Course Outline

Course Description:
While the production of artwork is central to an art curriculum, critical thinking is a vital component of studio practice. It provides student artists with the tools for making informed judgements about their own work.

By encouraging the understanding and interpretation of visual ideas, the discipline of art criticism attempts to provide insights into artistic meaning. Knowledge gained in the practice of art criticism provides students with the tools to make objective, informed judgements about their own work, the work of artists and students, past and present, and all aspects of the visual world.

Criticism can be defined as the analysis of qualities. As such it is a discipline without absolutes. To help students develop a practical approach to such a study, it is necessary to arrive at a framework within which objective, enlightened enquiry can take place.

The course will concern itself with building the skills and abilities to elicit meaning from contemporary and historical works of art. Students will engage in discussion on a variety of issues, beliefs and opinions within a format employing strategies for criticism.

Criticism is by nature a word-based activity. Students will be evaluated on their active participation in discussion, presentations and on their critical writing skills.

Course Objectives
The course is designed to enable students:
• to understand the nature and function of art criticism within societal and historical contexts
• to comprehend the value of art criticism as a tool with which to assess the visual world -
• to recognize critique as a vital component in the production of art
• to identify and qualify judgmental statements, using reasoned dialogue based on knowledge and understanding
• to develop proficiency in the use of description, analysis, interpretation and evaluation
• to gain sufficient levels of practice in the use of dialogue and critique to conduct classroom critiques on a regular basis
• to write intelligent, informed critical reviews

N.B. (NoteWell)
Art Criticism is a word based activity. It is essential that course participants understand that the primary form of classroom involvement in this course is DISCUSSION. Students must be prepared to engage verbally in critical dialogue. Active questioning and response concerning theories, ideas, attitudes, beliefs and opinions will form much of the classroom activity. While there are several formal approaches to criticism there are no absolutes. Students will be expected to question and challenge thoughtfully and enthusiastically in pursuing answers that may be right for them. Active participation will help you to refine your views and the class will benefit collectively from your contributions.

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Course Assignments
Throughout the course, students will be involved with presentations, projects and written assignments. Assignment topics will be given in class, as will due dates. The final mark (100%) will be based on the following:

Assignment #1- 10%
Assignment #2- 15%
Assignment #3- 25%
Assignment #4- 30%
Class attendance and active participation- 20%

Evaluation Criteria
Written assignments will be evaluated on the quality of the ideas expressed. Quality ideas go beyond the superficial, reflecting original and more profound thought. Good writing is clear and concise, bringing together creative thinking and conclusions supported by information. Written work will also be evaluated on the mechanics of language: sentence structure, appropriate vocabulary, etc. Work should be typed if possible. Handwritten work must be legible and on good quality paper.

Presentation to the class must be well organized, clear and engaging.

Assignments
Students are expected to submit work on time. Where students are unable to meet a deadline, they are expected to discuss the matter with their instructor in advance. Whether or not an extension of time is granted is within the discretion of the instructor and conditional upon the student providing an excuse deemed justifiable by the instructor. Students who without reasonable excuse, fail to meet an assignment deadline will be penalized. One mark per day will be deducted from their grade for that assignment.

Attendance and Participation
Participation is essential. Contributions by all class members on an ongoing basis will add an exciting and cooperative dimension to the class and lead to an enhanced learning situation. Marks will be awarded to students who contribute valuable information, material and resources for discussion. These are awarded at the discretion of the instructor.

Therefore students are expected to attend all classes. Marks will be deducted from the final grade for each unexcused absence, and of course, if you are not there you cannot participate! An excused absence includes medical reasons, family crisis etc. and must be supported by documentation to support the claim. Students must arrive in time for classes, which will start punctually, and remain for the duration of the class. Failure to abide by these strictures will result in an amendment to the final grade.

Undergraduate Grading Scale

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