bend”, quiz question #5
On-line by 10/3Journal entry & reading discussion unit 3
5M10/3Unit 4 images, quiz question #6
W10/5Panel Discussion #1Units 2 & 3, quiz question #7
On-line by 10/10Journal entry & reading discussion unit 4
6M10/10Unit 5 images, quiz question #8
Images of Other assignment introduction
W10/12Panel Discussion #2 Units 3 & 4, quiz question #9
On-line by 10/17Journal entry & reading discussion unit 5
7M10/17Unit 6 images, quiz question #10
W10/19Panel Discussion #3 Units 5 & 6, quiz question #11
On-line by 10/24Journal entry & reading discussion unit 6
*M10/24 noon Fine arts gallery reception and artist presentation
8M10/24Guest artist and interviewer, quiz question #12
W10/26Unit 7 images, quiz question #13
On-line by 10/31Journal entry & discussion unit 7, post Women’s Work interview on discussion board
9M10/31Unit 8 images, quiz question #14
On-line by 11/2Post responses to WW interviews
W11/2Panel Discussion #4 Units 7 & 8, quiz question #15
On-line by 11/7Journal entry & discussion unit 8
10M11/7Unit 9 images, quiz question #16
W11/9Field Trip to the Art Institute of Chicago
On-line by 11/14Journal entry & discussion unit 9
11M11/14 Unit 10 images, quiz question #17
W11/16Unit 10 continued, quiz question #18
On-line by 11/21Journal entry & discussion unit 10, post Images of Other
12M11/21Unit 11 images, quiz question #19
On-line by 11/23Post responses to Images of Other
W11/23Panel Discussion #5 Units 9 & 10, quiz question #20
On-line by 11/28Journal entry & discussion unit 11
13M11/28Unit 12 images, quiz question #21
W11/30Panel Discussion #6 Units 11 & 12, quiz question #22
On-line by 12/5Journal entry & discussion unit 12
14M12/5Unit 13 images, quiz question #23
On-line by 12/5Final paper rough drafts (in drop box)
W12/7“Not for Sale” part 1, quiz question #24
On-line by 12/12Journal entry & discussion unit 13
15M12/12“Not for Sale” part 2
On-line by 12/14Post final papers in drop box
W12/14Final project presentations
Final Quiz and project pick up: Tuesday, December 20 at 1:00 p.m.
ART 290/WOM 295
Grades (breakdown by points)
- On-line participation/discussion (12 x 6 points each)72 points
- On-line journal entries (12 x 10 points each)120
- On-line (or on-line component) assignments:
-1. Artist diary 30
- Postings in response to 2 other diaries 3
-2. Women’s Work Interview 40
Postings in response to 2 other interviews 3
-3. Images of the Other40
- Postings in response to 2 other papers 3
-In-Class Quiz Questions (24 @ 3 points each)72
- In-Class Panel Discussions (2 @ 25 points each)50
- Final Project (In-Class Presentation) and Paper (On-line posting)100
- Final Quiz (24 @ 3 points each)72
Total possible points:605 points
Fall 2011 Assignments for ART 290/WOM 295
Assignment 1—Artist Diaries33 total points
Part 1:30 points max.
For this assignment you will research the life and work of one artist (selected at random from a list during class) as well as the cultural environment in which she produced her work. For example, you will look at family structure, social/political power (who had access to schools and models, who was able to obtain commissions, and who had family/church obligations), materials and techniques used at that time, other artists who were working and exhibiting, and requirements of dress. Using this research you will create a three-day (the days do not need to be consecutive) diary (200 to 300 words in length) from the perspective of your selected artist that will reference the findings in your research. Include at least three of the following: 1.) her interaction with a family member, 2.) the price of a dozen eggs or where your artist would go to get them, 3.) a description of an article of clothing, 4.) reflections about an artwork just begun, or 5.) reflections about an artwork just completed. A one-page bibliography of your sources (at least 5) must also be included (see MLA link). You must post your diary as a word document on the D2L discussion board.
Due: 12:59 p.m. Monday, September 19, 2011.
Part 2:3 points max.
You will read and respond to two other artist diaries on the D2L discussion board. Your responses may be questions or comments about the artists and their lives, comparisons between two different artist diaries, or other relevant reflections and feedback.
Due: 12:59 p.m. Wednesday, September 21, 2011.
Assignment 2—Woman’s Work Interview43 total points
For this assignment you will investigate one type of creative visual, hands-on art activity that has been typically or traditionally done by women. The type of work may include quilting, knitting, sewing, embroidery, cake decorating, basket-weaving, or crocheting. Other options may be considered as well. Interview a woman who does this kind of work. The questions that you ask should cover 3 categories. The first set of questions should address how the person began doing the activity, who taught them how to do it, why the woman continued to pursue the activity after she initially learned how, who the work is for, what is the work’s function, and how does she display the pieces? The second set should cover the specific process of how the work is created as well as what materials and techniques are used. In the third set of questions you will ask your subject to describe herself and her role in society. How does she balance various aspects of her life and what might be some consequences of her choices? Prepare your questions beforehand but also ask questions in response to answers as follow-up questions. After the interview, consider and respond to the following questions: What is the role that the works created play in our culture? How do others perceive these creations? Why do women make them typically? Who would judge the quality of this work? Who would see these and where would they be seen? Write a 3-5 page (600-1,000 words) paper that documents the interview and describes and analyzes your findings.
Due: 12:59 p.m. Monday, October 31, 201140 points max.
Post responses to two other interviews.
Due: 12:59 p.m. Wednesday, November 2, 20113 points max.
Assignment 3—Images of the “Other” in Visual Pop Culture43 total points
For this assignment, you will select a popular television show, a well-known movie, or a piece of advertising that portrays a character considered to be outside of the norm. This may include anyone apparently non-heterosexual, of a non-majority ethnic or religious group, or perceived to have a physical or mental disability. Make the following observations and write up conclusions that you draw from these. What clues about the person/cartoon character identify them as outside of the norm or other? What do you notice about the way the character dresses and acts? What is their role within the power structure of the show or advertisement? Is the role as comic relief, the main character, the mentor, the manager or boss, the employee at the bottom of the office hierarchy, the mother or the father or what? Is the character identified as male or female? Describe anything that makes a difference in the role. What can you conclude about our culture based on the images and portrayals that you have chosen to analyze? You may consult movie/television reviews, and apply appropriate scholarly literature to your findings with proper attribution and citation of sources. Next, select an image from the course text or from one of the websites in the link section of our D2L site that also represents an “outside of the norm” perspective and compare/contrast with the pop culture character and organize your thoughts in the form of a 3-5 page (600-1,000 words) word document.
Due: 12:59 p.m. Monday, November 21, 201140 points max.
Post responses to two of your classmates’ papers.
Due: 12:59 p.m. Wednesday, November 23, 2011 3 points max.
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