Here's a list of the most common questions about InArt3, "Reception of the Arts." Chances are that the answers are already on the web site, but finding them may prove time-consuming. This list is a short-cut.
what do I do in InArt3?
what are the quizzes like?
what are the exams like?
can I use my commercial e-mail address?
can I use Microsoft "Outlook"?
how do I know what my grade is?
what is the link essay option?
what is the road option?
do I have to watch the film "Dead of Night"?
do I have to do both chapters 7 and 7a?
are there really only three things to do?
are the exams difficult?
can I get copies of class e-mail?
how do I participate in the on-line discussions?
is InArt3 offered every semester?
where is InArt3 offered?
where can I get the textbook?
what textbook edition is used?
What do I "do" in InArt3?
What you do depends on where you are, mostly. If you are at University Park, you take the "standard edition," which includes on-line quizzes, exams, and discussion assignments. If you have a rough travel schedule or some other constraining situation, you're allowed a "road option" that allows you to substitute two essays for the quizzes and exams.
If you're a Commonwealth Campus student or a World Campus student, you have the option of taking the on-line quizzes and exams, but most prefer the "link essay option," which is a substitute for the quizzes and exams (you still do the discussion assignments).
1 & 2: participate in the two discussion sessions held on the class bulletin board (everyone does these). The discussion assignments are worth 45 points total.
3a (University Park Students): Take two on-line exams that ask you to identify and sort ideas from the text and complete 5 multiple-choice on-line quizzes using the UTS testing service. Together, the quizzes and exams count for 55 points.
3b (University Park Students): Those with travel, locational, or learning disability restrictions can apply for the "road option" (see above).
3c (World Campus, Commonwealth Campus, and road option students): take the quizzes and exams for practice, but the main option is to do essays in place of quizzes and exams. The link essay is worth 55 points for World Campus and Commonwealth Campus members.
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what are the quizzes like?
Each quiz has five questions, multiple choice, open book and no collaboration. The first quiz can be taken multiple times (the idea is to learn how to take the quizzes so that you eventually get 100% on this one.) Each quiz after the first can be taken twice, THE HIGHEST GRADE COUNTS. Feedback is given after each quiz, directing you to specific pages in the textbook and specific parts of the web site. If you don't follow this advice, your grade is likely to drop, not rise. Quiz questions are designed like the exam questions, so that the quizzes will help you prepare for the exams.
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what are the exams like?
The exams are multiple choice, open book but no collaboration allowed. Specific exam grades are not curved, but the final grade is (usually) curved to bring the class mean into line with the university definition of "average." The exams are timed; there are from 15 questions. Studying for the exam produces the best results. Use the textbook AND the web site study guides. Each exam may be taken twice, but , UNLIKE THE QUIZZES, ONLY THE FINAL GRADE COUNTS.
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Can I use my commercial email address?
You have to have an access account and password to take quizzes using UNIVERSITY TESTING SERVICE and to participate in the discussion sessions on the course's bulletin board.
You can get permission from the instructor to use a non-PSU e-mail account to receive ListServ messages and group discussion info. You still have to use your full and real name in the e-mail header or body of the note — we have to know who you are. You're required to be able to receive mail through your access account, however. Access accounts are required for the course, and exceptions can be made only for very special cases. You're also responsible for fixing your ACCESS ACCOUNT email headers so that your full and real name shows, and the subject header is used to indicate what assignments you're sending. Variations on the required headers doesn't work. Use the email site for advice and rules.
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Can I use Microsoft "Outlook"?
You can, but there's a chance we won't be able to read it. Frequently, Outlook creates a blank page, making your message invisible to anyone not using Outlook. Eudora is free, and we recommend it as the easiest solution to this problem.
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What is the link essay option?
World Campus students and Commonwealth Campus are allowed to substitute exam and quiz grades by completing a "link essay" that shows how ideas in the course interact. Most residence students at University Park are required to use quizzes and exams as their means of evaluation.
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What is the road option?
University Park students with locations, jobs, or schedules issues that interfere with taking exams and quizzes can opt to take the "road option" - a "prep essay" and a final "link essay."
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How do I know what my grade is?
The grade system of InArt3 is simple. Points earned on exams and quizzes add directly to the final grade (55 possible points). Road option essays and link option essays count for this same 55 points (the points are given in your essay evaluation form) — 20 for the prep essay, 25 for the second; or 55 for the single final link essay (World Campus and Commonwealth Campus members).
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Do I have to watch the film "Dead of Night"?
No. You can watch the alternative film "The Wizard of Oz" and do the corresponding chapter 7a. Chapters 7 and 7a are alternates. You do one or the other but not both. A video copy is available through Pattee Library and some video stores. You can even watch it at Pattee, or you can check it out and watch it at home. OR, you can watch (or simply remember the last time you watched) "The Wizard of Oz."
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Do I have to do both chapters 7 and 7a?
If you read the messages at the top of chapters 7 and 7a, they explain that the chapters are alternates. You are required to read one or the other, but you will benefit by reading both and comparing. Do whichever you please, or if you have difficulty getting the video of "Dead of Night" at Pattee Library or a video store, or you can't make the specially scheduled screening, just watch "The Wizard of Oz" and do chapter 7a.
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Are there really only three things to do in InArt3?
Yes, the two discussion assignments and one of the three options (on-line quizzes/exams, road option, or link essay option).
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Are the exams difficult?
This depends on how well you study. The style of the exams is identical to that of the quizzes. You may even encounter some of the same questions you had in the quizzes. As the course progresses, however, ideas coalesce and the connections become more layered. Keeping things straight with your own notes and diagrams helps a lot.
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My computer crashed. Can I get copies of recent class email?
ANGEL provides back-up copies of old mail.
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How do I participate in the on-line discussions?
ANGEL provides a message board for public conversation on the discussion topics. You post one copy of your essay there, another in the DROP BOX for grading and comments by instructors.
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Is InArt3 offered every semester?
InArt3 is usually offered every semester at University Park and some other campus locations. World Campus also offers the course during the fall and spring. During the summer, it is offered during the second session as a World Campus (Distance Education) course only.
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Where is InArt3 offered?
University Park offers InArt3 in the fall and spring semesters. Enrollment is limited because of the per-capita basis of its costs. World Campus offers sections of the course in fall, spring and summer (second session).
Some campuses (Dubois, Lehigh-Worthington, Delaware, etc.) offer the course from time to time. Call your local registrar for information on particular semesters.
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Where can I get the textbook?
You can get the textbook directly from the publisher, Kendall/Hunt at 1-800-344-9034 ext 3020. The ISBN number is 0-7872-7198-5. The textbook is sometimes available at some Penn State Book Stores. MBS (Missouri Book Store, run by Barnes & Noble) will be marketing the book. World Campus will send you a copy diredtly if you register through them. The textbook is the main source for the course.
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what textbook edition is used?
The official textbook is the 2000 edition with a color cover, published by Kendall/Hunt. A revised edition, with index and many typographical corrections, is due out in Summer 2003.
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Copyright © 2006 by Donald Kunze.
No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author.