A college of the Riverside Community College District
Fall 2015 Syllabus
Humanities 5H: HONORS ARTS & IDEAS: Renaissance - Modern
Section 37043 – Mon/Wed 2:30 – 3:55pm, STEM 125
Instructor – Diane Palmer
Phone – (951) 738-7733 Email – [email protected] Office: Portable B203
Office Hours: 12:50 – 2:15 Mon & Wed, 3:45 – 5:45 pm Tues, Online: 8:30 – 9:30a.m. Tues
Accessing Blackboard early in the semester and referring to it regularly are key components to successful
completion of this course. This syllabus, exam study materials and other course documents, information
and links can be found on Blackboard. For help accessing and getting familiar with Blackboard, go to
http://www.opencampus.com/students.html
Welcome to Humanities 5H, an exploration of the development of humanity as reflected through its arts. Arts
and Ideas covers the period of the European Renaissance through the early years of the 21st Century. Since this
is an impossibly large range of periods, cultures and art forms to attempt to cover in one semester, we will focus
on those elements that most fully represent each period, using them as “windows” into the cultures from which
they came. We will identify and analyze the arts, literature, philosophy and music as well as the
interrelationships between these disciplines. We will compare works of art in each period and in so doing will
develop an understanding of cultures other than our own; what shaped the values of a particular time and place,
and how these cultures’ values in turn helped to shape those of our own society. Since this is an Honors section,
much of the class will consist of student-led discussion and analytical writing about the many topics we cover.
Your feedback throughout the semester is welcomed and appreciated.
Student Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of this course students will be able to
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Demonstrate, apply and synthesize understanding of fundamental problems in Western
thought through the writing of original analytical and evaluative essays of four to six pages (a
minimum of 5000 words over the course of the semester)
Demonstrate, apply and synthesize understanding of fundamental problems in Western
thought through analytical and critical discussion of relevant arts and ideas
Analyze and evaluate how the Western philosophical and cultural heritage acts as a
continuing influence on the arts and ideas of the present
Analyze and evaluate recurring human problems across geographical and temporal
boundaries and the peculiar problems unique to particular cultures and periods
Critically discuss, compare and interpret primary texts and examples of art and cultural
artifacts from the time period or culture which produced them
Identify and appraise the various elements and movements in art, music, literature, and
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popular culture in each period being studied; compare trends and characteristics of two or
more movements/periods; and critically assess how these movements relate to one another
Demonstrate the ability to think creatively, independently, and critically about the varied
historical, social, and ethnic influences upon the modern Western cultural tradition.
Define and interpret key terms of artistic and intellectual movements from a culture-based
perspective, providing a basis for further evaluation of these movements
Required Text:
Landmarks in Humanities, Gloria Fiero – Special 3rd edition only. We will need this edition which includes
access to assigned online materials. You can buy this directly from the publisher when class begins or from the
school bookstore, in e-Book and/or hardcopy format.
Prerequisite and workload:
Enrollment is limited to students in the RCC Honors Program (and thus to students who have completed or are
enrolled in English 1A). This course entails a considerable amount of reading, and as with most college courses,
you should plan to spend approximately 7 hours preparing for class weekly.
Assignments – In addition to in-class quizzes and discussions, several outside assignments are required.
Assignments can be added or dropped at the discretion of the instructor. Full descriptions and expectations for
each will follow separately:
Discussion Moderation (2 x 50)
Field Trip Report
LearnSmart Assignments (16 x 10)
Literary discussion notes (8 x 10)
Response Papers (4 x 40)
Final Essay
100
100
160
80
160
100
Total
Optional -
Supplemental Essay
OR 2nd Field Trip
OR Lead add’l class
700
50
50
30
Note: Optional assignments may only be submitted if you've turned in at least 75% of your LearnSmart
Assignments and Discussion Notes on time.
Grading Policy – Grades will be based on quiz scores, essays, assignments and class participation. Grades are
figured on the following points system:
700 - 630 = A 100 – 90%
559 - 490 = C 79 – 70%
629 – 560 = B 89 – 80%
489 - 420 = D 69 – 60%
**Points may adjust as assignments are added or dropped, grading scale will be refigured accordingly;
refer to Blackboard grade center for most current information.
Assignment Details –
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Discussion Moderation: Each student will serve as class leader for two meetings during the semester. I
will provide a signup sheet with dates and topic options and will be available to help you with
ideas for your days as teacher.
LearnSmart Assignments: Using McGraw Hill’s Connect, an interactive online component of your
textbook, you will complete these assignments designed to reinforce your understanding of the
reading.
Response Papers: Throughout the semester we will read excerpts from literary works of the periods we
study. You are responsible for note-taking in order to prepare for in-class discussion for all of
these, and for four of them, you will write 3 page papers in which you analyze the relationship
between the story and its culture or period. You may choose which four upon which to base your
papers, and each is due at the end of the unit to which it pertains.
Literary Discussion Notes: These will be submitted on days we discuss the literary works noted in your
schedule. They may be handwritten and messy, I want to see evidence of preparation for
discussion. Among other topics, you should examine where/how in each work the cultural
zeitgeist manifests.
Field Trip Report: This is a mandatory part of the class, so be forewarned. Complete guidelines are on
Blackboard, for a 5 page report to be submitted after visiting one of the approved art museums
listed.
Final Essay: Your final will consist of an analytical essay; details and guidelines are on Blackboard.
Expectations – Items listed below are important because they contribute to the success of the class –your
success. If you are unable to meet these expectations I will let you know privately that you’re creating a
problem. If the problem remains consistent you will be asked to leave class, which will count as an unexcused
absence.
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Be engaged – if you’re checked out, you’re wasting your own time and negatively impacting the class.
Be prepared – you’re expected to contribute ideas and opinions to discussion. This means doing the assigned
reading ahead of class.
Be open-minded –we often discuss topics that many feel strongly about; so that everyone feels free to
express their opinions, be mindful and respectful of differing viewpoints.
Be courteous –minimize disruptive activities such as the following:
o Independent conversations
o Excessive coming and going during class – breaks are provided for long classses
o Use of electronic devices for non-class related reasons (texting, Facebook, games, etc.)
Misses and Make-ups –
Quizzes– It is the responsibility of the student to be present for scheduled quizzes. Depending upon the
situation, and whether you have contacted me prior, I may allow you to reschedule a quiz, but it is not
guaranteed. There are opportunities to earn optional points that may offset a missed quiz or assignment.
Late assignments – Assignments may be submitted one class meeting late for maximum 80%. Chronic
use of this policy will result in its revocation. If you cannot attend class on a due date, completed
assignments may be turned in to the departmental office date/time stamped and left in instructor’s
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mailbox in order to avoid late penalties. If you do not fulfill your part of any group assignments no
make-up options are available and you will receive a zero.
Attendance and Tardiness–
Regular attendance and active participation in class activities are requirements for this course.
Attendance will be taken at the beginning each class session. It is your responsibility to check in before
leaving class if you are late and miss roll call. In accordance with College policy, the instructor may
drop you from the class if you are absent for six or more class hours (one class hour = 50 minutes).
Should a student wish to drop the course it is necessary to follow the formal drop procedure in the
Admissions office in order to avoid remaining on the course rolls which results in receiving an “F”
for the course. Please note that neither the instructor nor student may initiate a drop after the
College’s official deadline to drop classes. It isn’t necessary to explain your absence; you can miss a
total of three class sessions per semester without affecting your grade. Any more than three absences
(no matter what the reason) will negatively affect your grade, so budget for emergencies.
Tardiness will not be tolerated. Class begins promptly at the designated time and in order to cover all
the material of the course, students must be on time. Late arrival is discourteous and disruptive and if
chronic (we’ve chatted and you’re still arriving late), will be counted as a quarter absence.
Plagiarism and Cheating –
Personal integrity in Norco classes is imperative. Anyone who is found to be cheating or attempting
to cheat will receive a zero on the assignment with no opportunity for a do-over, and may be
referred for disciplinary measures to the School Dean or Dean of Student Activities. Plagiarism is also
a form of cheating and a violation of academic honesty. Quoting and paraphrasing material as if it is
your own, without acknowledging or citing the source amounts to plagiarism and will also result in
serious consequences such as an “F” grade for the assignment or the course and/or formal charges of
misconduct which may result in academic probation, suspension or expulsion. In any written
assignment, material taken from books, articles or other sources must be properly cited or
acknowledged according to MLA form.
Accommodations for Disabilities –
Norco College provides services to students with disabilities through the Disability Resource Center
(DRC); located in the Center for Student Success Building. To request academic accommodations due to
a disability, please visit the DRC or contact the DRC staff at 372-7070. A DRC staff member will
confidentially review your concerns with you to determine any required accommodations. Once your
accommodations are approved through DRC, please bring your DRC documentation(s) to me so that we
may discuss your accommodations.
Adds and Drops –
Adding this class
Students adding this section will be provided with a four digit add/authorization code. You are responsible
for completing the add process before the deadline to add. This deadline can be found in the Schedule of
Classes available online in pdf format on the college’s website. Add codes can be processed through your
WebAdvisor account. If you fail to add the class by the deadline, you are not officially enrolled and college
policy prohibits you from continuing to attend class. Be aware that your failure to pay fees/fines, to
document prerequisites, to clear academic holds, or to navigate personal problems may hinder you from
adding this section. Please allow sufficient time to take care of these issues before the deadline to add.
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Adding this course after the published deadline will require documented extenuating circumstances involving
severe illness, accident, or death.The use of an add/authorization code issued to another student violates the
Student Code of Conduct and will be referred to the Dean of Student Services for disciplinary action. The
unauthorized use of an add code is grounds for removal from the course.
Dropping this class
You may withdraw from this course by using WebAdvisor prior to the drop deadlines. Deadlines are
available on WebAdvisor. If there is a hold restricting use of WebAdvisor for this purpose, you may bring a
completed ADD/DROP card to the Admissions counter of the college and complete the process there. It is
the student’s responsibility to drop this class should he/she decide no longer to attend.
Violence on Campus –
Norco College does not tolerate any violence or implied violence. A threat of violence includes any behavior
that by its very nature could be interpreted by a reasonable person as intent to cause physical harm to self,
another individual, or property. Violence or the threat of violence against or by any student or employee of
the District or any other person is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Should an individual on District
property, who is not an employee or student, or a student or employee of the District, demonstrate or threaten
violent behavior, s/he may be subject to criminal prosecution (AP 3510 Workplace Violence and Safety).
If you are a victim of any violent, threatening, or harassing conduct, any witness to such conduct, or anyone
receiving a report of such conduct, [. . .] shall immediately report the incident to his/her supervisor of
College Safety and Police (951- 222-8171) (AP 3510 Workplace Violence and Safety).
This course adheres to the policies outlined in the Norco College catalogue. For further information, see
Academic Policies stated in the catalogue.
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Class Schedule
Date
Aug
31
Sep 2
Sept
9
Sept
14 &
16
Sept
21
Sept
23
Sept
28 &
30
Oct 5
&7
Topic
Unit 1: Introduction
Cunningham – How to Look at
Art (linked Blackboard)
Assign. Due
Syllabus Quiz – in class
Email me: Using school email
address, write a paragraph or
two in response to the Schwarz
article and include a photo of
yourself (headshot please). Due
by Sep 4, midnight.
Unit 1 cont’d: Transition to
Renaissance
Fiero Ch 7 to Ars Nova
Unit 2: European Renaissance
Fiero Ch 7 from Italian
Renaissance
LearnSmart Ch 7 Pt 2
Unit 2: European Renaissance,
cont’d
Fiero Ch 8
LearnSmart Ch 8
Hamlet (video, linked Bb)
Discuss Hamlet (2nd mtg)
Unit 3: The Baroque
Fiero Ch 10 to Northern
Baroque
LearnSmart Ch 10 Pt 1
**Mon 9/7 holiday, no class
Unit 3 cont’d: The Baroque
Unit 4: The Enlightenment
Unit 4: The Enlightenment
cont’d
Oct
12 &
14
Unit 5: Romanticism
Oct
19 &
21
Unit 6: Realism
Oct
26 &
Reading
Schwarz – Why Study
Humanities article
Unit 6 cont’d: Impressionism &
Post-Impressionism
LearnSmart Ch 7 Pt 1
Fiero Ch 10 from Northern
Baroque to end
Milton excerpt Paradise Lost
(linked Bb)
LearnSmart Ch 10 Pt 2
Fiero Ch 11 to Literature of the
Enlightenment
Fiero Ch 11 from Lit. of
Enlightenment to end
Voltaire excerpt Candide
(linked Bb)
Fiero Ch 12
Shelley excerpt Frankenstein
(linked Bb)
LearnSmart Ch 11 Pt 1
Fiero Ch 13 to Impressionism
Chopin Story of an Hour (linked
Bb)
Fiero Ch 13 from
Impressionism to end
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Discuss Paradise Lost
LearnSmart Ch 11 Pt 2
Discuss Candide (2nd mtg)
LearnSmart 12
Discuss Frankenstein (2nd
mtg)
LearnSmart 13 Pt 1
Discuss Story of an Hour
(2nd mtg)
LearnSmart 13 Pt 2
28
Nov
2&4
Nov
9&
11
Nov
16 &
18
Nov
23 &
25
Unit 7: Modernism: New
Directions, War and Revolution
Fiero Ch 14 to Modern
Literature
Kafka’s Metamorphosis (linked
Bb)
Unit 7 cont’d: Modernism:
Literary and Visual Arts
Fiero Ch 14 from Literature to
Modern Architecture
Flannery O’Connor Everything
That Rises … (linked Bb)
Fiero Ch 14 from Modern
Architecture to end
Unit 7 cont’d: Modernism:
Architecture & Music
Unit 8: Globalism: Postwar,
Civil Rights, Science &
Philosophy
Fiero Ch 15 to Information
Explosion
Unit 8 cont’d: Globalism:
Fiero Ch 15 from Information
Nov Information, Literary & Visual
Explosion to Music & Dance
30 & Arts
Junot Diaz’ Monstro (linked Bb)
Dec 2
Unit 8 cont’d: Globalism: Music, Fiero Ch 15 from Music &
Dec 7 Dance & the 21st Century
Dance to end
&9
Wed
Final scheduled
Dec
16
9/11 – last add, last drop w refund, last drop no W
9/11 – last day to drop without a W, last refund day
11/20 – last drop day
LearnSmart 14 Pt 1
Discuss Metamorphosis
(2nd mtg)
LearnSmart 14 Pt 2
Discuss Everything that
Rises… (2nd mtg)
LearnSmart 14 Pt 3
LearnSmart 15 Pt 1
LearnSmart 15 Pt 2
Discuss Monstro (2nd mtg)
LearnSmart 15 Pt 3
***The instructor reserves the right to modify this syllabus in order to ensure the success of the class.
Assignments/requirements may be added or dropped at my discretion and new information will be posted or
distributed as applicable.***
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