Syllabus

====This class is about looking at, thinking about, and critically discussing the visual arts. Although it is roughly chronological, it is not a historical survey. We will pay attention to a limited number of monuments and artists and consider both their formal structures and the historical contexts in which they were produced and understood. Throughout this course we will critically consider the canon of artists and works of art that the course itself establishes.====

====Two short papers, a midterm, and a final exam. Class attendance and informed participation are mandatory and will count toward 25% of your final grade. This portion and the remainder of the grade breakdown will be as follows:====

====In addition, there will be at least two scheduled visits to museums (these usually include The Metropolitan Museum of Art and MoMA). Use of these and any other of New York’s diverse cultural resources is encouraged.====

====This class is discussion-based – our goal is to develop an ongoing conversation about the history and meaning of art in western civilization. Therefore, your careful preparation and active participation are crucial for all of us to have a successful section! Readings will be assigned where necessary. Your participation grade depends on your meaningful contribution to class discussions on a regular basis.====

====Students are expected to attend every session of their Core classes. In the event that a student must miss a class due to religious observance, illness, or family emergency, the student should provide advance notification of absence. Students who miss class without instructor permission should expect to have their grade lowered. **After 2 unexcused absences, your final grade will be lowered one letter grade for every additional class missed.**====

====Plagiarism, or the submitting of work by someone else as your own, will not be tolerated**.** A student that is found to have plagiarized will be given an F for the course and the appropriate Dean will be notified. Columbia's definition of plagiarism and statement on academic integrity can be found here:====

====It is your responsibility to review these guidelines. If you have any questions about this statement, or simply wish to ask me the appropriate way to cite a source, please see me before submitting your assignment.====

====The use of laptops, tablet computers, recorders, and similar kinds of technology will not be permitted in class unless you have a valid disability (see me after class if this affects you). While I encourage the use of these tools for your personal study, I and many students often find them to be distracting during class.====