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FA 102: Art 1
Instructor: Harrison Higgs
Office hours: Tues, Thurs 11:45am-12:30pm
MMC 102N
higgs@vancouver.wsu.edu
Course Objectives:
This studio-based course serves as an introduction to studio practice and composition of form in two-dimensional space. The course also considers issues facing contemporary artists and how these issues relate to studio practice.
Students who complete this class will be familiar with the basic tools and processes used in the studio, the fundamental elements of art and design, and how these elements serve as the foundation to the various studio areas.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Required text:
Exploring Art: A Global, Thematic Approach by Margaret Lazzari (Wadsworth Publishing, 2007)
Available at the bookstore.
As the class progresses, I will add to the online course bibliography which you should consider as additional reading. You get out what you put into a course, and this includes taking an interest in important texts used in the field.
Grading
exercises: 25%
projects: 25%
exams: 25%
participation: 25%
You will have roughly 3 graded projects, 3 exercises, and 2 exams. I may choose to tweak those numbers as each class moves at a different pace. There will also be plenty of in-class activities which investigate the course material and practice the skill sets used in the assignments.
Projects and Exercises will be evaluated on craftsmanship, technical proficiency, conceptual complexity, how well the instructions for each project were followed, understanding and utilization of the relating course materials, visual problem-solving, effort, and your overall success on the assignment. (Different assignments may emphasize one aspect over others.) Late work will be docked 3 points for each class past the deadline. If you know you're going to miss a class, get the assignment in early so that you will not be penalized.
Exercises-- These assignments will generally be completed during class time, and are designed to either set up or follow up the material covered in the projects.
Projects-- These assignments build off of the skills you practice during the exercises and in-class demos. In general, these more ambitious projects are more likely to emphasize conceptual development and attention to the broader themes explored in the course.
Exams-- The exams will test your comprehension and retention of the readings, demonstrations, and lectures.
Participation:
It's important that you make an honest effort to make this class count (and not just fulfill a requirement). The largest share of your participation grade will come from your sketchbook and from class discussions. Your lab fee will be used to purchase the sketchbook. This is a place to base your investigations, keep drawings, notes, ideas, images, etc. The sketchbook will be collected and graded periodically. What I am trying to assess is how engaged you are with your work, evidence of involved thinking, problem solving, and also your progress. One deficiency I often see in these sketchbooks is that you will have a good idea, but never really follow through.
Attendance-- We all have families, jobs, medical appointments, and unforseen emergencies. It is none of my business why you need to miss an occasional class or arrive late (or leave early), so do not report to me your schedule conflicts. Set your own priorities and live with your decisions.
You are allowed three absences without any penalty. For each absence beyond that, your final grade will be lowered 3 points. If you frequently arrive late or leave early, this too will count against your final grade.
Supplies
Most of your supplies will be paid for by the studio fee already charged to you when enrolling in this class. There may be some items that you wish to have for your own personal use (such as pens and pencils and knives that you want at home). Also, when executing some of your assignments, you made need special materials dictated by your concept.
Class website
http://www.vancouver.wsu.edu/fac/higgs/cl/fa102/
(This is also linked from my faculty homepage.) I will use this space to update the class calendar, distribute assignments, post online resources and visual aids, and for occasional announcements. You can be sure that I will make updates to the online calendar, so check it weekly.
Note-- You should be putting in roughly five hours per week outside of class practicing your skills and refining your work. It's a lot like practicing a musical instrument; you cannot expect to get good if you don't practice. So practice, practice, practice...
Your attention please!
Cell Phone ringers turned off during class and no text messaging. Also, no ipods during class time.
Students with Disabilities:
I am committed to providing assistance to help you be successful in this course. Reasonable accommodations are available for students with a documented disability. Please contact the Assistant Director for Student Development (VSSC 20C, 360-546-9155) during the first two weeks of every semester to seek information or to qualify for accommodations. All accommodations MUST be approved through the Assistant Director for Student Development. Call 360-546-9155 to make an appointment with a disability counselor.
Academic Honesty:
WSU is committed to principles of truth and academic honesty. Academic dishonesty includes cheating, plagiarism, and fabrication in the process of academic work, and can result in suspension or dismissal from the university. In this class, academic dishonesty will result in failure of the course and will be reported to the Office of Student Conduct. See…
http://www.conduct.wsu.edu/default.asp?PageID=343
for more information.
Emergency Notification:
WSU has an emergency notification system. You may register at myWSU with emergency contact information (cell, e-mail, text, etc). In the event of a Building Evacuation, follow the map posted at each classroom entrance. Campus closure will be announced to local media, and posted on the WSU Vancouver web page and/or http://www.flashalert.net/.
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