Topic outline

  • Welcome!

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    Welcome to CART1013: Exploring the Arts!

    Course Introduction
    This is a fine art appreciation course designed for non-art majors. The 3-credit hour lecture course introduces each of the four primary arts (music, visual art, theatre, and dance) as they relate to the human experience. The course will emphasize critical thinking and the artistic process through exploration of achievements, content and function in the arts, in order to foster enjoyment, understanding, and appreciation. 

    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

    • Discuss the definitions of Art, Theatre, Dance, and Music in broad terms: 
    • Describe what is unique to each art/ what makes it different than the other 3 art forms.  
    • Explain and compare how the arts are different from other activities and similar to each other.
    • Demonstrate a concrete understanding of the formal components of each of the four arts:
    • Describe the meaning of the formal elements of each art.  
    • Identify and isolate the elements in a given piece/performance.
    • Demonstrate a basic knowledge of a variety of artistic mediums and/or styles 
    • Observe and summarize the approach to specific pieces/performances.
    • Compare and contrast traditional, contemporary, formal and popular art forms using appropriate terminology and concepts
    • Distinguish the role of the arts in traditional, contemporary, formal and informal settings.
    • Understand the role of environment and curation on their perception of art
    • Examine the environment surrounding a piece/performance (physical & conceptual) and question how that affects their perception of it.  Reframe, compare, discuss, and speculate how changing environments may affect perception.
    • Articulate personal attitudes about the arts using relevant concepts, ideas, using relevant sources to support their position
    • Complete a project that requires selection, discovery, and evaluation/reinterpretation of a variety of arts. 

    Navigating the Course
    Adopting institution should provide learners information on how to navigate the course. Consider adding an introductory navigation video. Text description could include, for example:
    This course is set up in Modules covering various topics which may be accessed from the course navigation menu on the left or by scrolling below. Modules may be collapsed in the menu and it the body of the course to minimize scrolling. Each module includes the relevant chapters followed by various activities, which may include discussion forums, listening activities and quizzes, practice quizzes, module tests, and other relevant activities as appropriate for each module. Many items are required and may be marked as completed automatically when the activity has been submitted (the broken check box), but others will marked as done by the student (the solid check box). 

    Please move through the items below and continue through the Learner Support and Getting Started modules before moving on to Module 1. Be sure to check for announcements and due dates to stay on track.


    Creative Commons CC By  This course and its contents are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License by LOUIS: The Louisiana Library Network, except where otherwise noted. 

    Course Schedule:

    In this schedule, you will list the topics and the corresponding course materials (chapters, videos, etc.) covered in sequence. This schedule demonstrates how you would organize your course around open materials and should be reflective of your course description, goals, and student learning outcomes.

    The typical academic semester is ~15 weeks, so this template is using ** modules. Use this to outline the topics you would cover on a module (or weekly or other scale) basis and the corresponding readings/resources that support that content.  Add/remove rows as needed. The table is designed so with the top row repeats if the table spreads to a new.

  • Learner Support

    Main Body

  • Getting Started

    This module contains all the items you should review and complete before you begin Module 1. Before moving on, be sure to:
    1. Check the News and Announcements Forum
    2. Read the Course Syllabus
    3. Introduce yourself to the class
    4. Read the instructions for the Q & A Forum
    Good luck in the course!
    • Forum icon
      News and Announcements Forum
      This forum contains general news and announcements. You can find all announcements listed in the "Latest News" block in Course Tools within this course or on your My Courses page.
    • URL icon
      Course Syllabus and Schedule URL
      Students must
      Mark as done
    • Forum icon
      Introduce Yourself! Forum
      Students must
      Mark as done

      Use this forum to tell us a little about yourself and your interests, videos welcome. Some topic ideas:

        1. What is your field of study/research interest or concentration?
        2. What are you most interested in learning about in this class and why?
        3. Have you ever taken an online class before?
        4. Any other information you would like to share with your classmates, such as special interests or activities.

      Post a picture!  We look forward to meeting you.

    • Forum icon
      Q & A Forum for Students
      Students must
      Mark as done

      Use this forum to ask your peers and classmates any questions you have about the course or information you missed in class; share information; discuss topics, ideas, art, etc. This is your space, use it!  You may post at any time. Be as specific as possible.

      Please keep in mind that others can see your posts, so do not post any personal information. If you have questions about your grade or questions for you instructor, please email your instructor directly. Please try to respond to posts and emails within 24 hours, Monday through Friday. 

    • File icon
      How discussion forums will be graded File
      Students must
      Mark as done

  • FOR INSTRUCTORS: Using This Template and Additional Resources

    Use the information in this module to customize the template to your needs. This module is currently hidden from students, and available for you to refer to throughout the semester.

  • Module 1: Art

    Photo by Rodion Kutsaev on Unsplash

    Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:

    1. Critically analyze, compare, and contrast works of art using formal and iconographic art historical analysis. 
    2. Identify the major periods, styles, artists and works of art and architecture from prehistoric to present day
    3. Interpret and contextualize artists, artworks, and movements within the framework of historic, social, religious, and political paradigms that influenced art and architecture over time. 

    Photo by Jené Stephaniuk on Unsplash


    To achieve these objectives: 

    1. Read the Module 1 Introduction
    2. Read and view the materials in the Module 1 Pressbooks book Exploring the Arts:  A Brief History of Art, Theatre, Music, and Dance assigned for each section.
    3. [Note to QM - place holder for H5P activity related to readings and discussion.

    Note the check boxes to the right that help you track your progress: some are automatic, and some are manual.

    Module Pressbooks Resources and Activities

    You will find the following resources and activities in this module at the Pressbooks website. Click on the links below to access or complete each item.

  • Section 1

     Definitions of Art, Materials & Techniques, Contexts and Types of Analyses of Art
    1. Define the elements and principles of art and design. (CO 1)
    2. Identify the most important materials and techniques used for the creation of art, such as pencils for drawings, pigments for paintings, bronze, lost-wax casting methods, intaglio and relief printmaking, photography, architectural plans, etc. (CO 1)
    3. Differentiate the History of Art from Aesthetics; Formal Analysis from Iconographic (Content) Analysis. (CO 1)
    4. Discuss the different types of contexts in which art is created—such as culture, time period, artistic influence, and personal style—and their effect on the interpretation of a work of art. (CO 1)
    5. Apply formal analysis to a work of art. (CO 1)

  • Section 2

    Place holder for objectives, readings, activities.

  • Section 3

    Place holder for objectives, outcomes, activities.

  • Module 2: Theater

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    Upon completion of this module, you will be able to: 
    1. Describe what makes theatre unique from other art forms?Identify elements of theatre
    1. identify parts of the theatre: Technical Areas- Directing, Stage Design, Lighting Design, Sound Design, Props, Costume Dept., etc.
    2. Discuss the Acting process- Preparation, character development, physicality, performance.
    3. Describe what makes a good audience member
    4. Identify traditions of theatre performance

    To achieve these objectives: 

    1. Read the Module 2 Introduction
    2. Read and view the materials in the Module 2 Pressbooks book Exploring the Arts:  A Brief History of Art, Theatre, Music, and Dance assigned for each section.
    3. Complete the specified activities in the sections  


    Photo by Erik Mclean on Unsplash

    Module Pressbooks Resources and Activities

    You will find the following resources and activities in this module at the Pressbooks website. Click on the links below to access or complete each item.

    • URL icon
      Pressbooks Chapter(s) URL
      Students must
      Mark as done

      Guidelines for how to import content into Moodle

  • Section 1

    Place holder for objectives, readings, activities.

  • Section 2

    Place holder for objectives, readings, activities.

  • Section 3

    Place holder for objectives, readings, activities.

  • Midterm Assessment/Additional Exam Module

    Browse to find your image above. Then update alt text here. Set the first size number below to between 300-400. In this module you will take your midterm exam for this course. Read the instructions carefully and take note of any special submission guidelines.

    Photo by Zyro on Unsplash


    Upon completion of this module, you will have:

    1. Read and viewed the midterm exam instructions
    2. Prepared for and submitted your midterm exam.

    To achieve these objectives:

    1. Review the midterm exam guidelines in your syllabus to make sure you are ready. 
    2. Click on Exam and Instructions and follow the instructions.

  • Module 3: Music

    Photo by Stefany Andrade on Unsplash

    Hello Class, Welcome to Music which is the universal language of all.  Exploring the Arts is an exploration in the materials and masterworks of great music, from Medieval Chant to Contemporary Popular styles.  Students you will begin by studying the elements of music, learn the instruments of the orchestra, and build a comprehensive vocabulary through understanding and evaluate musical expressions.  We will acquire knowledge and participation of understanding jazz, rock, musical theatre, and hip-hop to rap.  Lastly, students we will engage in huge awareness of musical form, composers of all periods in music and their significance, and by the end you will become better music listeners with great perception.  You will move at your own pace, and I am here to guide you, and remember you are not alone in this class.  As your teacher I am with you and for you.  (Title, Author, Source, License). 

    Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:

    Objective 1:  Define, identify, and recognize the uses of basic musical elements, melody, pitch, dynamics, harmony, tempo, texture, timbre (sound color including voices and instrument families).
    Objective 2:  Identify the most important composers of each period in music and explain their significance.
    Objective 3:  Analyze and identify examples that are representative of common musical genres of each period of musical history.
    Objective 4:  Identify basic principles and types of musical form.
    Objective 5:  Identify ways in which humans have used music for social and expressive purposes.
    Objective 6: Compare and contrast categories of art music, folk music, and pop music.


    To achieve these objectives:

    1. Read the Module 3 Introduction
    2. Read and view the materials in the Module 1 Pressbooks book Exploring the Arts:  A Brief History of Art, Theatre, Music, and Dance assigned for each section.
    3. [Note to QM - place holder for H5P activity related to readings and discussion.

    Module Pressbooks Resources and Activities

    You will find the following resources and activities in this module at the Pressbooks website. Click on the links below to access or complete each item.

  • Section 1: Elements of Music/Conducting

    Upon completion of this section, you will be able:

    • Discuss and relate knowledge of elements, principles, and structure related to music.
    • Describe conducting basic techniques and the conductor in music.
    • Understand the similarities and differences of music as it relates to other art forms.

    ______________________________________________________________________________________________

    To achieve these objectives:

    Complete the chapter readings, activities, reviewing of power points, viewing of videos, and all submissions

  • Section 2: Instruments of the Orchestra & Voice

    Music consists of the intentional organization of sounds by and for human beings. In the broadest classification, these sounds are produced by people in three ways: (1) through the human voice, the instrument with which most of us are born, (2) by using musical instruments, or (3) by using electronic and digital equipment to generate purely electronic sounds.   The timbre of a sound coming from a musical instrument is affected by the materials used and the way in which the sound is produced. Based on these two characteristics, we categorize acoustic instruments into five groups: strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, and keyboard.  An orchestra is a group of musicians who play together. The main difference between an orchestra and a band is that an orchestra contains stringed instruments as well as brass, woodwind, and percussion.

    Upon completion of this section, you will be able to:

    • Identify the musical instruments in the symphony orchestra.
    • Understand the differences of each instrumental section (Strings, Woodwinds, Brass, Percussion, Keyboard).
    • Understand the differences of voice classification and how the basics of the human voice relates to music.
    • Explore the development, structure, and timbre of all musical instruments and voices.

    _____________________________________________________________________________________________________

    To achieve these objectives:
    Complete these activities, viewing of videos, and all submissions.

  • Section 3: History of Music

    Music of the Medieval Period represents the Dark Ages in music.  The Renaissance Period is considered the "Age of Rebirth," and the new beginning.  The Baroque Period is a huge age representing a change with an early, middle, and late span of years of the 17th century.  The 18th century is the Age of Classicism and a strict style of presentation of music.  Additionally, the Romantic Period represents the 19th century with many forms, styles, and a huge number of composers changing the instrumental and vocal music presentation.  The Contemporary is the 20th century with more of American and Popular Music of the United States with diversity and different musical styles of the cultures.  Lastly, the 21st century is the "Age of the Millennium" representing change of the people and musical elements.

    Upon completion of this section, you will be able to:

    • Identify and describe the principles of music in the Medieval through the Contemporary Period in music.
    • List and discuss some of the roles that music have historically played.
    • Display basic knowledge of major works in music related to the periods in music through time.
    • Differentiate between world cultures and between various historical/cultural eras through elements and principles of all periods in music.

    _________________________________________________________________________________________

    To achieve these objectives:

    Complete the viewing of videos, review all power points, readings, and activities.

  • Section 4: Forms/ Audience/American Music & Styles

    All the composers in the Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Contemporary periods in music contributed great developments and styles.  All over the world in Europe and many other countries have embarked many developments in music and lives of audiences and musicians listening and playing music.  

    Although America was not yet discovered during much of the early development of Western art music, we have contributed much to the culture of the world in a relatively short span of time.   The audiences and musicians that have developed in the United States are as varied as the people who live here.  We have learned that African American music, Broadway Musicals, Bluegrass music, Country music, Rock and Roll, Rap and Hip-Hop with many more are all critical to the creation and growth of the American music we enjoy today. 

    Upon completion of this section, you will be able to:

    • Identify styles and cultures of music through elements and principles.
    • Identify key innovators in American music and styles of many cultures.
    • Appreciate diversity in musical forms through knowledge of the history and development of various groups.
    • Understand the difference and similarities of American music and styles as an art form.

    ____________________________________________________________________________________

    To achieve these objectives:

    Complete the activities, viewing of videos, reviewing power points, and readings.


  • Module 4: Dance

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    Why do we dance? What influences the way we experience and respond to dance? What are the elements we use to make each dance unique and expressive? In this module, you will acquire knowledge of what makes dance. You will look at dance analytically in terms of the elements of dance. You will use these analytical skills throughout this course as you appreciate dance around the world and through the ages.

    Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:

    1. Describe what makes Dance unique from other art forms.
    2. Idenitfy the elements of Dance.
    3. Discuss different forms of Dance: Ballet, Modern, Jazz & Popular Dance forms as well as other classical and social dance forms from around the world (exposure)
    4. Demonstrate how to identify elements in various dance performances

    Photo by Samantha Weisburg on Unsplash


    To achieve these objectives: 
    1. Read the Module 4 Introduction
    2. Read and view the materials in the Pressbooks book Exploring the Arts:  A Brief History of Art, Theatre, Music, and Dance assigned for each section.
    3. [Note to QM - place holder for H5P activity related to readings and discussion.

    Module Pressbooks Resources and Activities

    You will find the following resources and activities in this module at the Pressbooks website. Click on the links below to access or complete each item.

    • URL icon
      Pressbooks Chapter(s) URL
      Students must
      Mark as done

      Guidelines for how to import content into Moodle

  • Section 1: Introduction to Dance

    Upon completion of this section, you will be able to:

    • Observe, reflect, and articulate about dance performances in ballet, modern, tap, and other styles.
    • Identify different styles or forms of dance.
    • Demonstrate a basic knowledge and understanding of choreographers in America.
    • Identify how cultural elements in dance can inspire creative expression through performing arts stylistically.

    _______________________________________________________________________________________________________

    To achieve these objectives:

    Complete the activities, view the power points, review the videos, and all submissions.

  • Section 2: Audience/Performers/History

    Upon completion of this section, you will be able to:

    • Discuss and relate knowledge of elements, movements, and significant works of choreography related to dance.
    • Describe dance styles around the world.
    • Understand the similarities and differences of dance as it relates to other art forms.
    • Identify the historical periods in dance from Medieval to the present 21st century.

    ______________________________________________________________________________________________

    To achieve these objectives:

    Complete the chapter readings, activities, viewing of videos, and all submissions.

  • Section 3: Famous Dance Companies & Choreographers

    Upon completion of this section, you will be able to:

    • develop an understanding of the art form found in the modern world related to elements, movement, skills, techniques and all principles involved in dance.
    • knowledge of great choreographers and their styles of contribution to dance in reference to music, form, movement and unity to form cohesive outcomes in dance.
    • to integrate the concept of improvisation into the understanding of the creative process in unifying a dance for presentation.
    • appreciate diversity in art form through knowledge of dance and history.

    _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

    To achieve these objectives:

    Complete review of the power points, view videos for contrast in styles, learn the names and works of great choreographers.

  • Final Exam/Final Project Module

    Photo by Nguyen Dang Hoang Nhu on Unsplashed

    In this module you will take your final exam for this course. Read the instructions carefully and take note of any special submission guidelines. 

    Upon completion of this module, you will have:

    1. Read and viewed the final assessment instructions
    2. Prepared and submitted your final assessment

    To achieve these objectives:

    1. Read and view the contents of the module book "Exam Information and Instructions"
    2. Review the final assessment guidelines in your syllabus to make sure you are ready. Click on Final Exam and follow the instructions.
    3. Log in to the proctoring service and take your exam.