To successfully complete this course, you must demonstrate your understanding of the course materials by:

• completing the assignments in each module

• submitting the chapter quizzes

• participating in the 4 discussion boards

• earning a combined average of at least 60% on the proctored assessments

• completing the Formal Analysis Essay

• completing the Research Essay, including the Topic & Bibliography and the Annotated Bibliography Discussion Board

Here is an overview of all of the different types of assignments in the course. You can find detailed directions for the assignments and the grading rubrics in the module where they are assigned.

• There is a short introduction to the course that includes a syllabus quiz and an Introduction Discussion Board.

• There are 14 chapters, plus a short introduction to the course. The class is divided into two halves: Modules 1 through 7 are the first half and Modules 8 through 14 are the second half. 

• Each module ends with a quiz to check your understanding of the chapter contents. 

• The first half of the class culminates in the Midterm Exam.

• The second half of the class culminates in the Final Exam. 

• The first half of the class includes a Formal Analysis Essay, where you are asked to describe the visual elements of one work of art. 

• The second half of the class includes a Research Essay, where you are asked to research one work of art during the course of the semester.

• The Research Essay Topic & Bibliography and the Annotated Bibliography Discussion Board assignments will help you identify a research topic, find scholarly sources, and learn to summarize those sources in your own words.

• There are two discussion boards (one in each half of the class) that ask you to think critically and creatively about art or architecture from a specific culture or time period. 

• To do well in this course, first identify the important vocabulary and learning objectives for each module. Then you should read the textbook and other assigned readings/videos on the Learning Activities page for each module. Take careful notes as you’re going through these activities so you can use them to study for the exams.

Quizzes

There are chapter quizzes at the end of each module. These quizzes will test your knowledge of important vocabulary, key concepts, and artistic styles covered in the module. They will also help you prepare for the exams.  

Discussion Board Activities

The two discussion board activities give you an opportunity to think creatively about the content of the course and collaborate with your peers. You will be asked to provide your own thoughts and ideas while demonstrating a knowledge of the artistic styles and contexts of different cultures. Remember to be collegial and polite as you engage with your classmates.

Proctored Assessments

There are two (2) proctored assessments (the Midterm and the Final Exam). The proctored assessments provide you with an opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of the course material. You can find the information on how to take proctored assessments in the Taking Proctored Assessments section of the Syllabus.

Formal Analysis Essay

This essay is an opportunity to demonstrate your ability to utilize a formal vocabulary to describe art. You will pick one work of art from the ancient world (Modules 1 through 7) and describe the visual elements and the principles of design that you see in the artwork. This essay is a description based on your observations so you do not need to include a lot of historical and cultural information.

Research Essay

The Research Essay project is composed of three assignments: the Research Essay Topic and Bibliography, the Annotated Bibliography Discussion Board, and the Research Essay. Each assignment is an opportunity to receive feedback from your instructor and to learn how to conduct research. Take this opportunity to pick a work of art from the Prehistoric through Ancient Greece periods that is exciting and interesting to you.