Sample Syllabus


Art 103 sec 01 Studio III – Introduction to Design Department of Art West Virginia State University Spring 2009 MW 1:00pm – 3:45pm Room: Davis 211 Professor: Brent Thomas Contact: bthoma10@wvstateu.edu Phone: 766-3198 Office: 207 Davis Office Hours: MW 12:00-1:00pm, T 9:00am-4:00pm 24Hr notification is required; Meetings by Appointment get first priority. Dept Chair: Reidun Ovrebo: ovrebore@wvstateu.edu, 766-3999 Dept Secretary: Lynn Davis: davisdl@wvstateu.edu, 766-3196 Prerequisites: Status as an Art Major or Art 101 Course Description: This class is an introduction to the technical aspects addressed in a college level design course. This is a course for art majors focusing on understanding the visual language of design. Its fundamental principles will be studied in depth and this knowledge will be applied to create interesting and cohesive compositions. An emphasis is placed on craft skills in the class. Using a variety of 2D & 3D media, students will use design elements and principles as a tool for expressing and recording ideas, emotions, and concepts. These techniques will be taught to prepare them for upper level art courses. Nature of the Course: The course meets in a three hour time period twice a week. Although class work is conducted within the studio, work will need to be completed outside of class. Expect anywhere between 10 to 12 hours a week outside of class work to be devoted to this class. Occasional field trips may occur to further the education process. A sketchbook or process book is required for this class. The course fee provides for a few miscellaneous supplies and upkeep of the facilities. Course Outcomes: 1. You will produce a Professional Portfolio – Portfolio Quality Work as well its requisite presentation in order to compete with your contemporaries 2. You will know how to critique and how to observe and defend visual works of art. This gives students the ability to vocalize their understanding of design as well as conceptual meaning. 3. You will have an attuned skill level in Design. 4. You will produce sketches, thumbnails, and research to aid in your learning process. (Art does not happen in a vacuum) 5. You will be effective in self-evaluation during critiques as well as in the art making process; this helps students in creating works that effectively communicate their ideas. 6. You will know the concepts of design and which concept is in use in a work of art. Course Objectives: 1. Visual literacy: which means an understanding of design, symbols, conceptual thinking, and language 2. Obtaining a firm understanding of design as how it applies to art practice 3. Exploring ones own artistic and personal voice 4. Tune your abilities at problem solving: this is not just on formal issues but conceptual as well 5. Your ability to address the all important formal qualities of a work will be obtained 6. You will understand and grow a vocabulary of artistic language, “Know your terms” 7. You will also begin to explore and understand your theory behind your image making. Individual Work assessment: You will be assessed on the parameters given in the project sheets given out at the beginning of each assignment, but this does not mean that the work has to follow the requirements to the letter. As an instructor I set requirements to be able to evaluate you on what you have learned. Although some of the best work is of the inventive type. If you are working and are thinking of new and inventive ways to complete the assignment feel free to talk with me so we can assure you will be able to meet the requirements of the project. Course Assessment: Your grades will be determined using a rubric, which is attached below. All grades are assessed equally in weight and a final average of these grades will determine your final grade. Course Structure: The course will be structured on a basis of lecture & studio guidance. At the beginning of every assignment a small lecture will be given on the class objective. After the lecture, independent study concerning the subject is addressed. Throughout the class a one on one communication and demonstration will be maintained. Please ask questions, that is what I am here for. Grading Scale: 90-100% A 80-89% B 70-79% C 60-69% D 0-59% F Basis for Grading: Demonstration of learned skills; Attendance; Hard work; Personal progress; Participation in discussions, cleanup and set up; Cleanliness; Sketchbook; Overall attitude toward the class. A - Exceptional work that is clearly above average. Exhibiting high level of comprehension of concepts taught in class. As the instructor, “I will learn from you.” B - Above average work that more than fulfills requirements. As the instructor, “You surprised me.” C - Fulfills requirements, or “You will do what I expect.” D - Does not fulfill requirements, work is poorly executed and does not exhibit comprehension of class materials. As your instructor, “There appears to be a lack of understanding.” F - Not Acceptable. Failure, or “You did not try.” Average for this class is "C." This is achieved only if student meets bare minimum requirements (doing the work and turning it in on time, along with comprehension of the concepts taught in class). Grading Requirements:* In Class Work Each class period focuses on a specific topic. Students will be required to turn in work that best represents their competency of the topic. If the work is not complete or presented properly it will be considered late, this includes a title. Assignments turned in late will be dropped a letter grade after every class period. Quizzes will be administered randomly throughout the semester concerning topics addressed in the required readings and in the lectures. Out of Class work Out of Class work will be graded after each assignment. When you turn in your assignment you will turn in the process material as well. They will be graded and given back to the student during the next class period. Students will be required to bring in their sketchbooks to class. This is to aid in the students learning as well as generate discussion about students work. Final The final is a conglomeration of all the skills procured in this class. It should exhibit your ability to show the techniques you learned. Attendance: Attendance is mandatory, and roll will be taken at the beginning and end of class. Being tardy and leaving early will count as 1/3 of an absence. Leaving early will require my consent. Being tardy or leaving early 3 times will be counted as one absence. More than three absences will count against your final grade, missing class is not recommended. There is no difference between excused or unexcused absences. **After 3 absences the student’s letter grade will be dropped one letter grade. After 5 absences your letter grade will be dropped once more.* Seven absences will result in failure and dismissal from the class. * If a student misses more than three classes within the first eight weeks of the semester, you will fail unless there are any unforeseen circumstances in which the student and myself will discuss. Much of the work performed in this class is studio dependent. Students who miss the lecture or show up late, has the responsibility to find out what was missed and then execute the assignment. You will be graded as though you were present; lack of understanding is no excuse. So as far as the above information on attendance, it is in your best interest to be in class. Excuses: Students often take it upon themselves to bring to my attention why they will or have missed my class, or why an assignment is late. Take responsibility for your actions and do not initiate in the use of excuses. The responsibility of the class is upon the shoulders of the student. Although you may; call me, e-mail me, catch me in the hall, contact the secretary, leave a note on my door, or even have your parents call me does not make up for missing my class or turning work in late. Make sure you read the attendance policy. Sketchbooks: Students will be required to maintain a sketchbook outside of class, this aid in a student’s ability to work out ideas, concepts, and designs. There are a good practice and should be actively engaged in daily. Sketchbooks will be brought into class every day. Sketchbooks will be graded randomly once every two weeks. The student will be required to date, number, and label what assignment is being fulfilled. I expect a page a day minimum. Any sketchbook that does not meet these criteria will have its grade dropped by one letter grade. Also, if your sketchbook is not quality, it will not be graded, I do not count pages. (Hint: Take your sketchbook with you everywhere, you will be amazed at the stuff you can accomplish just sitting around.)* Late Work Policy: Work turned in late will be dropped one full letter grade for each day it is late. If a student is absent on the due date, then the student is expected to turn in the work when they return to class. Please note, the assignment will still be late. Critiques: There will be several Class Critiques during this semester; there may be more as time warrants and the instructor deems necessary. The class will display its work as a whole and the instructor will explain how the class is doing overall in tackling the issues. Some works will be briefly singled out to demonstrate relevant points. In many critiques students will be required to discuss the projects and the works on display. The majority of discourse will be the discussion of students work. During this time the instructor will discuss individually each student's (as well as the whole class') strengths and weaknesses, and suggest strategies for improvement. Although students are able to keep track of their academic progress in this class very easily, the instructor can discuss it further at the students request. Written Test: There will be random test covering vocabulary, concepts, and principals discussed in class. These test will also come from your required readings as well. So please take notes and keep up on your readings. Textbook: Design Basics (7th edition), by David Lauer and Stephen Pentak. Thomson/Wadsworth 2007 Drawing From Life: The Journal as Art, by Jennifer New, Princeton Architectural Press 2005 These books can be purchased at the bookstore. I am not concerned where they are purchased; just make sure you have them. Your tests will be derived from them. Please bring your text to class; it will be needed to aid in the lecture and critiques. Classroom Behavior:* You are all productive members in this class, your rights end where someone else’s begin. This means if your conduct is distracting or hinders the learning of other students you are in violation. Please respect others, as you would like to be respected. If you are in breech of this you will be asked to leave the class and the appropriate procedure of dismissal will occur. Academic Integrity: Your work will be your own. Academic dishonesty is defined as plagiarism, cheating, falsifying records, etc.; not giving credit where credit is due will result in dismissal and failure from my class. Procedures on Classroom Behavior and Academic Integrity can be found on pages 113 - 116 of the 2008-2009 WVSU Catalog. Lockers: Lockers are available to students on a first come, first serve basis. Report to the art office (Room 201) and you will be in good hands there. Clean up: There will be time allowed at the end of each class for clean up. EVERYONE must help clean. I am watching and will take note, remember it is part of the Basis for Grading as well. Cell Phone Policy: Cell Phones are a disturbance to the class and are therefore not allowed. If you carry one TURN IT OFF (or at least to vibrate) before class begins. Having your phone ring in class is not acceptable. If you absolutely have to use your phone, please be courteous to the rest of the class and leave the class to make your call. Phones that ring in class will be answered by me, so please save the embarrassment of you, the caller, or myself by silencing your phone. Headphones: Wearing headphones in class can cause you to miss important announcements, instructions, etc. and are therefore not allowed. Gallery Visitation: Part of your tuition pays for the running of the Della Brown Taylor Art Gallery. On average there is a show a month. If you need to take a break from class use the time effectively and go see the work that is on display. If you have time there are several galleries and museums that you could see around town. Be engaged, practice what is being taught to you. Changes: In the unlikely event of changes to the syllabus, the students will be notified of the changes and are required to note these. A good habit is to bring the syllabus to class everyday to record changes if necessary.

Gallery	Art Practice	Pedagogy	Contact