GE 2074 SYLLABUS Winter Quarter 2010

Instructor: Candace Uhlmeyer
E-mail: cuhlmeyer@aii.edu
Telephone: 469-587-1378
Website: http://www.owlfarmer.com/PMD

Please note that my voice mailbox is checked only once a week, and all formal contact must be made in person, or in writing via e-mail or a message left in the box outside my office.

Office Hours and Quarter Course Schedule:

Course Description: In this course students will participate in philosophical “conversations” on a number of possible topics, such as human nature, aesthetics, community, technology, science, and literature. Students will interpret and analyze questions that arise in readings and other creative media from both historical and contemporary sources.

This quarter’s topic is Pioneers of Modern Design, and explores the development of modern art and design from approximately 1880-1970. The primary cultural influences during this period include the Enlightenment, the Industrial Revolution, scientific and technological advances, various wars and revolutions, and especially the Arts and Crafts Movement. This course will consider the philosophers, artists, and designers who emerged during this period and provided the intellectual foundation for twentieth and twenty-first century art and aesthetics.

Prerequisites: Writing I GE0124, Writing II GE2084, Oral Communication GE0024, Introduction to the Humanities GE 0114.

Course Objectives

Produce critical interpretations of selected topics in the history of philosophy both orally and in writing
Recognize and discuss the importance of philosophy in modern life.
Analyze written and visual works in terms of their philosophical content.
Discuss and analyze topically appropriate materials and media.
Produce a research-based, philosophically grounded creative response to art and/or design movements.

Topic Objectives: These objectives are based on the course objectives listed above, and tailored to the specific topic under consideration this quarter.

Interpret written and visual texts from post-Enlightenment philosophers, artists, and designers.
Recognize and discuss the influence of nineteenth- and early twentieth-century social and philosophical events on the development of modern design.
Analyze written and visual works that emerged during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
Compare philosophical responses of significant designers and movements to developing social and political situations from 1880-1970.
Conduct research into the philosophical and historical roots of significant design movements.
Discuss and analyze literary texts and design responses to philosophical questions.
Produce a research-based, philosophically grounded creative response to a specific artist or movement from the period under consideration.

Instructional Methodology/Instructor’s Expectations

This is a seminar based course in which students will discuss responses to assigned visual, philosophical, and literary texts following short introductory lectures. Students will be responsible for preparing discussion questions and contributing to the philosophical dialogue, and for pursuing topics introduced in class through further research and continued discussion.

Course Requirements: In order to complete this course successfully, students must earn passing grades on the following assignments.

Three question sets that reflect reading, reflection, and research into topics under discussion. 30%

A project proposal that indicates the ability to define the parameters of an effective program-related topic that lends itself to philosophical application and demonstrates college-level reading, writing, and research. 10%

A program-grounded creative project that includes high-quality research, critical analysis, interpretive skill, and facility in writing, as well as acumen in design and presentation. 40%

Weekly discussions based on careful reading of philosophical texts and analysis of related visual objects, requiring active participation and demonstration of continuing research into course topics. One component of this participation grade includes the maintenance of a workbook devoted to course-related materials. 20%

Grading Criteria: Assignments will be graded on the basis of the course rubric (distributed in class), using the following scale.

Required materials: All required readings and a large selection of resourses are linked to the course website. Additional readings will placed on Reserve in the Kelley Library during the weeks in which they will be considered.

Students must also purchase a 1.5 inch or larger 3-ring binder with dividers for each week, and bring to class materials for taking notes. A flash drive is recommended in order to provide visual illustrations of philosophical points as they arise, and for saving images and documents useful to discussion and/or project research.

I also highly recommend Nikolaus Pevsner’s Pioneers of Modern Design: From William Morris to Walter Gropius. The revised and expanded edition, with significant additions of photographs and published in 2004 by the Yale University Press, is widely available in local Half Price Books outlets.

Art Institute of Dallas Policies on Class Assignments and Projects: The Art Institute places considerable emphasis on simulated work situations in which the student is assigned projects with scheduled completion dates. In a professional environment, there are no acceptable excuses for missing project deadlines; therefore, it is extremely important that students develop similar professional discipline in their general studies classes.

General Studies Classroom Policies: The Department of General Studies emphasizes both the academic and professional skills students need for success. The following policies are designed to promote scholastic excellence and successful learning.

Deadlines: Many assignments have scheduled due dates, and some class time is set aside for required projects. Additional time outside of class hours is also expected, however, in order to fulfill requirements and meet deadlines. The Department of General Studies does not accept late work for any reason in any class.

Attendance: Regular class attendance is expected and required. In courses meeting once per week, if a student misses three or more classes during the quarter, or accrues the equivalent of three absences through tardiness, he or she may be dropped for lack of attendance at the discretion of the faculty member. The satisfactory explanation of an absence does not relieve the student from responsibility for the course work assigned and/or due during his or her absences. Students who fail to attend all classes on their schedules for two consecutive weeks of the quarter will be automatically terminated from the school by the Registrar's Office.

Participation expectations: Students must be proactive. If something occurs to inhibit your academic performance or attendance, contact the instructor immediately via email. Students must also be engaged. During the class period, students must devote their attention exclusively to classroom operations, and avoid being distracted by unrelated activities.

Disruptive or Disorderly Conduct: The instructor is the final arbiter of questions concerning classroom conduct. Engaging in behavior that substantially or repeatedly interrupts either the instructor’s ability to teach or fellow students’ ability to learn may result in a conduct referral to the Academic Director, Dean of Student Affairs, or Art Institute Security Personnel.

Personal Technologies: All computers and personal communication devices must be turned off during lectures. Only those with special accommodations from the Office of Academic Disability Services may use laptops for note-taking.

For further information on classroom demeanor, please consult my Etiquette page.

Americans with Disabilities Compliance: It is the policy of the Art Institute of Dallas to accommodate the needs of disabled students. This institution will adhere to all applicable Federal and State laws, regulations, and guidelines with respect to providing reasonable accommodations required to afford equal educational opportunity. It is the student’s responsibility to contact affected faculty members and the Office of Academic Disability Services at 469-587-1239 in a timely manner in order to make appropriate arrangements.

Academic Ethics and Scholastic Dishonesty: The Art Institute of Dallas will not tolerate any act of dishonesty or plagiarism. Dishonesty in the classroom, including securing, passing, or receiving a test prior to the test date, or cheating on examinations is subject to a failing grade and possible suspension or termination from the Art Institute. The same rule applies to detected plagiarism within the classroom. Plagiarism includes any unattributed use of materials from any source—including books, periodicals, CD-ROMs, videos, and the World Wide Web, as well as artworks or projects from other students or professionals. All quotations, paraphrases, or other adaptations of others’ work must be properly cited and documented. All acts of dishonesty are to be brought to the attention of the Academic School Director and the Vice-President of Academic Affairs.

The above syllabus is subject to change at the discretion of the instructor due to unpredictable and/or uncontrollable situations (weather conditions, Art Institute and/or local, regional, state or national criteria).

home l weekly schedule
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