Syllabus

Syllabus

Course Materials

Course Description

Prerequisites -- None

Using an outline of terms and concepts, and basic black and white and gray materials, students will explore the basic elements of art and the commonly acknowledged principles of design in the 8.5" x 11" format. Assignments will be a range of design problems that can be solved eloquently using the outline as a guide for experimentation. Slides of art from Modern and Post-modern times will be shown during the review of terms at the beginning of each unit to expose the student to the variety of finished products that resulted from their current study. Examples of excellant student work will illustrate the assignment sheets.

Course Objective

To put together a Sketchbook (2" three ring binder) of the basic visual and verbal language of art.

Administrative Section: Syllabus, Calendar, Supplies List

Homework: You will have several assignments per week. These are studies. Your primary goal is to master the principle, although the presentation of your knowledge should be attractive. Keep the assignments in chronological order. Your notebook must be easy to browse - no loose items, clearly labeled sections, with images and text oriented in logical directions, and all assignments, readings, and journal entries up to date.

Outlines: Refer to the outlines during your homework assignments. The vocabulary will help train your sensitivity to the different choices available to you when crafting an image.

Readings: Underline, circle, indicate, or respond in the margin if you come across something you find interesting. You will not be tested, if you want to discuss it come eat lunch with me. When I am grading your notebook I will note your engagement with the material. The reading of a wide range of academic writings is for your own edification. Artists and designers are the "information agents" of the next century.

"They traffic meaning; they transport ideas, concepts and opinions; they visualize structures and contexts. In short they condense information into cultural content."

Design Interactive Education, by Max Bruinsma in The Education of the Graphic Designer, Ed. Steven Heller

Course Policies

Evaluation = Notebook grade (33.3%) + Final projects/Critique grade (33.3%) + Attendance grade (20%)

Notebook grade = homework (80%) + readings (10%) + aesthetic (10%)

Final projects/Critique grade = project(60%) + participation in criticisms(20%) + classroom attitude(20%)

Attendance grade = 100% bonus for perfect attendance, 90% of total points for 1 day absent, 80% of total points for 2 days absent, 70% of total points for 3 days absent, etc.

Grading Scale

A -- For each assignment, I expect that you will solve the problem and demonstrate commitment in terms of time, imagination, and craftsmanship

B

C -- Poor quality of craftsmanship, evidence of a hurried job or halfhearted attempts to solve the problem

D

F -- Missing course work

Regarding the "I" -- As a semester's grade, the "incomplete" will only be given in cases of medical, or family medical emergency, or financial hardship, and only then when the proper documentation, and a written request from them on your behalf, is supplied to your advisor

Attendance --- Students may miss a maximum of three class meetings without any penalty

Lab Fee

The art department charges a lab fee to be used for expendable materials used throughout the art facilities.

Lab Safety and Cleanliness Policies

Art materials can be dangerous if used incorrectly. Please follow the directions on the product and exercise common precautionary sense. i.e. Aerosol cans are to be sprayed only in properly ventilated areas (the classroom, hallway, etc. does not qualify.) A cleanup moniter will be appointed if necessary.

Assignments/Responsibilities

Show up with your supplies. You will have classwork each day, and one homework assignment most weekends.

Course Content and Outlines

See the Outlines

Academic Honor Code

Students are expected to uphold the Academic Honor Code. The Academic Honor System at the Florida State University is based on the premise that each student has the responsibility to: (1) Uphold the highest standards of academic integrity in the students own work, (2) Refuse to tolerate violations of academic integrity in the University community, and (3) Foster a high sense of integrity and social responsibility on the part of the University community.

Go to http://www.fsu.edu/~union/honor.htm for the full text.

Americans With Disabilities Act

Show Students with disabilities needing academic accommodation should (1) register with and provide documentation to the student Disability Resource Center; (2) bring a letter to the instructor indicating the need for accomodation and what type. This should be done during the first week of class. For more information about other services available to FSU students with disabilities, contact the Students with Disabilities Resource Center:

Dean of Students Department
08 Kellum Hall
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL 32306-4400
850/644-9566
(TDD) 850/644-8504

This syllabus and other class materials are available in an alternate format upon request

Bibliography

The coursework is a select compilation of other peoples research into the visual nature of art. Click here to browse the growing list of resources used.