Course Syllabus
📖 Bro. Jonathan Austad
📧 Email
austadj@byui.edu
📞 Phone
(208) 496-4354
💼 Office
TAY 240D
🗓️ More about the professor:
See my schedule
University Policies
Student Support
Confidential Student of Concern Referral Form—A university resource for students seeking assistance with honor code, mental health, or sexual misconduct concerns, providing supportive intervention within 24 business hours.
Course Vision
This course will focus on the use of propaganda, art, and other forms of persuasion starting with the Modern Era (approximately post-1860) and continuing to the present. Students will experience this topic through various social issues and cultural influences from around the world, including the visual, performing, and literary arts.
Course Description
This course critically analyzes modern art and propaganda to help students understand how these artifacts can influence their thoughts and actions, and, with this knowledge, students can become empowered to navigate their media-rich environments with greater discernment.
Course Outcomes
- Explain how knowledge of the humanities can enrich your life as a disciple leader by promoting thinking, engagement, and empathy.
- Analyze art and propaganda to understand what they reveal about history, culture, religion, and ideology.
- Apply the tools needed to discern the meanings, messages, quality, biases, and agendas found in the arts and propaganda.
- Analyze the works of major composers, artists, writers, as well as cultures, movements, and themes of the modern era.
Prerequisites
- None
Credits
- 3 Credits
Requirements
Course Materials
This course uses low-cost, auto-access textbooks. Read the Textbook Information module to learn how to access your textbooks and opt out of this automatic purchase if desired and you would rather purchase the hard-copy versions instead.
The course materials are available in the Course Materials List.
| Resource Title/Description | Author/Provider | Ed./Vol | 13-Digit ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Modern Art and Propaganda | Jon Linford, Joelle Moen, and Jessica Mecham (Free Access to PDF in this course or Available paper copy through the University Store) | 2810009151102 | |
| An Enemy of the People | Henrik Ibsen (Auto Digital Access) | 9780486111797 | |
| A Raisin in the Sun | Lorraine Hansberry (Auto Digital Access) | 9780375508332 | |
| Four Little Girls (1997) |
Options:
|
Optional Supporting Texts & Resources:
All other optional texts and resources will be provided for you in the Canvas course.
Technology
For minimum technology requirements, see Computer Standards for Students.
- For your three summative exams, we will use an online proctoring service called Proctorio. In order for this technology to function properly, you will need to make sure you are using the Google Chrome web browser and have the Proctorio extension downloaded and enabled when taking these exams. Use this Getting Started with Proctorio guide to help you.
- There will be optional virtual meetings that we will hold over Zoom. Participating in these meetings requires that you have a webcam and Zoom software installed. Use this How Do I Get Started with Zoom? guide to help you.
Course Structure
Learning Model: The BYU-Idaho learning model is designed to help students become more involved in their learning through preparation, teaching others, and applying what they have learned. This online course leverages digital tools to enhance student preparation through diverse multimedia and structured pre-class discussions, fostering initial critical engagement with course materials. Students actively teach each other through asynchronous peer reviews that deepen their understanding through collaborative application of concepts. Internalization of course concepts are solidified via online exams, reflective journaling, creative digital projects, and virtual cultural event reflections, enabling students to apply course principles to their roles as discerning leaders.
Course Activities
There will be online lectures posted that will discuss the content of the semester. These also will provide contextual information to help guide your studies. The online lectures provide flexibility. You can pause lectures to take notes, and rewatch them as needed. Weekly discussion boards provide opportunities to collaborate and share ideas and delve into the content in a richer and more meaningful way.
Key Assessments
The table below is meant to help you see the relevance of each major assignment as it pertains to the course outcomes.
| Major Assignment | Description | Course Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| Exams |
There will be three exams that will mainly consist of (but not limited to) multiple choice, matching, true or false, short answer, and identification questions. Questions will come directly from the discussions, lectures, films, reading assignments, and so on. Exams will occur on I-Learn and be proctored with Proctorio. They are to be closed book. After the test closes, you will not be allowed to take the exam. Dates are located on the course schedule and Canvas. |
2, 4 |
| Final Essay |
For the final essay, you will analyze a work from the assigned course materials and argue whether it is more art or more propaganda. The essay must demonstrate thoughtful engagement with course concepts, use appropriate vocabulary, and place the work in its socio-historical context. You should take a clear position, support their reasoning with analysis, and reflect on how the piece shaped their thinking. This is a summative assessment of your learning in the course. |
1–4 |
Other Formative Assessments
The table below is meant to help you see the relevance of each major assignment as it pertains to the course outcomes.
| Major Assignment | Description | Course Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| Papers |
There will be three papers in addition to the Final Essay (detailed above) that pertain to course themes that will be due on the days listed on the course schedule. There will be a list of topics for each assignment on Canvas. The purpose of the journal assignments is to give students an opportunity to read, process, and respond to course themes in an intellectually meaningful way. These assignments should demonstrate serious reflection and competent college-level writing. |
1–4 |
| Quizzes | There will weekly quizzes over the reading assignments to assess student learning and chart student development, as the quizzes will allow students to become more familiar with important ideas from the course. The focus of the quizzes is to master the reading material prior to coming to class to enhance class discussions. All quizzes will be due before class on the day that they are scheduled. | 2, 4 |
| Discussion Boards | Discussion Boards that will have a list of topics for you to respond. To replicate in-class discussions, your posts will be available for everyone to read and reply. Topics for discussions boards will come from the readings and lectures for the week and will prepare you for the upcoming topics that we will discuss in the next Zoom meeting. Your discussion board posts will be graded on depth of thinking and analysis. (How well you respond to other students' posts will be in another factor in your discussion boards grade. For instance, if your discussion board for the week is lacking, but your replies to other students' posts are really good, your grade will be better than it would have if you did not comment on other students' ideas.) | 1–4 |
| Propaganda Assignment | Students will have the opportunity to create their own propaganda. These should demonstrate the application of specific course concepts learned this semester regarding modern art and propaganda. These projects should reflect a current issue in a fun and creative way. | 2–3 |
| Cultural Events Assignment | You will be expected to attend at least three cultural events over the duration of this semester and you will complete a verification quiz stating if you have attended these in Week 13. | 1, 2 |
Expectations
Feedback
You can expect to receive grades and feedback within seven days of the due date for all assignments.
Workload
The BYU-Idaho standard for the student workload in courses is about 3–4 hours per week per credit hour (for example, a 3-credit course would require approximately 9–12 hours of work per week). Set time aside in your daily schedule to work on the course.
Online Etiquette
Maintain respectful and professional online conduct. Engage thoughtfully, respect privacy, cite sources accurately, and follow discussion guidelines. Thank you for fostering a positive online learning environment.
Grading
Categories
In this course, grading is structured using weighted categories. Each assignment, quiz, exam, or activity falls into a specific category, and the total points within that category are weighted as per the scale outlined below.
| Assignment Category | Grade Percentage |
|---|---|
|
Class Preparation Quizzes |
31.25% |
|
Discussion Boards |
12.5% |
|
Exams |
37.5% |
|
Papers |
7.5% |
|
Cultural Events |
5% |
|
Propaganda Assignment |
6.25% |
Grading Scale
NOTE: For more information about grading at BYU-Idaho, visit the academic policies and grading section of the university catalog.
| 93–100% | A | 90–92% | A- | 87–89% | B+ | ||
| 83–86% | B | 80–82% | B- | 77–79% | C+ | ||
| 73–76% | C | 70–72% | C- | 67–69% | D+ | ||
| 63–66% | D | 60–62% | D- | Below 60% |
F |
||
Proctored Exams and Assessments
This course will use an online proctoring software called Proctorio. This allows students to take assessments and exams without a human proctor present. Proctored exams can be accessed like any other exam once the software has been installed. Exams will be recorded by Proctorio and reviewed by the BYUI Testing Center. Any questionable exams will be forwarded to the instructor for further review.
Late Work
You should complete your work on time as a sign of professionalism and respect. However, your instructor has the discretion to accept late work or extend due dates as appropriate. Late submissions will receive a reduction of 10% for each day they are late. Exams, however, cannot be taken late.
Academic Integrity
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use
Students are allowed, and even encouraged, to use Generative AI in some ways but are prohibited from using it in others. Remember that any content produced by generative AI can “hallucinate” (produce false information), so students are responsible for ensuring the accuracy of any AI-generated content. Students are permitted and encouraged to use generative AI in the following ways:
- Brainstorming: You may use generative AI to stimulate creativity, generate ideas, or brainstorm topics for papers, presentations, and discussions. The generated content must be a stepping stone, not a final product.
- Citation Assistance: AI tools can be used to manage, format, and organize citations and references, promoting adherence to academic writing standards and specific style guides required for individual assignments.
- Grammar and Style Checking: AI-powered writing enhancement tools can help with spelling, grammar, syntax, and stylistic errors.
- Concept Understanding: Generative AI can explain or simulate concepts taught in class, aiding in a deeper understanding.
- Research Assistance: AI can be used to conduct initial research, compile data, and summarize articles, books, or papers. It should not replace traditional research methods but rather enhance them.
You may not use generative AI in coursework in the following ways:
- Plagiarism: Using AI-generated content as your original work without attribution. This includes essays, papers, presentations, and exam answers.
- Data Manipulation: Using AI tools to alter data or create misleading information.
- Misrepresentation of Skills: Using generative AI to complete tasks that are meant to assess your knowledge and skills.
- Confidentiality Breach: Using AI tools that might violate university policies or laws related to data privacy and confidentiality.
Plagiarism
[Insert your plagiarism policy here]
Student Grievance Policy
Students are encouraged to contact their instructors regarding course-related concerns. If concerns cannot be resolved in this way, students may contact the BYU-Idaho Support Center
This process is designed to allow the student the ability to have an appropriate avenue to address “a cause for distress affording reason for complaint or resistance.” See the Student Grievance Policy to learn more.
Students with Disabilities
Brigham Young University-Idaho is committed to providing a working and learning atmosphere that accommodates qualified persons with disabilities. If you have a disability and require accommodations, please contact the Accessibility Services Office at (208) 496-9210 or visit their website and follow the Steps for Receiving Accommodations. Reasonable academic accommodations are reviewed for all students who have qualified documented disabilities. Services are coordinated with students and instructors by the Accessibility Services Office.
If you are currently registered with the Accessibility Services Office and need an interpreter or transcriber for these meetings, please contact the deaf and hard of hearing coordinator at (208) 496-9219.
Disclaimers
The instructor reserves the right to change any part of this syllabus during the semester to adapt to changing course needs. You will be notified before any changes take place.
Materials in this BYU-Idaho online course and related sites may be protected by U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S. Code). These materials are only for students enrolled in this course for purposes associated with this course and may not be further disseminated. For more information, please visit BYU-Idaho Copyright | Intellectual Property Office.
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|