Drawing I Syllabus for 2025-2026
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Instructor Information

Course Information

AI Statement

Collusion is defined as “the unauthorized collaboration with another person or by any other means, including artificial intelligence (AI) and computer translators, in preparing work for fulfillment of course requirements.” Using AI like (ChatGPT or Google Gemini) to create a document is considered colluding. The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence on specific assignments is at the discretion of the instructor.

Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Reporting

Amarillo College prohibits discrimination and harassment based on sex, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, under Title IX and Texas Education Code §51.253–255. Faculty and staff are mandatory reporters and must share any related concerns with the Title IX Coordinator at titleix@actx.edu. Reports and additional information are available at https://www.actx.edu/hr/title-ixtitle-ix. Confidential counseling and advocacy services are available through the Counseling Center and Advocacy & Resource Center.

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Enrollment Center, Suite 700. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement

Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.

If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Tutoring for Success applies to any student whose overall performance in the course falls below 75%. The instructor will create the task in the Student Engagement Portal (Watermark) to direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty- or SI-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. The tutoring service assigned, the due date for when the tutoring must be completed, and the amount of tutoring required are at the discretion of the instructor. Additionally, the task will alert the student’s success team. Students who do not fulfill the assigned tutoring task may be subject to program- and course-specific penalties that could result in a grade reduction and/or in not being allowed to progress in the course until the tutoring requirement has been satisfied.

Administrative Drop Policy

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: Students who are attending Texas institutions of higher education, for the first time fall 2007 and later, may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

ARTS-1316-001 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.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 2 lec, 4 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Required text: (free .pdf is also listed in Bb course content)

Bert Dodson, Keys to Drawing, (Cincinnati, Ohio: North Light Books) 1985

ISBN-10: 0-89134-337-7

ISBN-13: 978-0-89134-337-0

Supplies

Supplies will be discussed in detail in the course introduction. 

Links provided for visual reference

• Pad of good quality drawing paper, 18” x 24” or larger (look for heavyweight paper with a good tooth – 80 lbs or heavier weight) Look for serrated top edges so the drawing can be easily removed from pad Strathmore 400 Series Drawing Paper Pad - 18'' x 24'', 24 Sheets  OR, EVEN BETTER - Mixed Media paper: Strathmore 400 Series Mixed Media Pad - 18'' x 24'', 15 Sheets

• Newsprint for Quick Draws and to place between charcoal/pastel drawings

Strathmore 300 Series Newsprint Pad - Smooth, 50 Sheets, 18'' x 24''

• Sketchbook of your choice (for thumbnails, preparatory drawings and other assignments) (Spiral bound is best for photographing your work) ProArt Spiral Bound Sketchbook - 11'' x 8.5'', 80 sheets

• Pencils: you should have several pencils to select from: 2B and 4B are essential. (please add 6B if you can) “Ebony” pencils are inexpensive soft drawing pencils and a good choice for general drawing. Staedtler Lumograph Drawing and Sketching Pencils - Set of 6   Prismacolor Ebony Pencil - Graphite, Pack of 2

• Charcoal: purchase both “willow” charcoal (which is transparent and light) and “compressed” charcoal (which is opaque and dark) Winsor & Newton Willow Charcoal - Thin, Box of 3   Richeson compressed charcoal

Also, I have charcoal to share

• Charcoal pencil (“peel off” to sharpen is easiest)

• extra-fine and fine black Sharpies (or artist's ink pen, like Micron)

• good quality black or blue ballpoint pen

• bamboo calligraphy brush (I will provide ink) OR - EVEN BETTER size 12 Round brush

Blick White Hair Bamboo Brush - Size 25  or Da Vinci Fit For School & Hobby Brush - Round, Size 12, Short Handle

• watercolor set (can be inexpensive) (I have some to share) 

BUT EVEN BETTER 36-color set @ Michael's  (cheap!)

• Erasers: you should have several erasers to choose from, as they have different effects. Kneaded rubber and white plastic erasers are required. Also purchase a “push-up” pencil-type eraser. (Look for the “Tuff Stuff” eraser and drafting erasers at the bookstore)

pencil eraser   Caran d'Ache Triangular Eraser  Prismacolor Kneaded Eraser 

• Can of “workable spray fixative”

• Scissors and/or x-acto knife

• Glue sticks

• Portfolio (can be made or bought – GET ONE!)

Star Products Wallet Portfolio - 20'' x 26'' x 2'', Red, With Handles

• Container for your supplies

FOR THE FIRST 2 WEEKS, YOU WILL NEED YOUR TEXTBOOK, SKETCHBOOK, 18”X24”PAPER, DRAWING PENCILS, WHITE PLASTIC AND KNEADED RUBBER ERASERS

More suppliers:

https://www.michaels.com/

https://www.dickblick.com/

https://www.cheapjoes.com/

Student Performance

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course is designed to introduce participants to basic concepts in drawing in black and white media. Students will develop both technical and observational skills. In addition, this course is intended to stimulate creative and critical thinking and to develop an individual’s ability to solve visual problems. In the context of this course, drawing is pursued as an end in itself, as opposed to being a preliminary study.

METHODOLOGY:

The instructor will provide individual instruction and critique of student work during class periods.

Drawings will be done both in class and out of class. Students will keep their drawings in a portfolio, keep a sketchbook and/or complete other assignments, and participate in private and group critiques. 

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES:

Exemplary Educational Objectives (ACGM pg 234)

• To demonstrate awareness of the scope and variety of works in the arts and humanities.
• To understand those works as expressions of individual and human values within an historical and social context.
• To respond critically to works in the arts and humanities.
• 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.
• To articulate an informed personal reaction to works in the arts and humanities.
• To develop an appreciation for the aesthetic principles that guide or govern the humanities and arts.
• To demonstrate knowledge of the influence of literature, philosophy, and/or the arts on intercultural experiences.

Specific Course Outcomes:

• Students will gain familiarity with drawing terminology.
• Students will work with a variety of drawing tools.
• Students will be able to apply the Principles of Design to their drawings.
• Students will apply a variety of techniques in drawing.
• Students will solve visual problems and create dynamic compositions.
• Students will utilize techniques emphasizing accurate, expressive, and conceptual approaches. 
• Students will discuss their work in verbal and/or written form.
• Students will present work for grading in a professional manner, as directed by the instructor.
• Students will participate meaningfully in critique.
• Students will maintain a professional and respectful attitude.
• Students will maintain classroom facilities and shared supplies.

Students 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

CRITIQUES:

Critique allows all class members to discuss design and conceptual issues and evaluate the effectiveness of each project. This part of our classroom activities is crucial to the creative and technical learning process, giving us an opportunity to share insights. (reminder: you will also be filling out peer evaluations for each other’s work, which will constitute part of your grade.)

CRITIQUE ABSENCES, LATE and MAKE-UP WORK: Because in-class work is often a response to a specific prompt or set-up, it is difficult to “make up”. I will grade drawings directly after critique, taking into account peer evaluations as well. Grades for work turned in after critique will lose 2 points for each day they are late.

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.

CIVILITY: Disruptions and/or any behavior that the instructor considers inappropriate will not be tolerated and will result in dismissal from the class. The key word in our interactions is RESPECT. Every student is expected to be involved and engaged with other students and the instructor. For this reason, NO HEADPHONES OR PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES ALLOWED. If you must take a phone call during class time, please leave the classroom to do so.

I RESERVE THE RIGHT TO CONFISCATE YOUR CELL PHONE UNTIL THE END OF CLASS.

Grading Criteria

GRADING POLICY: You can access your grades and send emails through AC CONNECT

“Quick Draws”: 40%

Sustained Drawings: 50%  

Peer Reviews/Critique: 10%

Additional grading information: Because art is more subjective than many other fields, it is important to understand some of the broad areas of the assessment of artworks. The three typical areas of assessment for any project are:

• Technique, use of materials and Elements and Principles of Design
• Project Parameters, Concepts and Ideas, Exploration
• Work ethic, Presentation and Craft

Each of these areas of assessment is worth up to 4 points, for a maximum score of 12 points per project.

Areas of assessment will vary slightly according to the requirements of each project.

For Sustained Drawings, all class members will fill out a rubric for every other member of class. The classes’ total score for each student project will be worth half of the final score, and my assessment will be worth half. You will then receive that packet of rubrics with comments from your peers and from me – please use these comments for improvement and insight. Caveat: I reserve the right to adjust grades as needed.  (if we are unable to critique in person, we will critique via Zoom)

A = EXCELLENT (4 points per area of assessment)

B = GOOD (3 points per area of assessment)

C = AVERAGE or ADEQUATE  (2 points per area of assessment)

D = POOR (1 point per area of assessment)

F = FAIL (0 points per area of assessment)

GRADING SCHEMA: 12 points = 100%

87.5% and less than 100% = A

70.83 and less than 87.5% = B

50% and less than 70.83% = C

29.17% and less than 50% = D

0 and less than 29.17% = F 

Attendance

ATTENDANCE POLICY: Attendance is CRITICAL to your success in this course.

Attendance for all classes including lectures, critiques and work sessions is mandatory. Students are expected to come to class prepared to work, with materials and supplies, and work productively in class for all scheduled studio time. Attendance will be taken during the first five minutes of class. If you arrive late, make sure you speak to the instructor at the end of the class to get a “tardy”, otherwise an absence will be recorded. Leaving early without an excuse may be recorded as an absence. 

Excused absence: 

An excused absence is usually characterized by an unforeseen life or death situation (one’s own or immediate family), or a personal sickness. Excused status will be determined by the instructor. However, a doctor’s note brought to the following class will guarantee excused status, as well as institutional excuses. Please DO NOT show up to class sick. Stay home and get well when you’re feeling unwell. There will be the option to meet with me remotely via Zoom to keep up with class material. 

Impact: 

All students must notify the instructor in case of absences before missed classes. Any unexcused absences will impact your grade: 

5 unexcused absences will result in ONE letter grade lower. 

6 unexcused absences will result in a FAILING GRADE. 

3 unexcused late arrivals or early departures equals ONE absence. 

CELL PHONE USE: Do not watch videos or play games during class, or use your phone in critique. An ignored request to discontinue phone use will result in a “tardy” in Aviso.

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

DEPARTMENTAL INFORMATION:

• Department Coordinator: John Brixen, Parcells Hall #313D
• Departmental Counselor/Career Advisor: Sarah Webb