Course Syllabus

SYLLABUS AND SCHEDULE | Winter Quarter 2014 1/7/14–3/13/14 

The fine arts CORE course focuses on creative processes and the understanding of that process as a way of knowing and a foundation of wisdom.  In this course, you will:

• Experience and apply the techniques of the stated discipline.
• Learn to identify those techniques in works of art.
• Demonstrate the ability to critically analyze and evaluate those techniques.

 

In this core course, Drawing Through Media, you will use contemporary drawing processes mixed with traditional tools and observation methods. You will employ critical thought and research, through given texts and at least one viewing experience.

This course considers how technology and the broad array of print and digital images have influenced our ideas of drawing. It considers how we see things. Using simple methods and means, the practice of drawing is approached from both traditional and experimental directions. The focus of this inquiry is on drawing from observation, broadly defined.

In-class drawing sessions are complemented by independent, outside of class work and assigned readings. The goals of the course include the development of individual confidence in observational drawing skills, a working knowledge of the rich histories and contemporary concerns of drawing, and a practical basis for further inquiry into all the visual arts.

This course, an introduction to the principles of drawing through observation, is an investigation of proportion, still life, and perspective with various drawing media. It is an introduction to visual literacy, critical thinking, and reflective writing and will involve a visit to a local gallery or museum.

This course includes a writing component in the context of looking, and also in the context of specific texts. 

This syllabus is a living document. Your learning is my primary concern in this course, so I may modify the schedule if, for instance, we discover we need to spend time on a certain topic and less on another.

 

Course information	Instructor information
Course code:          120-03 *# credits:                  5 *Location:                  Fine Arts 206 *Class times:            1:30PM-4:30PM T TH First session:           JAN. 7, 2014 Last session:           MARCH. 13, 2014 Final: TH March 20, 12:00-1:50	*Instructor:                  Gretchen Bennett *Phone:                        XX *Email:                           bennettg@seattleu.edu *Office:                          Fine Arts Bldg. #___ *Office hours:            Please phone or email to arrange appointments

 

I check my email regularly. You can email me at any time, but you may not receive a response outside regular school hours. You can also email me here, at my general email address: gretchen@gretchenbennett.com. No question or problem is too small. Missed classes or unusual needs or circumstances do arise, and communication about these is key. Its best if you let me know of unusual circumstances before you miss a class.

 

 

 

 

Course Title. 1

*Course description/rationale. 1

Course information. 1

Instructor information. 1

Table of contents. 2

**Learning outcomes. 2

**Core Curriculum learning objectives. 3

*Instructional methods. 3

*Required readings and materials. 3

Recommended resources for additional exploration. 3

**Academic resources. 3

**Library and Learning Commons. 3

**Academic integrity tutorial 4

General course and university policies. 4

**Support for students with disabilities. 4

Classroom norms. 4

*Missed classes. 4

Cell phones, laptops, and recording devices. 5

**Academic policies on the Registrar website. 5

Grading procedures and policies. 5

*Attendance and participation expectations. 5

Grading scale. 6

Submitting your assignments. 6

*Student responsibilities for learning. 7

*Provisional schedule and readings. 7

*The art materials for this course. 7

*Vocabulary. 8

 

Learning Outcomes: 

On successful completion of this course (i.e. by passing this course), you will be able to

• compare and contrast in an oral critique format the positive and negative attributes of your own work and the work of others, in a contemporary drawing context.

 

• define and describe any number of media and experiences, using the principles and language we develop in this class.

 

• experience the development of individual confidence in drawing from observation skills and application.
• gain visual literacy, in the context of drawing.
• build a working vocabulary and basic understanding of drawing from observation through this inquiry on drawing, broadly defined.
• pursue a practice, through in-class project sessions, complimented by independent, outside-of-class work and occasional assigned readings and discussions.
• attain a fundamental drawing skill set and working knowledge of the histories and daily inquiry around drawing, a working knowledge of the rich histories and contemporary concerns of drawing, and a practical basis for further inquiry into all the visual arts.

 

UCOR 1300: Creative Expression

• Core Learning Objectives:  This course helps students:
• 1. Develop abilities in creative thinking and expression.
• 2. Understand key content, approaches to creativity and expression, and methods of analysis in a

         creative art.

• 3. Understand the relationships between a work of art and the context, the artist, intention or goal, audience reception, and medium of that work of art.
• 4. Develop basic oral presentation skills.
• 5. Become effective writers, including writers of high quality academic prose.

 

CLASS FORMAT

The class is divided into three areas. 

IN-CLASS WORK.  Consisting of the drawing and preliminary work done during class hours. 

SKETCHBOOK. Consisting of a quarter long “showing of your work” in a sketchbook to be displayed, but not turned in at different times throughout the course, and apart of your final presentation.

HOMEWORK PROJECTS.  All work done outside of class.

 

CRITIQUE 

This is the culmination and analysis of work done, discussed in a group format. Discussions and class critiques occur frequently, to the point where you are able to compare and contrast in an oral critique format the positive and negative attributes of your own work and the work of others, in a contemporary drawing context.

 

Berger, John, The Shape of a Pocket: Steps Towards a Small Theory of the Visible (for Yves)

Benjamin, Walter, The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction

Joselit, David, After Art, Chapter 1,  Image Explosion

 

Please consider viewing part of this class. Attend any museum or gallery exhibitions that you notice and find interesting. Carry you sketchbook with you at all times, and record any observations from you daily life.

 

My goal is to create a learning environment in which you can be incredibly successful. I will work hard to create and improve the learning environment throughout the quarter/semester based on my own observations of the course and your feedback on what would help you learn more. In return, I ask and encourage you to make the most of this learning opportunity. Please take advantage of the academic support services available to you at the university. Even if you have had excellent study skills in the past, it is easy to slip into suboptimal habits and these services can help you excel in your studies.

 

Library and Learning Commons

 http://www.seattleu.edu/learningcommons/

 

Writing Center

LINK:

http://www.seattleu.edu/writingcenter/

The Writing Center employs undergraduate writing consultants who assist you at all stages of the writing process. Consultants will help you begin writing tasks, organize and develop first drafts, and revise and edit later drafts.

 

Learning Assistance Programs

LINK:

http://www.seattleu.edu/sas/learningassistance/default.aspx?id=29100

Learning Assistance Programs provide peer tutoring, facilitated study groups, and learning strategy development through scheduled workshops and individual meetings with a learning specialist.

 

Research Services

LINK:

http://www.seattleu.edu/library/services/research/

Research Services Librarians are there to help you at any stage of the research process.  Contact them if you need help brainstorming keywords, using their databases, finding articles and books or sorting through the information you find on the Internet. You can receive help in person, by chat, phone, or email, or by scheduling a research consultation.

 

Academic integrity tutorial

https://www.seattleu.edu/academicintegrity/

 

 

Support for students with disabilities

If you have, or think you may have, a disability (including an “invisible disability” such as a learning disability, a chronic health problem, or a mental health condition) that interferes with your performance as a student in this class, you are encouraged to arrange support services and/or accommodations through Disabilities Services staff located in Loyola 100, (206) 296-5740. Disability-based adjustments to course expectations can be arranged only through this process.

 

Classroom norms

Creating a Contract For Taking Risks

During our first class session, we will jointly create classroom norms (or “agreements”) to which we will all abide so that we have the most productive and positive learning environment. We will also revisit these norms regularly during the quarter/semester. Regular examples from previous years include that we agree to:

• Start and end class on time
• Come to class prepared
• Participate in discussions
• Show one another courtesy, including when we disagree
•  

We will express these norms in the form of a class contract, informally drawn up on the white board and posted on our class website. Everyone will contribute and will move forward, using this as our guide for creating a space for learning, as our class progresses.

 

Missed classes

If you expect to be absent or to be late, please e-mail me beforehand (or as soon as possible). I will pass on your apologies to the group at the start of class.

 

If for any reason you do miss a class, be sure to obtain notes from one of your peers to catch up. If, after going over those notes and checking the readings for the class, you still have questions, please arrange to meet me during office hours to discuss. Remember to bring those notes with you so that we can work on your specific, focused questions.

 

Cell phones, laptops, and recording devices

So that we can all stay focused and get the most from our time in class, all cell phones – including my own – must be turned off except by prior agreement. (For instance, if you’re the primary caregiver for someone, a relative or close friend of someone who’s critically ill in hospital, or an expectant birth partner, please let me know so that we can make a suitable arrangement, or if we use cell phones in a class project.)

 

There will be a few opportunities during class to use your laptops and I will let you know when these occur. If you want to use a laptop, other mobile device, or recording device in class at any other time, please check with me, first.

 

• Good note-taking skills are vital for you: You can’t always rely on technology being available, can’t expect to be given prepared summaries or notes, nor can you afford the time to write everything longhand. It’s important that when you graduate, you have some good note-taking techniques and can differentiate essential facts from background information during a discussion. We will also discuss this in class.
• Using laptops can be a distraction, both for others, you and for the instructor. The temptation to attempt to “multi-task” using technology in class can also be enormous, but to do so would be extremely discourteous to the entire class, and would be a waste of your own learning opportunity.

 

If your phone does accidentally go off, please turn it off immediately, and return the call later.

 

Academic policies on the Registrar website

https://www.seattleu.edu/registrar/academics/performance/

 

Be sure that you understand the following university academic policies, posted on the Registrar’s website:

 

Academic integrity policy

Academic Grading Grievance Policy

Professional Conduct Policy

 

 

Attendance and participation expectations

In this course, you will learn as you go, so if you miss a class, you will be behind for the next class. A major part of our work is done in class. This is your opportunity to work with other you and ask me questions as you go. This is also your opportunity to develop a practice. Your understanding of each assignment will be clear, as long as you are in class and we are working as a group. Your work will progress, as long as you feel an ownership and a responsibility to show up for the work. You will learn from each other, as well as from me. So it’s very important that you come to each class meeting. We will do this together.

 

If you do miss a class for any reason, it is your responsibility to get caught up and complete your assignments. Have contact information from at least one other student, in order to check with them.

 

Participation grading rubric

	4	3	2	1
Criterion:	Positive attributes
Finds ways to connect own comments to the comments made by other students in class.	Frequently	Occasionally	Seldom	Almost never
Answers questions in class posed by the professor or by other students OR offers helpful explanations when another student is confused.	Frequently	Occasionally	Seldom	Almost never
Uses language that is appropriate for the classroom and is courteous towards other students and the professor.	Frequently	Occasionally	Seldom	Almost never
Demonstrates that s/he is doing the reading through questions, answers and comments in class.	Frequently	Occasionally	Seldom	Almost never
	Negative attributes
Misses class.	Almost never	Seldom	Occasionally	Frequently
Shows up late to class.	Almost never	Seldom	Occasionally	Frequently
Exhibits disruptive behavior (e.g. interrupts others, falls asleep, dominates conversation, breaches class-generated norms, etc.).	Almost never	Seldom	Occasionally	Frequently

 

Your Check Points

Your portfolio is your collection of work done in this class.

Instead of having exams or tests, we will have a Mid-term and an End-term project and critique. This means that the quality of your work will greatly determine your grade for the class. If, after the Mid-term review, you want to make up or redo assignments, this is your chance.

Other things affecting your grade will be attendance and punctuality.

 

ATTENDANCE BREAKDOWN

                  3 Absences = 1 grade point lowered (unless it is excused)

                  Each additional absence = 1 grade point lowered

                  3 times late, more than 15min = 1 absence

 

Grading scale

A          100–94     Superior A–       93–90 B+       89–87 B          86–83        Good	B–       82–80 C+       79–77 C          76–73         Adequate C–       72–70	D+       69–67 D          66–63            Poor D–       62–60 F           59 or less      Failing

 

Submitting your assignments

All your assignments must be submitted to me in person at the beginning of class. If you are unable to do so (for instance, because you are sick), please email me your assignment beforethe beginning of class so that it is marked as being on time.

 

Assignment deadlines and extensions

In this class, you are expected to conduct yourselves as professional, courteous, and well-organized individuals – this is what any organization will expect of you when you complete your degrees. Acting in this way helps give Seattle University graduates a reputation as excellent and reliable colleagues, and in turn it means that your degree is worth more in a competitive marketplace. One of the most important ways you will demonstrate these behaviors in class is by ensuring that your work is always on time.

 

Assignments must be submitted by the set deadlines and will typically be returned within 5 days. It is essential that you plan ahead for all eventualities to ensure that none of your work is late. I will provide full project outlines to you, so that you can plan ahead and block out time on your calendar.

 

I have blocked out times in my own schedule specifically for grading your work so that I can return it to you quickly while the work is still fresh in your minds. Any late work will therefore receive a maximum 50% grade.

 

If you are unable to complete course requirements because of extenuating circumstances, please notify the instructor on or before the date the assignment is due and provide relevant supporting documentation (e.g. doctor’s note, note from counselor).

 

An agreement to receive an Incomplete (I) grade may be negotiated if your circumstances do not allow you to finish the course on time. The Incomplete Removal Policy of the university is available on the Office of the Registrar web site: https://www.seattleu.edu/registrar/Policies.aspx

 

Weeks 1 and 2

Berger, John, The Shape of a Pocket: Steps Towards a Small Theory of the Visible (for Yves)

Weeks 5 and 6

Benjamin, Walter, The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction

Weeks 8 and 9

Joselit, David, After Art, Chapter 1,  Image Explosion

 

The art materials for this course will be in a kit, available to you at Blick Art Supply. You are required to purchase this kit:

 

DERWENT GRAPHC PNCLS/HARD 4H EACH

DERWENT GRAPHC PNCLS/HARD 3H EACH

DERWENT GRAPHC PNCLS/HARD H EACH

DERWENT GRAPHC PNCLS/SOFT 2B EACH

DERWENT GRAPHC PNCLS/SOFT 4B EACH

DERWENT GRAPHC PNCLS/SOFT 6B EACH

DERWENT GRAPHC PNCLS/SOFT 8B EACH

STAEDTLR MARS PLASTC/ERASER

MAPED SHARPENER/DBL HOLE

CANSON NEWSPRINT PAD/18INCH X 24INCH 50/SHEET

ARTIST TAPE/WHITE 1/2INCH X 60YARD

SPECTRAFIX FIXATIVE/12 OZ BOTTLE

GEN CHARCOAL PENCIL/BLACK 4B

BLICK CHARCOAL/VINE SOFT 12/BOX

SNFRD TUFF STF ERSR/STICK BLACK

SNFRD TUFF STF ERSR/QTY 2 REFILL

CONTE CRAYON/BISTRE PKG2 (12454)

Blick Address:

1600 Broadway Avenue, Seattle, WA 98122

Phone: (206) 324-0750

Store Hours:

Mo-Sa: 9-8

Su: 11-7

 

Vocabulary

Draw

Media

Mark

Line

Gesture


Skeletal Structure


Contour


Heavy line

Fragmented- broken, non-continuous line


Empathetic Line- emotional charged marks


Value

Light


High light


Shadow


Core of Shadow


Reflected light


Cast Shadow


White, Black


Intermediate tone- shades of gray


Chiaroscuro- Deep shadow


Dark values


Light values

Foreshortening

Shared edges

Composition

Direction- Vertical movement, Horizontal, Diagonal


Space- Positive form/Negative space


Spatial Thrust- foreground middle ground, background


Value


Visual weight