Drawing I Syllabus for 2015-2016
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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Course

ARTS-1316-002 Drawing I

Prerequisites

Course Description

A foundation studio course exploring drawing with emphasis on descriptive, expressive and conceptual approaches. Students will learn to see and interpret a variety of subjects while using diverse materials and techniques. Course work will facilitate a dialogue in which students will engage in critical analysis and begin to develop their understanding of drawing as a discipline.

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Department Expectations

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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 2 lec, 4 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Required text:
Bert Dodson, Keys to Drawing, (Cincinatti, Ohio: North Light Books) 1985
ISBN-10: 0-89134-337-7
ISBN-13: 978-0-89134-337-0

Supplies

PRELIMINARY MATERIALS LIST:   DRAWING 1      VICTORIA TAYLOR-GORE

Where do I get this stuff?  The Amarillo College campus bookstore has many of the materials listed below

Student Performance

COURSE DESCRIPTION AND OUTCOMES:

A foundation studio course exploring drawing with emphasis on descriptive, expressive and conceptual approaches. Students will learn to see and interpret a variety of subjects while using diverse materials and techniques. Course work will facilitate a dialogue in which students will engage in critical analysis and begin to develop their understanding of drawing as a discipline.

Learning Outcomes (ACGM)
Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

1. Describe visual subjects through the use of accurate and sensitive observation.
2. Generate drawings which demonstrate descriptive, expressive, and conceptual approaches.
3. Utilize varied materials and techniques with informed aesthetic and conceptual strategies.
4. Demonstrate an appropriate level of professional practice, including safety, craft and presentation.
5. Analyze and critique drawings verbally and/or in writing.
6. Relate drawing to design, art history and contemporary artistic production.
Specific Course Outcomes:
1. Students will demonstrate effective communication, critical thinking, and teamwork skills.
2. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the relationship of the Visual Arts and Social Responsibility.
3. Students will gain familiarity with drawing terminology.
4. Students will work with a variety of drawing tools.
5. Students will be able to apply the Principles of Design to their drawings.
6. Students will apply a variety of techniques in drawing.
7. Students will solve visual problems and create dynamic compositions.
8. Students will utilize techniques emphasizing accurate, expressive, and conceptual approaches.
9. Students will discuss their work in verbal and/or written form.
10. Students will present work for grading in a professional manner, as directed by the instructor.
11. Students will participate meaningfully in critique.
12. Students will maintain a professional and respectful attitude.
13. Students will maintain classroom facilities and shared supplies.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

STUDENT BEHAVIOR

HOW THE CLASS WORKS:

This course places emphasis on the art of drawing, meaning the experience and process of drawing as an end in itself rather than a preliminary sketch or first step in creating another finished work of art.

The instructor will provide individual instruction and critique of student work during class periods. Consequently, attendance for each entire class period is very important and will be figured into your final grade for the course. Students will complete in class and out of class drawings, complete a sketchbook, complete a midterm and a final exam, a team term project and participate in private and group critiques. 

By participation in class and completion of assigned course work, the student should gain an active appreciation of the beauty of drawing and be able to be artistically expressive through drawing. Students should keep in mind the broad range of personal expression that exists in the world of art.  Drawing is a means to see the world in a new light.  Students develop the most when they become open minded and challenge themselves to try a new approach.
 

RESOURCES IN AC CONNECT: This is a traditional course that you will attend during scheduled class times, but we will also have course resources posted in AC Connect. I will our AC Connect course for your online gradebook, syllabus link, some course content, your online exams, and your team term project. To find our AC Connect course, go to http://www.actx.edu/ and click on the "AC Connect" link (direct link is https://acconnect.actx.edu/). Your login for our AC Connect course is the same as your ADNetID. If you have password or ID issues, please contact AskAC at 806-371-5000. Our AC Connect course resources will not be available until after classes begin.
 

CRITIQUES:  Critique allows the class to discuss design and conceptual issues and evaluate the effectiveness of each project. Respectful communication is of the utmost importance. This part of our classroom activities is crucial to the creative and technical learning process, giving us an opportunity to gain knowledge from each other. DO NOT MISS CRITIQUE. HAVE YOUR WORK READY BY the beginning of class. DO NOT WORK DURING CRITIQUE.
 

CIVILITY: Disruptions and/or any behavior that the instructor considers inappropriate will not be tolerated and will result in dismissal from the class. Every student deserves and will receive the respect of others. Every student is expected to be involved and engaged with other students and the instructor.
 

PARTICIPATION: Be an active part of class and critique. In addition to the requirement to be in class for demonstration, lecture and work time, your presence is a source of insight and learning for all class members. The impact of your full participation cannot be overestimated. Also see Grading, Class Participation Grade.
 

BRING YOUR MATERIALS:  Students are responsible for bringing materials needed for the course to class.  If you are having financial difficulties, please see me in advance, and we will try to work something out.  Don’t just show up without your materials needed for that day—I will lower your grade.  Materials needed are announced in advance, and there is no excuse for not having your materials in class.  If you are late or absent, you are responsible for checking with me or another classmate to find out what materials are needed for the next class.

IT IS MESSY!  The materials used in class are messy!  Students are responsible for cleaning up their desks and floor around their immediate area.  Charcoal and pastel in particular leave a good deal of dust on the desks and the floor, so please use damp paper towels and clean up your area.  Other classes use this room (and they complain about the room left in a mess), so please be considerate!  Also, if your drawing has excessive dust on it, walk over to the trashcan and blow it off over the trashcan.  Don’t blow dust into someone else’s face.  Keep in mind that many of the materials used in this course can stain clothing – dress appropriately or wear an apron.  Disregard of this clean up policy reflects poor enthusiasm for the course and will be considered in your grade.
 

MATERIALS HAZARD:  Also keep in mind some of the materials used in class are hard on your skin and some of the dust created by charcoal or pastel dust may aggravate allergies or respiratory conditions.  If you have sensitivity to any class materials, it is your responsibility to wear gloves or a paper mask or take whatever action necessary to make yourself more comfortable.  You are required to use these materials in class.  Be considerate of your classmates – don’t blow dust on your neighbor (don’t laugh, it has happened…), and please clean up your desk and the area around your desk for the next class.
 

DRAWING AND DRYING RACK:  You are free to use the built in vertical drawing rack in the drawing room (NE corner of the drawing room) to store your portfolio—space permitting.  Be careful using the drying rack – the shelves on the drying rack tend to snap up which may make drawings fall down the back of the rack, so open the rack carefully.  Also, this room is left open often and unlocked much of the day, so you are on your own –the instructor or the college is not responsible for the loss or damage of anything you leave in the room.  There have been thefts of drawings left in the class in the past. 
 

STUDENT WORK LEFT IN CLASS:  I am not responsible for any work left in this classroom at any time or my office after the semester is over.  This room is left unlocked and unattended during the day, and theft or vandalism is a slight possibility, but if you are concerned, please don’t leave your work. Periodically work left in the drawing room or with the instructor after the semester is cleaned out to make room for new students in the next drawing class.  You are responsible for picking up assignments left with the instructor for grading or shows.  I cannot hand deliver artwork to each student after it has been graded or after a show.  If I am not in my office, please make an appointment to pick up your work.  The instructor or college is not responsible for any artwork left by the student in the classroom at any time or with the instructor after the semester is over. 
 

HONESTY AND BEHAVIOR POLICY:  Students will be held accountable for honest and acceptable behavior in class – no cheating on any work done for this course.  I expect original work in this class.  Any student violation of this honest policy will result in a grade of “0” on that drawing project or possible expulsion from the course.  You are allowed to talk softly during class time as long as you are not a disruption to the class or your neighbors, or as long as the instructor is not speaking to the class.  Any offensive dialogue in the class is not acceptable and can result in expulsion from the course.  You are allowed to bring your cell phone to class, but you can’t use it unless there is an emergency or if I allow you to use it for a specific purpose in class.  You are responsible for any information given in the class and if you miss information because you are absent, late, distracted by your phone, taking excessive breaks, or generally not paying attention, it is your responsibility to get the information from the instructor or other students.

PLAGIARISM: The student understands that plagiarism will not be tolerated in this class. Plagiarism is defined by the Amarillo College Student Handbook as: “...the appropriating, buying, receiving as a gift, or obtaining by any means another’s work and the unacknowledged submission or incorporation of it in one’s own written work.” This also includes copying Internet or written sources in any course project/exercise without citing the source, as well as copying another student’s work as your own work. If a student is found plagiarizing any material in the course, it will result in a grade of "0" for that project/exercise and can result in disciplinary action and expulsion of the student from the course.

COURSE CONTENT: Students understand that in the study of art styles and art history that occasionally there may be a tasteful representation of a nude (such as in Greek Classical Art), and agree to handle that content in a mature and responsible way.
 

COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Students must be aware and responsible for the Copyright Notice for the course: The materials on this course website are only for the use of students enrolled in this course for the purposes associated with this course and may not be retained or further disseminated.

Grading Criteria

GRADING

You earn up to 100 points by completing course work and your participation grade throughout the semester.

The final grade is based on a total of 100 possible points that the student can earn through completing course work throughout the semester, and their participation grade.
90 - 100 points = A
80 - 89 points = B
70 - 79 points = C
60 - 69 points = D
0 - 59 points = F

POINTS EARNED:

• Critique Grades – 4 critique grades worth up to 10 points each, so 40 points possible
  • Critique Grade 1  (finished drawings and exercises)  (10 points possible)
    Critique Grade 2  (finished drawings and exercises)  (10 points possible)
    Critique Grade 3  (finished drawings and exercises)  (10 points possible)
    Critique Grade 4 (finished drawings and exercises)   (10 points possible)
     
• Sketchbook -  10 points possible
• Midterm and Final Vocabulary Exams - 15 points possible each, so 30 points possible for both exams.
• Class Participation Grade – 10 points possible
• Team Term Project – 10 points possible

Critique Grades: Critiques help the student understand areas of their work that need improvement. Your critique grade will consist of all the finished drawings and exercises completed up to that point.  All class work up to that point must be completed to get the total possible points for the critique grade. You will have an opportunity to improve your critique grade (make-up work, improved attitude, improved attendance, etc.) after the critique grade.  I will provide a list of the required class work for the critique grade one week in advance of the critique, but it is your responsibility to keep up with course work as the class progresses.  It is very important that you label all work you complete so that I will know how to assign credit for course work.  Quality of the work (at the discretion of the instructor) is as important a factor in this grade as the quantity of the work.

Assigned drawings and accompanying exercises covers specific drawing principles. You will be required to read assigned chapters from our textbook that relate to drawing topics we cover in the course as well as we progress through the course. Finished drawings and exercises will cover drawing and related design principles: line, shape, value, perspective, space, composition, color, unity, emphasis and focal point, scale and proportion,  etc. The student should have a thorough understanding of the drawing and design topics covered in class, drawing media, and drawing techniques by the end of the course. Finished drawings and exercises are developed to encourage experimentation with different media as well as an understanding of the drawing process.

Standards for grading projects/exercises:
- Fulfilled objectives of the assignment (points off at instructor's discretion)
- Demonstrated creativity / exploration (points off at instructor's discretion)
- Demonstrated an aesthetic quality in your work (points off at instructor's discretion)
- Demonstrated critical thinking and analysis of your work and other’s work (points off at instructor's discretion)
- Met project/exercise deadline, being present and participating in project critique. Take off 1 point automatically from grade if your drawings are not finished when critique begins, and take off 1 points if you do not attend the critique.

Sketchbook
Students must complete a minimum of 60 sketches over the semester using approaches and techniques we cover in class. This number of sketches averages out to about 4 sketches a week for the 15 weeks of class during the semester.  I will make unannounced checks of your gradebooks to make sure you are keeping on track.  If you finish class work early, this is a good time to get your sketchbook requirement done. Quality of the work (at the discretion of the instructor) is as important a factor in this grade as the quantity.

Acceptable subjects are: still lives, portrait or figure studies, object studies, and landscapes – these are all subjects you observe from real life. The sketchbook is designed to give you more practice and understanding of concepts and techniques covered in class.  Doodles, cartoons, or sketches or designs for other classes are not accepted in the sketchbook.  You are required to bring your sketchbook to each class.  I will periodically ask to check your progress in your sketchbook, so please keep up with it – remember it averages out to about 4 sketches per week.  Please do not include sketches for other classes in your sketchbook. 

Midterm and Final Vocabulary Exams There will be a midterm vocabulary test and a final vocabulary test.  Each test will cover drawing and design vocabulary covered in the course.  A test review will be provided for each test.  The test will be multiple choice, and delivered online through our AC Connect course.  Each test will be available for students to take on their own time online in our AC Connect course for a one week period.  Special arrangements to take the test in class can be made by the student by contacting the instructor at least one week before a test is given. The tests will be announced at least two weeks in advance of the time they will be available.

Class Participation Grade
- Includes consistent attendance.  After your 3 allowed absences - take 2 points off your participation grade for each absence. Exceptions can be made for medical emergencies, family emergencies, or job related required activities as long as proof is given to the instructor.
- Also includes being on time for class and being present for entire class. Each tardy - take 1 point off your participation grade unless you have made special arrangements with the instructor in advance,  Each time you leave class early without permission from the instructor - take 1 point off your participation grade unless you have made special arrangements with the instructor in advance.
- Includes participating in class discussions (oral and written), class drawings/exercises, and critiques. Points taken off at the discretion of the instructor.
- Includes proper class behavior (no cell phones or other electronic devices on during class unless otherwise allowed by the instructor, not talking over the instructor during class unless the class is invited to participate, polite behavior to the instructor and fellow students). Points taken off at the discretion of the instructor.
- Includes positive interaction with other students when appropriate...usually conversation between students and the instructor is encouraged during work time and designated discussion time in class. Points taken off at the discretion of the instructor.
- Includes classroom responsibility: You must clean up your workspace and pick up all the materials you use before you leave class. Points taken off at the discretion of the instructor.

Points for the above participation grade requirements can be taken off by the instructor at the instructor's discretion.

I usually will have your course work graded within a week after the due dates.  I will keep your grades updated (within a week of the due dates) in our AC Connect course shell in your My Grades grade book.  You can also ask me privately for your grades any time during the semester.

Team Term Project

The term project is due near the end of the course. Information and guidelines for the Term Project will be available later in the semester. The Term Project must follow the term project guidelines provided in the course.

 

Attendance

ATTENDANCE POLICY AND STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES:

Attendance and lateness: The student’s attitude and enthusiasm in class is a very important part of the final grade.  Consequently consistent attendance and promptness is required for a good grade.  You are responsible for being present to receive all course information, so it is important that you are present and on time.  If you are late, you will miss my introduction of the assignment for that day, and I do not like to give the assignment twice :-(.  If you are excessively absent or late, it will lower your grade.  Make sure you let me know if you are having problems that contribute to your absences and lateness - exceptions can be made for medical emergencies, family emergencies, or job related required activities as long as proof is given to the instructor.

Allowed absences:  Students are allowed 3 days of classes.  Keep in mind that all absences will impact your performance in the class since it is a hands on class, and concepts will be very difficult to learn if you miss a class. It is the student's responsibility to notify the instructor about all matters concerning attendance, such as, absences, arriving late to class, etc.  The student is also responsible for dropping courses by the last day to drop, withdrawing from college, changing to non-credit status, etc., if the need arises. See the Amarillo College master calendar on the AC website and our course calendar for the date of the last day to drop a course.  The instructor will not drop any student after the last day to drop a course.

Attendance Sheet:  Students are responsible for signing the attendance sheet or responding to roll call each class period. 

Bad Weather: If we are experiencing bad weather in this area, I will be here if the campus has not closed.  Please do not risk your life in bad weather to come to class (especially the 9 am class) – I will let you make up the work for that day, and will not count the absence against you.  Usually by afternoon classes, things have thawed out, and class will be held as usual.

Making up work:  It is your responsibility to get class assignments and announcements from me or another classmate.  If you are late, taking excessive breaks, listening to your headphones during an announcement, not paying attention, or absent from class you must check in with me or other classmates to get the missed information.   I will not follow you around to give you missed assignments or announcements. 

 

Calendar

Additional Information

INSTRUCTOR CONTACT INFORMATION: 
VICTORIA TAYLOR-GORE, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, CHAIR VISUAL ARTS AND DESIGN DEPT., AMARILLO COLLEGE
EMAIL:  vtaylorgore@actx.edu  or  vtg60@msn.com &nbs