NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE
COURSE SYLLABUS
COURSE AND INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION
Course title: Online Art Appreciation: ARTS 1301.0380
Semester/Year of course: Fall 2025
Semester start and end dates: 08/20/2025-12/13/2025 8-week online course
Modality: Asynchronous Online
Class meeting location, days, and times: NCTC Canvas Learning Management System
Lab meeting location, days, and times: NCTC Canvas Learning Management System
Semester credit hours: 3
Course description: A course open to all students directed toward understanding the elements and principles as applied to the visual expression and arts: painting, sculpture and architecture as well as printmaking, ceramics, digital media, metal work and weaving. 48 lecture hours.
Course prerequisites: none
Required Course Materials:
McGraw Hill Connect Access to "Living With Art" by Mark Getlein, 13th Edition. Please follow this link to see more about our required connect access card under course materials in the following module: Welcome - Start Here!
What is required:
- Access to high speed internet(other than your phone and the app on your phone). You will do assignments in this class that may require a computer or tablet. You can go to any Collin College campus or any library or community center and use their computers to complete work if you need too!
- You will need to know how to move through canvas, how to take canvas quizzes and do assignments in canvas, how to check announcements, how to set up notifications to be sent your e-mail or phone when an assignment is due, how to look at assignments and know when they are do, how to upload documents and perhaps convert documents to PDF's or size them to be able to be turned in. What I'm getting at (hint hint) is you are responsible for knowing how to work online in order to take this class.
- You will need to upload documents/artwork/drawings for this class. You may need materials, like something to draw on and something to draw with. You should be able to use things you have around your house.
- You will need platforms like Microsoft word/power-point or google docs/presentations
- You will need to be able to listen to material/videos/lectures.
- You will need to be able to surf the web and look at museums online.
- Students may need access to a webcam, microphone or USB cord.
Note on Canvas:
Your entire class will be posted on Canvas. In addition, I will send you email communications through Canvas. You are required to check Canvas often for any updates or communications in this course. I highly recommend linking your Canvas communications to your personal e-mail, so you are notified of any updates immediately on your personal devices. If you should experience a problem with Canvas, please call their help desk at 940/ 668-3335.
Office location: Remote Online through Canvas LMS
Telephone number: Contact through Canvas LMS
Instructor Name: Jessica Pirkle
E-mail address: jpirkle@nctc.edu
Office hours for students: Course is monitored 9:00am to 4pm Monday-Friday. All Canvas emails will receive an email response Monday-Friday. No e-mails will be checked on Saturdays, late at night, on holidays or on most Sundays. If needed I can meet you via video conference, Zoom, or chat. Please allow the professor 24 hours to e-mail back Monday-Friday( 9am-4pm) and 72 hours on weekends and holidays.
Check Announcements at least 3-4 times per week for course updates or revisions, course content and information, and student questions and comments. Reviewing Announcements each week is the online equivalent to showing up class in a classroom section. Reading Announcements, Discussions and all instructions is vital to your success in an online class.
Questions of a more personal nature (such as grades) can be addressed to me privately through Canvas Inbox (Global menu). You can set Canvas to send you notifications daily to another email or your cell phone. Check and set your Canvas notification preferences at indicated in the NCTC student support. Using NCTC mail rather than the Canvas Inbox will may delay response time as I cannot answer a question about your participation or grades without being in the Canvas course.
Note on Timely Communication: The student is expected to e-mail the professor back within 24 hours otherwise the e-mail is void if it is a time sensitive matter. Otherwise, I extend the same time frame for e-mails as you do for me.
How to Write an E-mail to your Professor
Dear Professor, Last-Name,
I’m in your Class Name, Section Number that meets on This Day. This is the question I have or the help I need. I’ve looked in the syllabus and at my notes from class and online and I asked someone else from the class, and I think This Is the Answer, but I’m still not sure. This is the action I would like you to take.
Signing off with a Thank You is always a good idea,
Your Name
SYLLABUS CHANGE DISCLAIMER
The faculty member reserves the right to make changes to this published syllabus if it is in the best interest of the educational development of this class. Any such changes will be announced as soon as possible in person and/or writing.
SUMMARY OF COURSE ASSIGNMENTS
This course is divided into three content units covering select chapters in the textbook. All assignments are posted in the corresponding unit Modules with the exception of Extra Credit and the Museum Final. They have their own modules. Always read assignment instructions carefully especially noting the due date and time. Every assignment and quiz in this course has a due date AND time. All due times are 11:59pm (Central Standard Time). Students will complete assignments in Canvas AND in McGraw Hill's Connect for our textbook Living with Art.
All coursework can be submitted online. Due dates are listed in the course calendar, syllabus, and global calendar. You can also program the settings in Canvas to email or text you reminders of due dates. Always read assignment instructions carefully. Work ahead, assignments can be turned in early. Assignments must be submitted using the Canvas/Connect Assignment or Quiz/Assessment tools in order to receive a grade. Assignments will not be graded until they are appropriately submitted in the Assignment tool. Students' hardware, software and internet problems are NOT excuses for missing assignment submissions. Stay ahead! Problems always occur in the last hour when traffic is high! See information on individual assignments in their respective modules.
List of graded assignments:
30%: Chapter Quizzes: in Canvas
30%: Online Activities: in Connect and Canvas
25%: Online Discussions: on Canvas
15% Museum Assignment: on Canvas
Final grade scale:
A = 100-90, B = 89-80, C = 79-70, D = 69-60, F = 59 and below. I will round up grades: an 89.5 is a 90 and so on, including your final average.
- All coursework will be graded within two weeks of the turn in date, unless otherwise notified by the professor***
- Please check rubric on Canvas for more detailed information on what the professor is looking for.
- Please check comments on assignments in Canvas.
- Extra credit will be provided at the end of the course.
- Please correct your mistakes and watch out for feedback. Read your comments!!
Attendance/Participation
Attendance for this class will not be taken in a regular way due to the online nature of the course. You will need to sign into the course and do at least one assignment before the census date to be counted as attending.
All absences are unauthorized unless the student is absent due to illness, emergencies, or organization travel such as academics and sports or as determined by the instructor. It is the students responsibility to provide documentation for approval and judgement by the faculty member. Approved college sponsored activities are the only absences for which a student should not be held liable and only when provided by a college official ahead of the absence. Valid reasons for absence, however, do not relieve the student of the responsibility for making up required work. Persistent, unjustified absences from classes will be considered enough cause for College officials to drop a student from the rolls of the College. From Board Policy FC (LOCAL)
Late Work/Missed Assignments & Assessments
All assignments are due on the date and time specified in Canvas and no late work is accepted unless a student contacts the professor through e-mail. It is the students responsibility to contact the professor and ask for an extension if one is needed before the assignment's due date. All extensions will be given upon the professor's judgement and will only be given for family, medical, or mental health emergencies and planned organizational absences like school athletics or work trips. I understand "life" happens at times and it's impossible to get an assignment done so, please e-mail me and explain the situation for an extension.
No extension will be granted "I forgot" or "I didn't know" situations. It's the students responsibility to know what their assignments are, how to do them, and when they are due.
Technical issues will be judged on a case by case basis. This is an online course so you are expected to have access to the internet, a working computer, tablet, or phone and all materials and qualifications you need to take this course. If you do not, you can access them at every NCTC College campus to finish your assignments. However, if the technical issue is Canvas or Mc-Graw Hill's fault you will be given an extension.
If no prior arrangements have been made, the missed assignment will be considered as late. Please pay close attention to due dates, details, instructions, and submission policy for each assignment.
What can I not turn in late and need to contact the professor for?
- Online Quizzes
- Discussions
- The Final and Extra Credit
- Smartbook Assignments in Connect
- Online Activities in Canvas
SEE CANVAS FOR THE COMPLETE COURSE CALENDAR, OUTLINE, DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF GRADED WORK, AND OTHER RELATED MATERIAL.
COURSE POLICIES
Academic Integrity Policy: See Student Handbook
Online Course Requirements and Policy:
Minimum Technology Requirements: Students will need a computer with a high-speed internet connection. IMPORTANT: IP and hardware problems are not excuses for missing deadlines and submission of assignments. Students can access Canvas at any NCTC LRC. Students need Canvas to pass this course successfully. If OneLogin is down, then students may access Canvas through nctc.instructure.com. Canvas apps on smart phones may not support all functions on the IOS mobile platforms, a computer is required. Technical support for Connect is through McGraw Hill publishers, not NCTC. Technical support for Connect is linked in the Orientation module with textbook information.
Minimum Student Skills: ARTS1301 Art Appreciation includes utilizing digital resources in Canvas and McGraw Hill’s Connect for Living with Art. (More information is located in the Orientation module.) In Canvas, students must be able to upload/download complete files (.doc, .docx, or .pdf) with text and images to the assignment tool and attach documents to emails/discussion posts. Be aware I cannot open .pages attachments in Canvas. Be aware that not all functions of your Canvas course may be available on smart phones or tablets. You must have a computer and know the software to complete the course.
AI Course Policy:
The use of generative AI tools to complete assignments is strictly prohibited.
North Central Texas College's Scholastic Dishonesty Policy explicitly forbids students to present work that they did not do and represent it as their own. In this course, the use of a generative AI tool to produce a student submission for an assignment will be treated as an instance of academic dishonesty, since the thought process, organization of ideas, and written expression of an assignment are generated by the AI tool and not by the student.
Academic Integrity Policy:
Every member of the College District community is expected to maintain the highest standards of academic integrity. All work submitted for credit is expected to be the student's own work. The College District may initiate disciplinary proceedings against a student or program applicant accused of scholastic dishonesty. While specific examples are listed below, this is not an exhaustive list, and scholastic dishonesty may encompass other conduct, including any misconduct through electronic or computerized means. Scholastic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, one or more of the following acts:
- Plagiarism
- Cheating
- Collusion
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- use of unauthorized assistance in taking quizzes, tests, or completing assignments.
- dependence upon the aid of sources beyond those authorized by the instructor in writing papers.
- the acquisition of tests, notes, or academic material belonging to faculty, staff, or another person without their express permission.
- dual submission of a paper or re-submission of a paper to a different class.
- the knowing or negligent use by paraphrasing or direct quotation of the published or unpublished work of another person without clear citations;
- any other act designed to present as their own work or knowledge of another person.
Please don't use AI for any writing assignments. If the AI-generated texts are copied and pasted for an assignment, it will be considered plagiarism.
If a student is discovered to be engaged in academic dishonesty, they will receive a "0" for the grade, and the appropriate NCTC College administrator will be contacted. The student may be subject to academic suspension and the forfeiture of the class grade. Please contact the instructor if you have any questions about academic honesty
Definitions of the scholastic dishonesty terms listed above are located in the current Student Code of Conduct.
Classroom Civility/Netiquette
Remember, this is a college-level course. Informal grammar, punctuation and abbreviations can be easily misunderstood and are not appropriate for Assignments or Mail. When communicating in this course please do not utilize shortened cyber slang or punctuation suitable for personal email.
Netiquette
Do
- Standards of courtesy and respect must be maintained at all times in our online classroom. Join the discussion, but remember that this is still a classroom setting and that respect and consideration are crucial for any intellectual discussion.
- Discussion areas are the place for intelligent and respectful airing of ideas.
- Students should communicate with the same academic writing standards as expected in the classroom such as using proper grammar and Chicago format for writing projects. Shortened communication such as that used for text messaging is not acceptable in this online academic environment.
- Keep all postings to class‐related content, such as the textbook readings, videos, and assignments.
- Use caution when discussing personal matters; the discussion board is for general comments.
- Ask each other for advice, suggestions, and tips to improve the quality of classwork.
- Encourage each member of the class to do the best work possible.
Don't
- Don't challenge or attack others; the discussions are meant to stimulate conversation, not create contention. Name-calling and personal attacks are not permitted. No flaming and/or trolling.
- Avoid all defamatory, profane, threatening, offensive, or illegal materials; do not post anything in a message that you would not want the world to see, or you would not want anyone to know came from you.
- Avoid using the discussion board as a forum for complaints; any relevant issues should be brought to the professor's attention in a private e‐mail.
- Don't use inappropriate language toward other students and/or the professor.
Any violation of the standards of appropriate behavior online will be reported to the Dean of Students and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken by the college. The student will earn a "0" for the ENTIRE assignment. Inappropriate behavior/comments includes (but is not limited to) making discriminatory remarks against any religion, race, gender, sexual preference, political beliefs, and/or making sexually explicit comments and/or jokes.
Withdrawal Policy
A student may withdraw from a course on or after the official date of record. It is the student’s responsibility to initiate and complete a Withdrawal Request Form.
Last day to withdraw from the course with a “W” is: See Student Handbook
Student Learning Outcomes:
1. Apply art terminology as it specifically relates to works of art.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of art elements and principles of design.
3. Differentiate between the processes and materials used in the production of various works of art.
4. Critically interpret and evaluate works of art.
5. Demonstrate an understanding of the impact of art.
Core Objectives:
Creative Arts:
Critical Thinking, Communication, Teamwork, Personal and Social Responsibility
COLLEGE POLICIES
ADA STATEMENT
NCTC will adhere to all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations and guidelines with respect to providing reasonable accommodations to afford equal educational opportunity. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the Office for Students with Disabilities to arrange appropriate accommodations. See the OSD Syllabus Addendum.
AI STATEMENT
Absent a clear statement from a course instructor, use of or consultation with generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or other similar technologies shall be treated analogously to assistance from another person, agency, or entity. In particular, using generative AI tools to substantially complete an assignment or exam is not permitted. Students should acknowledge the use of generative AI (other than incidental use) and default to disclosing such assistance when in doubt.
When students use generative AI to replace the rigorous demands of personal engagement with their coursework, it runs counter to the educational mission of the college and undermines the heart of education itself. Artificial Intelligence, large language models, and other such technologies hold promise for deploying knowledge in service to others and accelerating the discovery of new knowledge. However, such technology poses new challenges to pedagogy and to integrity. Within the context of the teaching mission of the college and consistent with the Student Code of Conduct, the authority to define the appropriate use, study, and deployment of these technologies' rests with the faculty.
Individual course instructors, in coordination with their divisions, set policies regulating the use of generative AI tools in their courses, including allowing or disallowing some or all uses of such tools. Course instructors will set such policies in their course syllabi and clearly communicate such policies to students. Students who are unsure of policies regarding generative AI tools are encouraged to ask their instructors for clarification.
STUDENT HANDBOOK
Students are expected to follow all rules and regulations found in the Student Handbook.
STUDENT SERVICES
NCTC provides a multitude of services and resources to support students. See the Student Services Syllabus Addendum for a listing of those departments and links to their sites.
QUESTIONS, CONCERNS, or COMPLAINTS
The student should contact the instructor to deal with any questions, concerns, or complaints specific to the class. If the student and faculty are not able to resolve the issue, the student may contact the chair or coordinator of the division. If the student remains unsatisfied, the student may proceed to contact the instructional dean.
Name of Chair: Dr. Aaron Wood, Interim Division Chair, VPA
Office location: 2010 Performing Arts Center, Gainesville
Telephone number: (940) 668-3385
E-mail address: awood@nctc.edu
Name of Instructional Dean: Mary D. Martinson, Dean of Instruction & Learning Support
Office location: Library 1403, Gainesville Campus
Telephone number: 940-668-4209 ext. 4377
E-mail address: mmartinson@nctc.edu