PELLISSIPPI STATE TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE
MASTER SYLLABUS

LIFE DRAWING
ART 2120

Class Hours:  0.0

 

Credit Hours:  3.0

 

Lab Hours:  6.0

 

Revised: Fall 2005

 

 

 

 

 

Catalog Course Description:

 

 

 

 Continued development of drawing and observational skills with a  concentration on the structure and dynamics of the human form; perception  of the figure in conceptual and expressive contexts. 

Entry Level Standards:

 

 

 

 Student should possess drawing skills beyond the basic level and be able to apply critical abilities in both an oral and written format.

Prerequisites:

 

 

 

 Art majors: ART 1011 required; ART 2110 suggested

 Non-majors: None

Textbook(s) and Other Course Materials:

 

 

 None; suggested readings will be assigned. Materials list will be distributed at first class.

I. Week/Unit/Topic Basis:

 

 

 

Week 

Topic

 

1

Introduction to course, materials, assignments and policies

 

2

Perceptual and markmaking skills

 

3

Taking form to basics

 

4

Structure to volume: proportion techniques, geometric shapes and  planes, value and light

 

5

Weight and stress, texture and surface

 

6

Focus on selected body areas

 

7

Figure and context

 

8

Spatial techniques, composition - Portfolio due

 

9

Wet media and color applications; local and expressive color

 

10

Wet media; gesture and definition

 

11

Literal form; break-up considerations - formal

 

12

Literal form; doubling, overlapping, distortion

 

13

Pictorial language and the figure; meaning, integration of outside  images

 

14

Long poses

 

15

Final project due; Portfolios due

II. Course Objectives*:

 

 

 

A.

Display a mastery of intermediate drawing media.  II.

 

B.

Demonstrate the fundamentals of aesthetic criticism both in written and oral communication and applications to past and contemporary works.    I, II.

 

C.

Demonstrate a mastery of the elements and principles of good composition using a variety of media in the observation of the human form.    II.

 

D.

Show the ability to develop a personal content and style using critical and visual thinking skills  with emphasis on the figure as an intricate and plastic form.   III, II.

 

E

Introduce and continue to amplify the concern for contextualization in representation.  II.

*Roman numerals after course objectives reference TBR’s general education goals.

III. Instructional Processes*: 

 

 

Students will:

 

 

 

 

1.

Participate in class critiques, both oral and written throughout the semester to develop critical analysis and observational skills related to their own and other students’ work. Communication Outcome, Humanities Fine Arts Outcome, Active Learning   Strategy, Transitional Strategy

 

2.

Individually and in a group, create multiple compositions using a variety of media with emphasis on individual and group perception and the plastic dynamics of the figure. Humanities Fine Arts Outcome, Active Learning Strategy, Transitional Strategy

 

3.

Journal their personal feelings/reactions to the learning process to understand and build visual thinking in order to progress to professional and subsequent course work. Communication Outcome, Humanities Fine Arts  Outcome, Transitional Strategy

 

4.

Do one or more of the following during the semester, (1)  attend exhibitions of art in the area  (2) attend lecture(s) by  visiting artists. Students will then participate in a group    discussion regarding the specific activity and its relation to career direction, personal growth as regards aesthetic ability,  and/or philosophical aesthetics. Communication Outcome, Humanities Fine Arts Outcome, Active Learning   Strategy, Transitional Strategy

*Strategies and outcomes listed after instructional processes reference TBR’s goals for strengthening general education knowledge and skills, connecting coursework to experiences beyond the classroom, and encouraging students to take active and responsible roles in the educational process.

IV. Expectations for Student Performance*: 

 

 

Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:

 

1.

Utilize correct technique and basic mastery of graphite, conte’, chalk, charcoal, pen and ink/wash, colored pencils. A

 

2.

Develop skill in the use of media/techniques through traditional and experimental application; alone and in mixed combination. A

 

3.

Verbalize and participate in class critiques. B

 

4.

Develop a spatial/compositional rational for the organization of    their work. C

 

5.

Show a knowledge of the inherent construction of the figure.  D, E

 

6.

Create a series of personal and thematic images. B, C, D, E

 

7.

Develop a personal interpretation of the human form through formal manipulation.  B, C, D, E

 

8.

Speak critically on personal content and to justify same. B, D

 

9.

Draw a connection between personal work and that of others to contemporary and past imagery. B, D

 

10.

Create a visual narration by using the figure as an expressive  vehicle. D, E

 

11.

Articulate form in spatial context.  A

*Letters after performance expectations reference the course objectives listed above.

V. Evaluation:

 

 

 

A. Testing Procedures:

 

 As a studio class, no formal written examinations will be given, although  students will be required to critique their own and other student's work orally and in appropriate written form, using correct vocabulary, punctuation.

 

B. Laboratory Expectations:  See Portfolio below

 

C. Field Work:  Portfolio Requirement: 75% of grade

 

 Portfolios will be collected and reviewed at mid-term and at semester end.  A portfolio (over-all portfolio) grade will be given on both occasions.  All in-class drawings and homework assignments must be included in order  to receive a final grade. A comprehensive list of drawings to be included  will be distributed.  During the semester, formal, sustained drawings will  also receive individual grades to  assist students in determining growth.  Individual critiques will occur throughout the semester to clarify areas  of strength and weakness.

 

D. Other Evaluation Methods:  Outside Exhibition/Lectures:  10% of Grade

 

 During the semester students will be expected to take advantage of guest  lectures, outside local exhibitions, and visiting artists to the class.   Discussions that ensue along with critique discussions will be part of  their participation grade.

 

E. Grade Breakdown:

 

 15% - Participation in class discussion/critiques; verbal and written;  outside lectures
 35% - Completion of portfolio requirements 
40% - Individual grades on sustained drawings 
10% - Regular attendance

VI. Policies:

 

 

 

A. Attendance Policy:

 

Attendance is required and students are responsible for  all work missed due to absence.  Assignments, (formal/sustained drawings)  due at critiques will result in a failing grade if students have an  unexcused absence. Students must meet a minimum of 75% of scheduled class  meetings in order to receive a passing grade for the course (8 or more  absences excused or otherwise will result in a failing grade).

 

B. Academic Dishonesty:

 

Students are expected to abide by the sanctions listed in the current college catalog under the Academic and Classroom Misconduct guidelines.

 

C. Accommodations for disabilities:

 

If you need accommodations because of a disability, if you have emergency medical information to share, or if you need special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please inform the instructor immediately. Please see the instructor privately after class or in his/her office. Students must present a current accommodation plan from a staff member in Services for Students with Disabilities (SSWD) in order to receive accommodations in this course. Services for Students with Disabilities may be contacted by going to Goins 127 or 131 or by phone: 694-6751(Voice/TTY) or 539-7153.