DRAFT: This module has unpublished changes.

 

University of North Georgia

Department of Visual Arts

Course Syllabus

2-D Design, ART 1030 CRN 1500,

 

Fall 2016

 

Professor Chris Rothermel

Fall; Monday/Wednesday/ Friday, 10am- 11:50am

GV-Dunlap Mathis 133

Faculty Information

Email: christopher.rothermel@ung.edu

Office Location:

Office Phone:

Office Hours: Tuesday/Thursday/ Friday: 12:00 pm -2:00 pm

 

Important Dates

-Class Begins: 8/22

-Drop Add Period: 8/18-22

-No Class for Labor Day Holiday: 9/5

-Roll Verification Due: 8/26

-Mid-term Conferences: 10/6-8

-Withdrawal Deadline: 9/11

-Fall Break: 11/21- 11/26

-Last Day of Class: 12/9

-Final Exam and Critique, Attendance Mandatory! Thursday December 08, 12-2pm

 

 

Prerequisites

None

 

Text and Other Materials

“Launching the Imagination, 4-D Version.” 

By Mary Stewart. ISBN-13: 978-0073379241 ISBN-10: 0073379247

 

This can be purchased in the Bookstore or you can find it used at www.amazon.com.

 

Digication:

            Many of the lectures and documents related to this class will be available on the UNG website through my Digication website.

 

Visit the following address:

 

https://ung.digication.com/chris_rothermel/Welcome/

 

 

 

If you are an Art Major, you will also be required to create a portfolio of your work in this class on your Digication page.

 

Course Objectives and Description

This class has as its emphasis the study and application of the formal visual elements, design principles, techniques, materials, tools, creative processes and professional standards of Design. Students will also be exposed to Design’s relationship to the Visual Arts as well as developing an understanding of its purposes and history by studying artists, art forms, and the philosophical aspects of Form and Content. Experience will be achieved through practice, research, demonstrations, discussions, critiques, lectures, and visual aides. Students will primarily be assessed according to the standards of comprehension, creativity and craftsmanship in works created during the semester. However, students will also be assessed regarding their attendance and participation in class, homework, research, writing, presentation and critique of artwork. Finally, an exam covering the full breadth of the course will be administered at the end of the semester.

Methods of Instruction

There are 7 projects required for the completion of this course. There will be a Power Point presentation and lecture detailing each project’s parameters, their due dates, etc. These documents and visual aides will also be available on Digication. Projects have 2 general categories of artistic focus that will be explored:

 

1)      Form: The way a work of art looks as a whole comes from its overall unified structure or Form. Artworks are, in part, the result of purely visual relationships based on subject matter, place on the Scale of Representation, and use of the Formal Visual Elements, Principles of Design, Materials and Techniques.

 

2)      Content: What does an art work mean? What is the concept? What is it trying to communicate? And most importantly, how does the artist structure a design formally to best express the idea?

 

Methods of Evaluation and Grading

The professor will assess each of your projects. They will also be critiqued in a group setting. The student and the class, with guidance from the professor, will analyze the degree to which each project possesses strengths and weaknesses in the goal of fulfilling the requirements of the assignment. Students can maximize their working experience if they also learn to discuss visual ideas with others. In addition to cementing understanding of the formal aspects, this will help lead to a richer knowledge of the verbal and conceptual side of art. Taking notes regarding the lectures and critiques will help you to build your understanding and vocabulary.  We will also have an exam at the close of the course concerning your understanding of the concepts. You should take notes and read your text in preparation for this exam.

 

The projects will be collected, graded and returned to the student. Projects are assigned a % rating according to a matrix of the three standards listed below. These are then averaged into an overall grade for the project.

 

Projects will be graded based on the following criteria:

-Comprehension, Craftsmanship and Creativity.

 

Your grades depend, in part, upon showing your Comprehension of each formal and conceptual idea, as well as demonstrating an understanding of the medium. Projects that richly explore all formal and conceptual parameters are of an “A” quality. These parameters are akin to what a client might be asking for when commissioning a design. Projects that are missing requirements demonstrate a lack of formal understanding of those requirements or that are otherwise incomplete, will leave an unsatisfied client, hence, a lower score. Students can expect 3-5 point deductions for each comprehension aspect that is poorly executed.

 

Creativity and the Creative Process also plays integral roles in any artistic endeavor. Creativity, or innovation and originality in a design, is the direct result of understanding and preparation concerning each aspect of the form and content of a potential work of art. This is accomplished through the use of the Creative Process. This method is about research, review and refinement of a designer’s ideas. It helps the student in their preparation and presentation of each project. To this end, students will maintain a sketchbook in addition to completing the projects. These will be used as a starting ground for exploring ideas related to the projects. They will also be used as a communication tool to help facilitate the excellent completion of each project.  The instructor will not help students start from a blank slate. Visual ideas must be communicated visually. A Designer should maintain a client relationship by balancing and communicating the development of the design process along the way. The student will also use the sketchbook for taking notes on the lectures. Students will turn in all of their creative process upon the completion of each project. Again, students can expect 3-5 point deductions for each creativity aspect that is poorly executed.

 

This preparation will help the student to maintain their sense of Craftsmanship. This concept, at its base, refers to the mindful execution of the completed design. Neatness and a sense of competency and care are the hallmarks of good craft. But craftsmanship is also about maintaining the Professional Standards of Design, and is meant to simulate the working relationship of designer (student) and client (professor). The standards include the concept of and quality, but also embrace the notions of workplace ethics and the idea of professionalism. Students will be expected to keep pace with each and every stage of the project. The student must exhibit a commitment to the work schedule as stated at the beginning of each project. Missing due dates and careless ideation or working habits will be assessed. Be sure to be fully prepared and ready to work at the beginning of class. Students are required to have the necessary material at all times, including the sketchbook. Students can again expect 3-5 point deductions for each quality aspect that is poorly executed.

 

Projects delivered late will be reduced 5 points for each day they are late, with the exception of excused absences.

 

It will also be necessary to work at home. The University policy is that students should expect to spend 2 hours on homework per credit hour. Since this is a 3 credit hour class, you can expect to spend 6 hours per week on out-of-class work.

 

DO NOT THROW YOUR WORK AWAY!! You are responsible for the care and representation of your projects if necessary.

 

In addition to the work itself, class participation, attendance and tardiness will be factored into the final grade. At midterm each student will have an individual critique that centers on your progress as an artist. This will entail creating a portfolio of all the work leading up to midterm.

 

Your Final average is based on the following formula:

-7 Projects: 60%

-Digication Portfolio: 10%

-Attendance and Participation: 20%

-1 Exam: 10%

 

Attendance and Participation

Attendance is mandatory; the University of North Georgia Attendance Policy permits only 1 week of absences per class per semester. Each absence is worth 10 points that will be deducted from your Attendance and Participation grade. Tardiness and Early Departures will not be tolerated. You have a 5-minute grace period from the top of the hour. Each tardy/ early departure is worth 5 points that will be deducted from your Attendance and Participation grade. You must attend the final examination! Students who miss 5 or more days will receive an automatic “WF” for the class.

 

            PARTICIPATION IS OF PROFOUND IMPORTANCE: In any class, but most especially your foundation level classes one is expected to demonstrate the ability to participate in an engaged and focused manner. This is what is required to be a successful professional in the field of art, art marketing and art education. If a student is not sufficiently prepared to contribute to the class dynamic, then the student is not demonstrating professionalism in being sufficiently prepared to contribute to the learning experience. If a student comes to class unprepared, (i.e. not having read the material, not being prepared to share assigned reflection, not having sufficiently prepared in advance for a workshop or demonstration) you will be counted ABSENT.

 

Expectations Regarding Behavior in the Classroom/Exhibition

            Students are expected to assist in maintaining a classroom environment that is conducive to learning. While the University experience is one which values academic freedom and liberty, it cannot reach its goals of facilitating learning if some structure does not exist. To that end, please review the following list of appropriate behaviors and act accordingly. Failure to acknowledge expectations of classroom etiquette will result in your being asked to leave the class until you can modify your behavior.

 

1. Students are expected to attend class and pay attention, to be on time, find a seat, and be prepared to engage in the work of the class (e.g., taking notes, studio work, critique, participating in group activities, attending outside events, etc.). Do not ask an instructor in class to go over material you missed by skipping a class or not concentrating. There are no private tutorials for this course. The student is responsible for obtaining notes from classmates for missed lectures.

 

2. Not coming to class late or leaving early. If you must enter a class late, do so quietly and do not disrupt the class by walking between the class and the instructor. Do not leave class unless it is an absolute necessity. Difficulty finding parking or conflicting course schedules do not constitute a sufficient reason for coming to class late or leaving early. Students are expected to stay in class until the class is dismissed, unless prior arrangements have been made for an early dismissal, e.g. a physician’s appointment. Most important, students are expected to participate until the end of class. Not packing book bags or backpacks to leave until the instructor has dismissed class. Avoiding audible and visible signs of restlessness. These are both rude and disruptive to the rest of the class.

 

3. Students are to come to class prepared to begin work. This means arriving to the first day of class and each class session with materials ready. Students should not waste class time gathering materials or resources that should have been taken care of prior to the class session. This includes research, purchasing supplies, printing materials, or preparing handouts for presentations etc.

 

4. Work is expected on the date it is due. Exceptions are made only for extraordinary situations and with the approval of the professor arranged in advance of missing the deadline. Students are not to burden the instructor with excuses as to why they were unable to make the project deadline. Appropriate behavior means taking responsibility for your inadequacies, gracefully accepting any related penalties and not expecting exceptions to course policy.

 

5. Focusing on class material during class time. Sleeping, talking to others, doing work for another class, reading the newspaper, checking email, and exploring the internet are unacceptable, disrespectful and can be disruptive. Students are expected to turn off cell phones, pagers, radios, iPods, laptops and other such electronic devices during class. Exceptions are permitted only with the professor’s prior consent. If necessary, the instructor will collect such materials at the beginning of class and return them at the end of class.

 

6. No eating and drinking during class time unless given express permission by the instructor.

 

7. Students are expected to use good manners, be courteous and act with decorum toward their peers and anyone who may be in class facilitating the learning process. Not talking with other classmates while the instructor or another student is speaking. Students are encouraged to ask questions at any time. Students are expected to raise their hands or politely respect the instructor or other students who are currently speaking. Students are expected to show respect and concern for others by not monopolizing class discussion. Allow others time to give their input and ask questions. Do not stray from the topic of class discussion.

 

8. Students are not to expect exceptions to course policy under any circumstances. Course policies fairly apply to each and every student in the course. Serious issues do arise and students are encouraged to speak with the instructor about anything that might prevent them from meeting course expectations. However, the instructor’s only obligation is to advise you of your options-not to make special arrangements for you that compromise the validity and objectivity of the course.

 

9. Academic honesty is crucial at the University of North Georgia and in my classroom. Any cheating, plagiarism, fabrication or helping others to commit said acts are all forms of Academic Dishonesty and will not be tolerated.

 

SUPPLEMENTAL SYLLABUS

Students are expected to refer to the http://ung.edu/academic-affairs/policies-and-guidelines/supplemental-syllabus.php for the following information:

  1. Academic Exchange
  2. Academic Integrity Policy
  3. Academic Success Plan Program
  4. Class Evaluations
  5. Course Grades and Withdrawal Process
  6. Disruptive Behavior Policy
  7. Inclement Weather
  8. Smoking Policy
  9. Students with Disabilities

Approved 27-FEB-2013

 

Course Content and Calendar

            The following is a tentative document. It is a rough appraisal of the course and its order and timetable. Dates are subject to change due to weather, emergency, health issues or special events. A good hint is to mark the days off as the class unfolds. This will be a more accurate accounting of the daily schedule.

 

Week 1

M  8/22:

Introduction and Syllabus Review

Homework: Acquire Materials!! Review Syllabus

Video :http://www.art21.org/videos/short-julie-mehretu-mural

 

W 8/24:

Lecture Overview of 2-D Design

 

F 8/26 Intro Project #1: Line and Figure Ground Relationships

Work on Creative Process, Project #1

Homework: Work on Creative Process, Project #1

 

Week 2

M 8/29:Video: Mathew Ritchie: Art 21

Work on Project #1

 

 

W 8/31:Discuss Digication

Review CP (Creative Process)

Work on Project #1

 

F 9/2: Work on Project #1

 

Week 3

M 9/5: No Class, Labor Day Holiday

 

 

W 9/7: Project #1 Due

Intro Organic/ Geometric Project #2: Shape and Figure Ground Reversal

Work on Creative Process, Project #2

Homework: Work on Creative Process, Project #2

 

F: 9/9: Work on Creative Process, Project #2

 

Week 4

M 9/12: Critique Project #1

 

W:9/14: Review CP (Creative Process)

Work on Project #2

 

 

F:9/16: Work on Project #2

Week 5

M 9/19: Project #2 Due

Intro Silhouette Project #3: Value and Symmetrical Balance

Video: Kara Walker; Art 21

Work on Creative Process, Project #3

Homework: Work on Creative Process, Project #3

 

W 9/21: Critique Project #2

Review CP

Work on Project #3

 

F: 9/23

Week 6

M 9/26: Work on Project #3

 

W 9/28: Work on Project #3

 

F:9/30

           

Week 7

M 10/3: Project #3 Due

Intro Isometric Perspective Project #4: Mass, Modulation and Closed Composition

Video: Leonardo Drew: Art 21

Work on Creative Process, Project #4

Homework: Work on Creative Process, Project #4

 

W 10/5: Critique Project #3

Review CP

Work on Project #4

 

F:10/7

 

Week 8

M 10/10: Mid Term Conferences

Work on Project #4

 

W 10/12: Mid Term Conferences

Project #4 Due

Intro Cubism Project #5: Transparency, Monochromatic Palette and Asymmetrical Balance, Work on Creative Process, Project #5

Homework: Work on Creative Process, Project #5

 

F: 10/14

Week 9

M 10/17: Critique Project #4

Review CP

Work on Project #5

 

W 10/19: Work on Project #5

 

F: 10/21

 

Week 10

M 10/24: Work on Project #5

 

W 10/26: Project #5 Due

Intro Mandala Project #6: Complementary Palette and Radial Balance

Work on Creative Process, Project #6

Homework: Work on Creative Process, Project #6

 

F: 10/28

Week 11

M 10/31: Critique Project #5

Review CP

Work on Project #6

 

W 11/2: Work on Project #6

F: 11/4:

Week 12

M 11/7: Work on Project #6

 

W 11/9: Work on Project #6

F:11/11

Week 13

M 11/14: Project #6 Due!

Intro Linear Perspective Project #7: Analogous Palette, Collage and Indirect Painting Technique

Work on Creative Process, Project #7

Homework: Work on Creative Process, Project #7

 

W 11/16:

Critique Project #6

Review CP

Work on Project #7

11/18:

 

Week 14

M 11/21: Fall Break No School

 

W 11/ 23: Fall Break No School

F: 11/25:  Fall Break No School

 

Week 15

M:11/28:

W: 11/30

Week 16

M 12/5: Work on Project #7

 

W: 12/7 Last day of class

Work on Project #7, due at the end of class

F: 12/9: Last day of class

Work on Project #7, due at the end of class

 

Week 17

12/12: Monday December 12,  10am-11:50am

Final, Exam and Critique, Attendance Mandatory

 

 

 

 

 

2D-Design, Student Materials List

 

Most of the materials can be acquired in the student bookstore. Alternatively, the materials can be purchased at local art stores or online retailers (Dick Blick, Utrecht, Binders and Cheap Joes for online purchases. Michaels, JoAnn Fabric and Craft Store, and Binders for local purchases. )

 

 

 

By the next class:

 

11”x 14”, Bristol paper pad, Smooth

 

9”x 12”, Spiral Bound Sketchbook

 

Sakura Pigma Micron Pen (Pen Size 005 = Point Size 0.20 mm or Pen Size 01 = Point Size 0.25 mm)

 

2 Sharpie Twin-Tip Markers

 

2 Pencils

 

 

 

By the third week:

 

Paint: Liquitex Brand Full or Heavy Body Acrylic or Golden Acrylic Only !!

 

Titanium White/ 4.65 oz.

 

Mars Black/ 2 oz.

 

Pthalo Blue/ 2 oz.

 

Dioxozine Purple or Violet/ 2 oz.

 

Permanent Green / 2 oz.

 

Quinacridone or Napthol Red/ 2 oz.

 

Cadmium Yellow Hue (Non-toxic, light or medium type)/ 2 oz.

 

Acrylic Gloss or Matte Medium, 4 oz.

 

 

 

Brushes: Size 2, 6 and 12 Flat and Size 2, 6 and 12 Round Shape. All brushes should be Synthetic white or Talkon hair. Short handle brushes only!

 

 

 

Palette Knife (offset blade type)

 

 

 

Prismacolor Colored Pencils/Assorted set of 12

 

 

 

The following can be purchased at discount and home improvement stores (i.e. Wal-Mart, Target, etc.)

 

Clear plastic ruler                                                       

 

Masking tape

 

Scissors                                                                      

 

5 small, sealable plastic storage containers

 

2/ 16 oz, non-glass containers                                    

 

Clear plastic shoebox with white lid (to be used for storage and as a palette.)

 

X-Acto knife with replacement blades.

 

Metal Compass

 

 

 

2D- Design, Required Text

 

“Launching the Imagination, 4-D Version.” 

 

by Mary Stewart. ISBN#: 978-0073379241

 

 

 



 

 

 

 



DRAFT: This module has unpublished changes.