Spokane Falls Community College

Non-Western Art:  Tradition & Change in Chinese Art & Culture

Patty Haag - Instructor   Office 106, 533-3713

 

Syllabus Spring 2005

In this class we explore aspects of the human condition through the visual language of cultures from Asia, particularly those of China.  We look at contemporary trends as well as traditional art forms, & examine connections between art & culture.

 

Non-Western Art is a “W” class, which means writing intensive.  The course includes slide lectures, group discussions, videos, guest speakers & two short art projects.  The class is also a “D” class and satisfies SFCC’s diversity requirement because students will be exposed to racial & cultural perspectives beyond the dominant culture of the United States.

 

Tests are given based on readings, videos, discussions, class lectures etc.  Students will write a paper on a subject related to course content. Quizzes will be given from time to time based on the reading assignments. Students can expect to spend at least 1-2 hours outside class for every hour in class (5-10 hours/week.)

 

Text:   The Arts of China by Michael Sullivan, University of California Press, Berkeley       Readings from the library & handouts will also be assigned.

 

Materials Needed:

SFCC student ID card and a handful of dollar bills for library copies (10 cents each)

College dictionary to accompany text

Stapler, paper clips, rubber bands, 3-ring binder

 

General Outline
Week 1  Introduction to art & design concepts
Week 2-9  Chinese art & culture
Week 10,11 Conclusions/discussions

 

Attendance

Attendance is required & students receive an attendance grade. Arriving late & leaving class early are discouraged.  Students are responsible for all information & assignments given in class.  Late assignments may not be accepted.  If a student is absent, that student is expected to get notes from a classmate (not instructor). It is difficult if not impossible to make up slides seen in class.

 

Writing

Students will research & write a 5-7 page typed paper which focuses on an aspect of Chinese art & culture.  Guidelines will be given which include three bibliographic sources. The class will attend 2 library sessions for source material.  Papers are due on time.

 

Quizzes & tests

Quizzes & tests will be announced in class.  We will review for all tests, & students are given study guides to help prepare.  Studying together in pairs or in groups is helpful.  Tests cover all in-class & outside class material (slides, lectures, discussions, videos, speakers etc.).  Everyone is required to take the final exam in class on the announced day.  Quizzes cannot be made up.

Make-up tests are more difficult than the original and given only at the end of the quarter.  Students need to give good reason for missing a test.

 

Notes

Students are required to take notes on assigned readings & turn them in on due date.  Notes may not be accepted more than 2 days late.

Activity Report         

Students will write a one-page report based on out-of-class activities listed below. This should be typed, double-spaced, using standard font and size. This report will be based on some aspect of Chinese art & culture.

·         Attend an event highlighting Chinese culture

·         Visit the Seattle Art Museum Asian Collection or similar exhibit

·         Attend a lecture or performance pertaining to Chinese art and culture

·         Visit an art gallery & view artwork by an artist of Chinese heritage who refers to that background in the work

·         View a film by a Chinese film maker

 

 

Participation

Students are expected to keep up with reading assignments and to participate in class discussions.   Plan at least 1-2 hours outside class for every hour in class.

 

Evaluation
%
Exams 
40%
Term paper 
30%
Quizzes/worksheets
10%
Reports, art projects
10%
Attendance
10%
If you need to drop the class, do so by the deadline to avoid a failing grade!  "Z" and "incomplete" grades only given in emergency situations at the discretion of instructor.

 

Communication

If you have questions or problems regarding the class (attendance, tests etc.) please talk to instructor right away either after class or make an appointment.

Office #106     Phone 533-3713 

 

Library Building

Student access to computers & printers, as well as books, films & periodicals. Hours:

 

CRC    Math/Science Building 18, room 219

Students have free access to the CRC.  Resources include Word, Works, PhotoShop, scanner, Internet & Netscape, and e-mail.  Open M-Th 7:15am – 9pm; F 7:15-3:30

 

Counseling Center                           Upstairs, Student Union Building   533-3525

Counselors are available for academic & personal assistance.  Although there is drop-in, it’s usually best to make an appointment.

 

SFCC Communications Learning Center     Building 5  room 113             533-3606

The Learning Center is available to all students for credit or non-credit.  The Center offers help in reading speed and comprehension, in vocabulary building, writing, editing and study skills.  Sign up for 1-3 credits of ENG 93 (study skills) or ENG 95 (reading lab).

Hours:  Monday - Friday 7:30am - 2:30pm;  Monday - Thursday  6pm - 8:30pm

 

 

2005 Class Dates
(not including tests, guest speakers, etc)
Apr 4- Jun 13 50 Classes
April 8 First Friday, MAC, 11am-5pm, admission by donation
April 12,13 Term paper topics & structure
April 14, 15 Library classes w Diane Lloyd (meet in library)
April 18 DUE:  term paper outline & 3 sources, MLA format
April 30  Faculty workday
May 3 

DUE: term paper source list, revised outline & research notes (20-25 cards, 5-6 pages handwritten or 3-4 pages typed)

May 6 First Friday, MAC, 11am-5pm, admission by donation
May 9 Mid Term grades
May 12

DUE:  thesis statement & 1st two paragraphs term paper; In class graded peer edit—don’t miss this class!

May 23 DUE: Activity Report (Chinese exhibit, lecture, etc.)
May 27 or 31 DUE: typed 5-7 page polished draft, sources cited, edited thesis statement
May 30 Memorial Day Holiday
June 3 First Friday, MAC, 11am-5pm, admission by donation
June 10 DUE:  Final typed term paper w illustrations, sources, edited draft
June 13  Final essay exam