Professor Sarah Iepson
Office: M2-32D
Phone: 215.751.8802
Email: siepson@ccp.edu
Office hrs: TR 8:00-9:00, 1:00-2:00
Additional office hours by appointment

The Visual Communication course is designed to introduce students to the fundamental issues involved in the production and understanding of works of art within the broad context of human interaction and communication. The course introduces the student to the concepts, ideas, forms and qualities of art and art appreciation, while simultaneously connecting the images that appear in everyday life to history, culture and visual aesthetics. Themes include ethical issues and censorship of art.

Upon completion of this course students will be able to:

•  Use specific aesthetic vocabulary to describe and analyze works of art

•  Identify themes of art across a broad range of cultures and time periods

•  Recognize and discuss the various materials and elements used in the creation of art

•  Identify formal elements in a work of art and be able to ascertain how these elements create meaning

•  Distinguish the relationship of design principles and be able to relate these to content and meaning in art

•  Identify and discuss the concerns of specific media in constructing meaning: painting, sculpture, architecture, photography, video

While lectures will provide a basis for content, classroom discussion is an integral element of this course. As students, your responsibilities, other than completing coursework on time, are to acquire the skills of analyzing and interpreting art, to learn the vocabulary of art and appreciation, and to raise your aesthetic awareness. You will be graded on the following: a series of scheduled quizzes; drills based on the “List of 21;” a visual analysis paper based on the museum trip; projects and assignments; and class participation and attendance.

Final Grade:

Grading System:
Your course grade will be based on a standard percentile rating:

Required Text: Sayre, World of Art, 6th edition, 2010, Pearson
ISBN: 9780205714438

Attendance: Attendance will be taken at the start of each class.

Because this class meets for only 10 weeks, attendance will be particularly significant. As you will see when we go over the Tentative Class Schedule, you WILL have an assignment, in-class project, quiz, or drill nearly EVERY class meeting. Therefore, missing any classes could severely affect your grade.

In accordance with CCP's attendance policy, any student who misses two weeks worth of classes may be either dropped from the course or given a grade of F. In addition, if you are tardy 2 times, it will count as an absence. Partial absences, i.e. leaving early, will also be considered late. Should you arrive after attendance is taken, it is your responsibility to make sure that you have been marked present for the day.

Museum Trip: Two field trips will be scheduled to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. You are expected to visit the museum twice during the semester; at least one visit must be made with the class and the instructor. The week following the first trip you will provide me with the title of the work of art on which you have chosen to write your paper.

Paper and Projects:The visual analysis paper must be completed in order to complete the course . The 3-4 page paper will be discussed in more detail prior to the first museum trip. You will also be assigned several small individual and group projects throughout the semester that will be completed either in class or on your own time.

Quizzes and drills: Your quizzes will cover material from the text and from lectures. These will be based on chapters that we cover during the semester and will consist of multiple choice, short answer, and short essay questions.

Drills will be based on the List of 21 handout. This will be an ongoing exercise that will build up the ability to recognize of a list of specific images that we will repeatedly utilize in class lectures and activities.

Missed Drills and Quizzes: As attendance is mandatory in this course, it is expected that you will be in attendance for all drills and quizzes.

In the case of an absence, you may take ONLY ONE make-up quiz and ONLY ONE make-up drill.These must be taken prior to the class meeting immediately following the missed class. Missing a second quiz or drill will result in a zero for that exercise.

Disability: If you have a learning disability that has been documented by the College's Center on Disability, you may use supports as outlined by the Center after presenting the instructor with the proper documentation. It is advisable to schedule a conference with your instructor early in the semester to discuss your situation.

The following is the tentative class schedule and may change based on the progress of the lectures and class. All reading assignments should be completed prior to class in order for everyone to become engaged in the class dynamic.

Disability Policy:

If you require assistance with any condition or disability you should consult the College catalog for direction. The Center on Disability is located at M1-22B and may be reached by telephone at 215-751-8307. I urge you to consult with that office immediately. Unless you are working with the Center, we may not be able to provide the assistance you need.

Counseling Department:

The Counseling Department is located in office W2-2. It is a great resource for students that may be struggling with problems of a personal nature. The staff is highly trained and very helpful and is available on a walk-in basis.

Learning Lab:

Free tutoring and workshops are available to all students in B1-28.