Life Drawing I Syllabus for 2016-2017
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Student Performance

ARTS 2323 Life Drawing I: Basic study of the human form

Exemplary Educational Objectives                                                   ACGM

1. To demonstrate awareness of the scope and variety of works in the arts and humanities.
2. To understand those works as expressions of individual and human values within an historical and social context.
3. To respond critically to works in the arts and humanities.
4. To engage in the creative process or interpretive performance and comprehend the physical and intellectual demands required of the author or visual or performing artist.
5. To articulate an informed personal reaction to works in the arts and humanities.
6. To develop an appreciation for the aesthetic principles that guide or govern the humanities and arts.
7. To demonstrate knowledge of the influence of literature, philosophy, and/or the arts on intercultural experiences.

Specific Course Outcomes

Students will:

• Develop understanding of the human form
• Draw the human figure accurately displaying normative proportional relationships of the body’s parts to the whole
• Depict the figure in a variety of poses using foreshortening (linear perspective)
• Convey gesture, the illusion of expressive movement, when drawing the figure spontaneously in very brief periods of time
• Work with a variety of drawing tools
• Develop their skills of observation.
• Draw the figure so that the illusion of volume is achieved through a variety of shading techniques
• Simplify, exaggerate, or distort visual elements and normative proportions to interpret expressive qualities of the figure
• Evoke mood through the expressive use of drawing materials
• Utilize techniques emphasizing accurate, expressive, and conceptual approaches
• Understand and utilize appropriate art terminology
• Participate meaningfully in critique
• Cultivate self-reflection about one’s work
• Write an artist statement and discuss their work in a formal setting
• Present work for grading in a professional manner, as directed by the instructor
• Maintain a professional and respectful attitude  
• Maintain classroom facilities and shared supplies

Students Rights and Responsibilities

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Expected Student Behavior

CRITIQUES: Critique allows all class members to evaluate the effectiveness of each drawing. Respect for each other is of the utmost importance. This part of our classroom activities is crucial to the creative and technical learning process, giving you an opportunity to learn from your peers. Your participation (or lack thereof) in critique will impact your grade.

BEHAVIOR: The key word regarding class behavior is RESPECT. Every person in the room deserves and will receive the respect of others. Disruptions and/or any behavior that the instructor considers inappropriate will not be tolerated and will result in dismissal from the class. Every student is expected to be involved and engaged with other students and the instructor. For this reason, NO HEADPHONES OR PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES ARE ALLOWED. 

POLICY CONCERNING MODELS:

• Cameras and cell phones: No cameras are allowed in the classroom during life drawing sessions. Since many cell phones include cameras, you may not have your cell phone out at any time. If you must take a call, please do so during break time.
• While the model is posing, you should not open or close the classroom door. THIS MEANS BEING ON TIME FOR CLASS IS IMPORTANT.
• Never touch the model.
• Do not comment on the model’s appearance or affect
• Inappropriate behavior will result in dismissal from the course for the semester.

Grading Criteria

GRADING POLICY:

Student grades will be based on 100 total points and four major areas of assessment, weighted as follows:

• Midterm portfolio review (40%)
  1. Your typewritten response to midterm questionnaire: 20% of this score
  2. Formal and conceptual quality, exploration and experimentation: 80% of this score
• Final digital portfolio with artist statement; oral presentation at Life Drawing Showcase (40%)
  1. Your artist statement, as well as responses to specific questions: 10% of this score
  2. Your presentation at Showcase: 10% of this score
  3. Formal and conceptual quality, exploration and experimentation, as well as growth over the course of the semester: 80% of this score
• Sketchbook, homework, research, quizzes or other assignments (20%)
• Participation in class, critique and work ethic always have an impact on your grade. Points will be deducted for each episode of tardiness, lack of necessary supplies, etc.

LATE and MAKE-UP WORK: Because in-class work is almost always a response to a specific prompt and model, it can rarely be “made up”. This is the reason for the absence policy.

TARDINESS should be avoided. We are working with an undraped model, and late arrival is disruptive. After the class begins, the door will be locked, and you will not be able to enter until break.

GRADING SCALE:

Because art is more subjective than many other fields, it is important to understand some of the broad areas of assessment in this class. Portfolios will be evaluated using a four-point scale, which corresponds to letter grades. Four major areas will be assessed. (I will also utilize +/- (or .5 points)

Technique/Use of materials/Composition

A/4: Exceptional technique/use of materials/composition

B/3: Effective technique/use of materials/composition

C/2: Acceptable technique/use of materials/composition

D/1: Poor technique/use of materials/composition

Concepts/Ideas/Exploration

A/4: Ideas are highly inventive, innovative and effective

B/3: Interesting ideas and concepts

C/2: Ideas are standard but acceptable

D/1: Ideas are stereotypical with little effort at discovering or expressing personal visual language

Work ethic/ Presentation/Craft (including presentation in portfolio)

A/4: Exceptional work ethic and professional presentation

B/3: Energetic working method and effective presentation

C/2: Minimal energy applied to work, lackluster presentation

D/1: Lack of enthusiasm, careless presentation

As part of the portfolio reviews, I will also look at your writing:

Reflection/Observation/Writing

A/4: High level of insight and quality of writing

B/3: Good level of insight and quality of writing

C/2: Acceptable level of insight and quality of writing

D/1: Low level of insight and quality of writing

This system corresponds to that of the GPA:

• A = EXCELLENT
• B = GOOD
• C = AVERAGE or ADEQUATE 
• D = POOR
• F = FAIL

LACK OF ATTENDANCE WILL RESULT IN GRADE DEDUCTIONS

Additional information on grading:

“A” level coursework/final:

A number of drawings that demonstrate an excellent accurate, proportional depiction of the full human figure, as well as works that consistently demonstrate a mastery of the elements and principles of design, particularly line variation, lighting/value, texture, and composition. A number of drawings will also demonstrate expressiveness and experimentation with new techniques and concepts.

The final digital portfolio will follow the requirements listed, and the photographs will be appropriately edited and labeled as per instructions.

“B” level coursework/final:

Some drawings that demonstrate a solid accurate, proportional depiction of the full human figure, as well as works that consistently demonstrate the development of the elements and principles of design, particularly line variation, lighting/value, texture, and composition. There will also be works that show expressiveness and experimentation with new techniques and concepts.

The final digital portfolio will follow the requirements listed, and the photographs will be appropriately edited and labeled as per instructions.

“C” level coursework/final:

A number of drawings that demonstrate the development of an accurate, proportional depiction of the full human figure, as well as works that demonstrate the development of the elements and principles of design, particularly line variation, lighting/value, texture, and composition. There will also be willingness to demonstrate expressiveness and experimentation with new techniques and concepts.

The final digital portfolio will follow the requirements listed, and the photographs will be appropriately edited and labeled as per instructions.

“D” level coursework/final:

“D” level work is usually the result of too many absences combined with average coursework.

The final digital portfolio does not follow the requirements listed, or photographs may not be appropriately edited and labeled as per instructions

“F” level coursework/final:

“F” level work is usually the result of too many absences.

Final Portfolio not turned in.

A discussion on “best effort”: It is one of the frustrations of art studio courses that you may feel that you have put forth your “best effort”, and yet not received an “A”. (for example: I can guarantee that my very best effort in Trigonometry would not earn me an “A”) Please consider that while art is somewhat subjective, there are some objective standards – most of which are circumscribed in the Elements and Principles of Design. Please read, understand and try to practice these skills. Also, figure drawing, like any course of study, requires regular practice beyond what is required in class. The more you practice, the more proficient you will become. This is the reason for the homework assignments in your sketchbook, but your own work in the sketchbook is equally important for your progress in the course, and more importantly, for your growth as an artist. 

Attendance

ATTENDANCE POLICY: Attendance is CRITICAL to your success in this course. Please note that Amarillo College allows only 2 absences for any reason, with the consequences of missing additional classes to be determined at the discretion of the instructor. Therefore:

• STUDENTS WILL BE HELD RESPONSIBLE for making certain they are “signed in” (I will have an attendance sheet and will usually call roll) IF YOU HAVE ARRIVED LATE; YOU MUST BE CERTAIN YOU’VE BEEN COUNTED PRESENT
• I will allow 5 absences without penalty. The 6th absence will lower your final grade by one letter. Each subsequent absence will result in an additional letter grade deduction.
• Students are responsible for keeping up with their own absence totals. Upon request, and outside of class time, students may inquire as to the number of absences they have.
• Late arrivals and early departures may be counted as absences. (2 tardies or early departures = 1 absence)
• If you have extenuating circumstances that impact your ability to attend class, please contact me ASAP.

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. 

Calendar

Additional Information

STUDENT ACCESS:  Any student who has a disability that may prevent him/her from fully demonstrating his/her abilities should contact the instructor as soon as possible to discuss the necessary accommodations for your participation