ART-100 - Landmarks of Art and Visual Culture - Carolyn Robertson

Introduction

Hi everyone. I am Carolyn Robertson, your instructor for ART 100, Landmarks of Art and Visual Culture. This is an introductory level art appreciation course in which we will focus on the language of art as well as major themes expressed in art by diverse cultures throughout time.

Course Description

Art is a language but it also has a language. We will spend a good amount of time on developing a visual understanding of the language of art as we explore themes that humans have expressed their experiences through visual means over history. For the first 2/3 of the course we will cover material in tandem, the language of art or The Elements of Art and themes that I title Visual Culture in our syllabus. 

Some of the Elements of Art include the use of line, shape, color, texture, etc...basically, the tools in the toolkit of the artist.  We all know what those are but the vocabulary surrounding these terms is often more specific than you might think.

Some of the themes in the Visual Culture lessons include art about Food and Shelter, art about Reproduction and Sexuality, the theme of Social Protest, and so many more.

I think art has been made about every conceivable subject we could ever think of. 

What to Expect in this Course

This class is an asynchronous online class, meaning there are no required meetings, however we do have due dates which will be clearly described in our syllabus. This class covers in 5 short weeks what I normally cover in a 16-week semester. Since this is a very condensed course, you should plan on spending 6-8 hours a week on viewing lectures, studying readings and videos, and then additional time for assessments which include Assignments, Discussions, Quizzes, and Exams. I know it’s a lot of work but it’s really interesting! The world is a fascinating place and so is its art!

This course is heavily image-based.  You will view thousands of images from all corners of the globe, from time immemorial to present day. You will learn through lecture material reinforced through assigned readings and video content.

You must have a computer and a Word processing program. If using Pages or Google docs, documents must be converted to a pdf before submission in Canvas. I will not accept handwritten word; college-level work must be typed.

You must cite all your sources in Chicago Style. You may not be familiar with this citation style, so I will show you how to do this the first week.

Note that Quizzes do not perform well on your phones. This is a limitation of Canvas unfortunately so plan on taking quizzes on a laptop or iPad.

It is very important that you devote enough time for this course.  You will not be able to pass if you attempt your work at the last minute. 

You must always use your best writing and follow the posted instructions to include minimum word count, numbering responses, etc. 

Types of Assessments

You will have multiple short quizzes each week over the Elements of Art and over the Visual Culture lessons.  

You will have multiple Assignments and Discussions each week.  Discussions involve responses to your peers.  These require citations in Chicago Style.

You will have a Midterm Exam at the beginning of Week 3 and a Final Exam at the end of the semester. 

Textbook Information

This course uses a Zero Textbook Cost book. I will post individual readings each week on Canvas.

Sachant, et al., Introduction to Art: Design, Context, and Meaning.  https://human.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Art/Book%3A_Introduction_to_Art_-_Design_Context_and_Meaning_(Sachant_et_al.)

Other Relevant Course Information

It is my hope to share my love of art with you and to learn together about what art has the capacity to show us about ourselves.

Art is a great mirror. It can reveal so much. It can change lives.

Additional Resources

Canvas

This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:

• CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
• CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password

Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.

Online Education

Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.

The Learning Center (TLC)

The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!

Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)

College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.

Online Counseling

The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.

Management of Stress and Mental Health

Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.

Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.

You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.

Veterans Resource Center

The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.

Library

The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!

Last updated: 06/21/2026 Sub#: 2057 Sub ID: 216947