Spring 2026 Course Syllabus
Course: ARTS-1301 (Section: 1, CRN: 10214)
Art Appreciation
LSCPA Logo Image
Instructor Information
Instructor Mary Catherine Wilbur
Email wilburmc@lamarpa.edu
Phone 4099846209
Office Performing Arts Center - Room: 155
Office Hours MWF 9-10am/10:50am-11:50am
TR 12:15-2:15pm
(by appointment only)
Additional Contact Information
Course Information
Description A general introduction to the visual arts designed to create an appreciation of the vocabulary, media, techniques, and purposes of the creative process. Students will critically interpret and evaluate works of art (painting, sculpture, architecture) within formal, cultural, and historical contexts.
Required Textbooks Textbook Purchasing Statement: A student attending Lamar State College Port Arthur is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from the college-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer.

Living with Art by Mark Getlein, 13th Edition

Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education

May be print, e-book, or summoned via ritual. The first few chapters may be read by clicking ‘Seahawks Book Bundle’ on your Blackboard.

Additional Materials/Resources None.
Corequisites/Prerequisites None
Learning Outcomes

By the end of this semester, students will be able to:

Apply art terminology as it specifically relates to works of art.

Demonstrate knowledge of art elements and principles of design.

Differentiate between the processes and materials used in the production of various works of art.

Critically interpret and evaluate works of art.

Demonstrate an understanding of the impact of arts on culture.

Core Objectives
  • Communication skills: Students will demonstrate effective written, oral and/or visual communication.

  • Critical Thinking Skills: Students will engage in creative and/or innovative thinking, and/or inquiry, analysis, evaluation, synthesis of information, organizing concepts and constructing solutions.

  • Teamwork: Students will demonstrate the ability to work effectively with others to support a shared purpose or goal and consider different points of view.

  • Social Responsibility: Students will demonstrate intercultural competency and civic knowledge by engaging effectively in local, regional, national and/or global communities.

  • Personal Responsibility: Students will demonstrate the ability to connect choices, actions and consequences to ethical decision-making.

Lecture Topics Outline
 

Week

Topic/ 

Assignments due in bold (Subject to change: check Blackboard for any updates)

Readings

1

1/20

Welcome to the Course: Community introduction and Icebreaker


Students should be getting their books. Seahawk Book Bundle provides day 1 access. 


Syllabus Quiz: Due 1/24

In-Class Activity: Perceptions of Art

Familiarize yourself with this course and policies 


Begin reading  Chapter 1: Living with Art

Pgs 1 - 26

2

1/26

Labor Day Holiday 9/1

Topic - Chapter 1: Living with Art

Chapter 2: What is Art/Artists and Audiences


In-Class Discussion: Audiences and Art

Chapter 2: Artists and Audiences 

Pgs 27 - 52


Excerpts from Leo Tolstoy’s What is Art?

3

2/2

Topic - Chapter 3: Themes of Art


Chapters 1 & 2 Quiz (Thursday/Friday)

Chapter 3: Themes of Art

Pgs 54-78

4

2/9

Topic - Chapter 4: Elements of Art


In-Class Discussion and Worksheet: What is Art?

Chapter 4: The Visual Elements

Pgs 81-114

5

2/16

Topic - Chapter 5: Principles of Design


Chapters 3 & 4 Quiz  (Thursday/Friday)

Art Project 1 Due

Chapter 5: The Principles of Design

Pgs 115-137

6

2/23

Topic - Chapter 6: Drawing


In-Class Activity: Color Harmony Competition

Chapter 6: Drawing

Pgs 139-155

7

3/2

Topic - Chapter 7 Painting

Chapter 8 Prints


Chapters 5 & 6 Quiz (Thursday/Friday)

Chapter 7: Painting

Pgs 156-177


Chapter 8: Prints

Pgs 179-197

8

3/9

Spring Break: No assignments this week. Read Chapter 9

Chapter 9: Camera and Computer Arts

Pgs 202-224

9

3/16

Topic - Chapter 9: Camera and Computer Arts

Chapter 10: Graphic Design


Chapters 7 & 8 Quiz  (Thursday/Friday)

Chapter 10: Graphic Design

Pgs 230-244 (if time permits)

10

3/23

Topic - Chapter 11: Sculpture and Installation


Art Project 2 Due

Chapter 11: Sculpture and Installation

Pgs 247-269

11

3/30

Topic - Chapter 12: Arts of Ritual and Daily Life


Chapters 9 & 11 Quiz (Thursday/Friday)

Chapter 12: Arts of Ritual and Daily Life

Pgs 270-290


Chapter 14: Ancient Mediterranean Worlds

Pgs 327 - 352 (tentative)

12

4/6

Topic Chapter 14: Ancient Mediterranean Worlds

Chapter 16: The Renaissance


 

Chapter 16: The Renaissance

Pgs 370-393


Death of the Author by Roland Barthes

13

4/13

Topic - Chapter 17: The 17th and 18th Centuries


Chapter 16 & 17 Quiz (Thursday/Friday)

Chapter 17: The 17th and 18th Centuries

Pgs 394-419

14

4/20

Topic - Chapter 21: The Modern World

Chapter 21: The Modern World: 1800-1945

Pgs 492-520

15

4/27

Topic: Chapter 22: From Modern to Postmodern

Chapter 21: The Modern World: 1800-1945

Pgs 492-520

16

5/4

Chapter 21 & 22 Quiz (Thursday/Friday)


Extra Credit due 5/2

Chapter 22: From Modern to Postmodern

Pgs 521 - 544

17

5/11

Finish Lectures 


Art Project 3 due


Last Class day 5/14

 
Major Assignments Schedule
 

Week

Topic/ 

Assignments due in bold (Subject to change: check Blackboard for any updates)

Readings

1

1/20

Welcome to the Course: Community introduction and Icebreaker


Students should be getting their books. Seahawk Book Bundle provides day 1 access. 


Syllabus Quiz: Due 1/24

In-Class Activity: Perceptions of Art

Familiarize yourself with this course and policies 


Begin reading  Chapter 1: Living with Art

Pgs 1 - 26

2

1/26

Labor Day Holiday 9/1

Topic - Chapter 1: Living with Art

Chapter 2: What is Art/Artists and Audiences


In-Class Discussion: Audiences and Art

Chapter 2: Artists and Audiences 

Pgs 27 - 52


Excerpts from Leo Tolstoy’s What is Art?

3

2/2

Topic - Chapter 3: Themes of Art


Chapters 1 & 2 Quiz (Thursday/Friday)

Chapter 3: Themes of Art

Pgs 54-78

4

2/9

Topic - Chapter 4: Elements of Art


In-Class Discussion and Worksheet: What is Art?

Chapter 4: The Visual Elements

Pgs 81-114

5

2/16

Topic - Chapter 5: Principles of Design


Chapters 3 & 4 Quiz  (Thursday/Friday)

Art Project 1 Due

Chapter 5: The Principles of Design

Pgs 115-137

6

2/23

Topic - Chapter 6: Drawing


In-Class Activity: Color Harmony Competition

Chapter 6: Drawing

Pgs 139-155

7

3/2

Topic - Chapter 7 Painting

Chapter 8 Prints


Chapters 5 & 6 Quiz (Thursday/Friday)

Chapter 7: Painting

Pgs 156-177


Chapter 8: Prints

Pgs 179-197

8

3/9

Spring Break: No assignments this week. Read Chapter 9

Chapter 9: Camera and Computer Arts

Pgs 202-224

9

3/16

Topic - Chapter 9: Camera and Computer Arts

Chapter 10: Graphic Design


Chapters 7 & 8 Quiz  (Thursday/Friday)

Chapter 10: Graphic Design

Pgs 230-244 (if time permits)

10

3/23

Topic - Chapter 11: Sculpture and Installation


Art Project 2 Due

Chapter 11: Sculpture and Installation

Pgs 247-269

11

3/30

Topic - Chapter 12: Arts of Ritual and Daily Life


Chapters 9 & 11 Quiz (Thursday/Friday)

Chapter 12: Arts of Ritual and Daily Life

Pgs 270-290


Chapter 14: Ancient Mediterranean Worlds

Pgs 327 - 352 (tentative)

12

4/6

Topic Chapter 14: Ancient Mediterranean Worlds

Chapter 16: The Renaissance


 

Chapter 16: The Renaissance

Pgs 370-393


Death of the Author by Roland Barthes

13

4/13

Topic - Chapter 17: The 17th and 18th Centuries


Chapter 16 & 17 Quiz (Thursday/Friday)

Chapter 17: The 17th and 18th Centuries

Pgs 394-419

14

4/20

Topic - Chapter 21: The Modern World

Chapter 21: The Modern World: 1800-1945

Pgs 492-520

15

4/27

Topic: Chapter 22: From Modern to Postmodern

Chapter 21: The Modern World: 1800-1945

Pgs 492-520

16

5/4

Chapter 21 & 22 Quiz (Thursday/Friday)


Extra Credit due 5/2

Chapter 22: From Modern to Postmodern

Pgs 521 - 544

17

5/11

Finish Lectures 


Art Project 3 due


Last Class day 5/14

 
Final Exam Date May 13, 2026 - 8:0 AM   Through  May 13, 2026 - 8:50 AM
Grading Scale  90 - 100=A 80 - 89=B  70 - 79=C   60 - 69=D  Below 59 = F
Determination of
Final Grade

Syllabus Quiz

5%

Chapter Quizzes

50%

Art Projects

20%

In-Class Activities/Homework

20%

Attendance

5%

Course Policies
Instructor Policies

Uploading Assignments

All assignments must be uploaded in the required format. If submitting Google Doc or Outlook links, the version history must be turned on. It is your responsibility to make sure that you have submitted your assignment as directed in the instructions. If I cannot open your assignment, I will not grade it.  

Additionally, if you have difficulty uploading your assignment due to Blackboard or other technical issues, you should email me a copy of the assignment immediately – not the next day. It will be considered late if I do not have an email copy of the assignment by the due date. You should then contact Blackboard technical support to address the problem and work to get the assignment uploaded into Blackboard. 

When you submit an assignment, Blackboard sends you a confirmation email with an individual submission number. Please make sure that you receive, and save, this confirmation. If there are issues regarding the submission of your assignment, I may ask to see the submission confirmation. 


Late Work 

I do not do exam make-ups. Instead, the student’s lowest quiz grade will be duplicated. 

For every day a quiz, discussion, or other assignment is late, 10% will be subtracted from the grade. Up to 4 days late, then the assignment will receive a zero. 

The final quiz cannot be taken late. 

Email

You are required to put the class and section number in the subject line of the email. I will respond promptly in 24-48 hrs. I am available during business hours Monday-Friday 9am-5pm. I do not respond to emails in the evening or the weekend.

Please use your lamarpa email to communicate with me as emails from Gmail, Yahoo, iCloud, etc. may end up in a clutter folder and I will not see it, and therefore, not respond. Include your first and last name and your course number and section.

Most questions can be answered by reading the class syllabus, assignment sheet, or other directions available to you in Blackboard. Students should always be aware of the tone and structure of their correspondence. 



RESPECTFUL BEHAVIOR AND CLASSROOM CIVILITY POLICY 

To foster a productive, inclusive, and engaging learning environment, all students are expected to demonstrate respectful behavior toward their peers, the instructor, and the learning process. Disruptive behaviors that impede the learning and civility of the class will not be tolerated.




Expectations for Classroom Behavior

  • Arriving on Time: Please make every effort to arrive promptly. Late arrivals disrupt the flow of the class and the concentration of others.

  • Staying in Class: If you anticipate needing to leave early, inform me in advance and sit near the door to minimize disruption.

  • Engaging Fully: Participate in class activities with focus and commitment. Use laptops, tablets, and other devices only for class-related purposes.

  • Using Technology Responsibly: Silence phones and refrain from texting, taking calls, or using devices for non-academic purposes during class.

  • Respecting the Learning Space: Avoid behaviors such as whispering, chatting, or wearing headphones during class, as these can distract others.

  • Waiting for Dismissal: Packing up before the end of class signals disengagement and distracts others. Please wait until class is dismissed.


Prohibited Behaviors

  • Persistent chatting, talking, or whispering that interrupts the class or distracts others.

  • Use of electronic devices for non-academic purposes.

  • Wearing headphones or taking phone calls during class.

  • Antagonistic behavior toward the instructor or other students.

  • Behavior that undermines the instructor’s ability to teach or students’ ability to learn.


Consequences for Disruptive Behavior

  • First Occurrence: A verbal warning will be issued, and the behavior will be documented.

  • Second Occurrence: You may be asked to leave the class for the remainder of the session.

  • Repeated Occurrences: Continued disruptive behavior may result in further disciplinary action in accordance with university policies, including removal from the course.


NOTETAKING IS REQUIRED

Taking notes during class is a vital skill that enhances your ability to learn, retain, and apply the material we cover. Effective note-taking is not just about writing down what you hear; it’s about actively engaging with the content, making connections, and preparing yourself for deeper understanding and future success.

Syllabus Change Policy

I reserve the right to adjust this syllabus, assignments, and due dates as needed.  Any changes will be announced in class and sent as an announcement through the Blackboard system. You should check your email daily for any announcements about the course

Academic Integrity - Plagiarism and AI

Academic integrity is essential to learning and I take it very seriously.   Academic dishonesty will not be accepted in this class.  Students are to submit their own work – not the work of others.  If you submit other’s work as your own or submit assignments using resources not allowed, not only are you jeopardizing your academic future, but you are paying for an education you are not receiving and you are wasting your own time and energy in an effort not to learn. It is expected that students are submitting their original work. 


All student submissions are checked for plagiarism and use of any materials not authorized for use for an assignment is prohibited. Should this be an issue with any assignment you submit, you will receive a 0 on the assignment and, possibly an F in the class. Students may be asked to take a written or verbal assessment. The use of article rewriting tools, or other AI technology is unacceptable, not allowed, and will result in a 0 for the assignment. If there are indications of academic dishonesty, students may be asked to take a written, or verbal assessment in my presence.  

If an issue arises with your work, I reserve the right to go back and reassess/regrade previously submitted work to see if academic dishonesty has occurred with previous submissions. Assigning an F for the course for plagiarism or other forms of academic dishonesty is at my discretion if the offense is flagrant or repeated.  Please note that I decide if an offense is flagrant or repeated – not the student. 

 
Attendance Policy

Roll will be taken at the beginning of class. 5 minutes late will mark you tardy. 10 minutes will mark you absent. You must attend every assigned class day according to LSCPA policy. Attendance is expected. Life, partying too hard, and breakups all happen. You have 3 unexcused absences before you drop a letter grade. Use them wisely. Excessive absences and tardiness will have a detrimental effect on your overall performance in class. 


3 Lates = 1 Absence for Class 

3 Unexcused Absences = 1 Letter Drop for Class

6 Unexcused Absences = 2 Letter Drops for Class

9 Unexcused Absences = Fail the Class


Students are expected to attend and participate in all lectures for this course. If a student is late or absent from class, they must inform the instructor via email (wilburmc@lamarpa.edu).  

Attendance counts for 5% of a student’s overall grade in this course. Failure to attend class may result in a student failing this course. If a student accumulates over 5/7 unexcused absences in this course, they will automatically fail the course. Any student with perfect attendance (no unexcused absences) will receive an automatic 5 point bonus added to their final exam.  

An absence is only considered excused if it is unavoidable (illness with a doctor’s note, bereavement, injury or accident en route to class).   

A planned appointment will not be excused by the instructor. Do not schedule appointments or meetings during this class meeting time.

Additional Information
Institutional Policies
MyLSCPA Be sure to check your campus email and Course Homepage using MyLSCPA campus web portal. You can also access your grades, transcripts, academic advisors, degree progress, and other services through MyLSCPA.
Academic Honesty Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSCPA policies (Academic Dishonesty section in the Student Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty.
ADA Considerations The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Services Coordinator, Room 117, in the Student Sucess Center. The phone number is (409) 984-6241.
COVID 19 Information The Lamar State College Port Arthur (LSCPA) Student Code of Conduct COVID 19 Policy requires students who have been diagnosed with COVID 19 to report their condition directly to their local health department. Students should also contact their course faculty to report their quarantine status. In addition, this policy requires all students to wear face coverings when directly exposed to COVID 19 in compliance with the criteria included in the policy. For more information please refer to the COVID 19 link on the LSCPA website.
Facility Policies No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission. Use of electronic devices is prohibited.
HB 2504 This syllabus is part of LSCPA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.
Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect As per Texas law and LSCPA policy, all LSCPA employees, including faculty, are required to report allegations or disclosures of child abuse or neglect to the designated authorities, which may include a local or state law enforcement agency or the Texas Department of Family Protective Services. For more information about mandatory reporting requirements, see LSCPA's Policy and Procedure Manual.
Title IX and Sexual Misconduct LSCPA is committed to establishing and maintaining an environment that is free from all forms of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual violence, and other forms of sexual misconduct. All LSCPA employees, including faculty, have the responsibility to report disclosures of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault (including rape and acquaintance rape), domestic violence, dating violence, relationship violence, or stalking, to LSCPA's Title IX Coordinator, whose role is to coordinate the college's response to sexual misconduct. For more information about Title IX protections, faculty reporting responsibilities, options for confidential reporting, and the resources available for support visit LSCPA's Title IX website.
Clery Act Crime Reporting For more information about the Clery Act and crime reporting, see the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report and the Campus Security website.

Grievance / Complaint / Concern If you have a grievance, complaint, or concern about this course that has not been resolved through discussion with the Instructor, please consult the Department Chair.
Department Information
Commercial Music, Visual and Performing Arts
Chair:CASP
Email:CASP
Phone:(409) 983-4921