Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Hello, art enthusiast!

I hope that you are well and safe, and thank you for your dedication to education!

I invite you to join me this term to explore the various aesthetic and historical aspects of the visual arts, specifically drawing, painting, and sculpture from near and far, past and present. Through weekly modules, you will gain insight into how and why visual art is created, examine its various functions, and relate stylistic and conceptual features to what we see today in contemporary visual culture. 

Our course will focus on regional artworks and exhibitions, looking at the collections at the Portland Art Museum and the Seattle Art Museum. I hope that by looking at works at these local institutions will inspire and encourage you to visit and take note of art in our everyday life!

For this course, there is no textbook purchase necessary--readings, articles, and videos will be provided in the weekly units. There will be short quizzes based on the weekly topics and terminology, engaging discussion posts, and supplied interactive study aides.

Hot tip! Both museums are open! As a student, you get MAJOR DISCOUNTS! 

• • Portland Art Museum Information
    
    
  • Seattle Art Museum Information
    
    

Here are some basics of how the class will work:

• This is a 12-week, online-only (no Zoom) class! 
• Review the types of classes at PCC by clicking here.
• It is essential to log in to the D2L class during Week 1 of the term, as there is a required Syllabus Quiz due Wednesday of Week 1.
• The class is divided into weekly modules that begin Mondays at 8 am, and close at 11:59 pm Sundays.
• Within the weekly modules, you will have (2) reoccurring weekly assignments: a weekly discussion, and a weekly quiz. 
• The discussion posts have (2) parts, an initial post that is due Thursdays, with peer responses due by 11:59 pm Sundays.
• The weekly quizzes will be due by 11:59 pm Sundays of the specified week.
• There are (2) Cumulative Exams that are open for 2 weeks at a time to complete.
• These "Big" quizzes are an opportunity to apply knowledge from multiple modules, and are evenly spaced throughout the term. 
• This course also has a Term Project and Reflection.
• This is a strict no AI course.

By the end of the term, you'll be able to recognize and discuss various artistic styles, content, and contexts, and perhaps recognize some of these artworks.

Look forward to working with you!

Jay Olinger

Your computer

To participate in PCC Online classes, students are expected to be familiar with computers and the Internet. Students are responsible for their own software and computer equipment maintenance and setup.

• Please visit the TECH PANTHER TRACKS before you take any Remote or Online Classes!

Basic system requirements

• Access to a modern computer system with a supported operating system (OS) installed.
  • Phones and tablets are not advised for coursework.
• A broadband internet provider or mobile carrier with LTE or better service.
  
  • If your download speed is less than 512 kbps, you may find it frustrating to take your online courses.
• An internet browser is installed on your computer that is preferred by D2L (Firefox or Chrome).
  • Download one of the recommended browsers.

Other software requirements

• Google Apps (Linked to your PCC Gmail Account)
  • Drive, Gmail, Slides, Streetview
• Screenshots
• D2L
  
  

Resources for Student Preparedness:

• PCC's Online Learning Page: 
  • This is a great landing page that provides information on how online classes work, tips for online success, and where to find help/resources. 
    
    
• PCC's Online Start Guide for Students: 
  • I am hoping that most of you have completed the Online Start Guide -- if not, and you are feeling stressed out about online classes, this is a good place to go to get a foundation in Online Learning at PCC.
    
    
• PCC Panther Tracks:
  • The Student Affairs team has been hard at work revamping the Panther Tracks, the online guide for students at PCC! There are so many valuable resources and links provided in the Panther Tracks that can really help with overall academic success! 

Technology Assistance!

Need help with technology? Getting internet, a device, or how to use Drive or D2L? This is where you can meet with a DIGITAL NAVIGATOR to get you up to snuff for the new term! Digital navigators are available for 1-on-1 assistance at each campus. You can learn more here.