ART 2350-004 Spring 2014 First Year Studio 3-D

Class meets M, W 11:50 AM - 2:50 PM in ART 171 

Instructor: Martin Novak 

Contact by email martin.novak@utah.edu

Office: FAMB 100B (on map it is building Fine A , between the Art/Architecture building and Marriot Library). 

Office hours: M, W 3pm - 4pm by appointment.

Important semester dates:
Spring Break – No classes: Monday-Friday, March 9 - 16

Last day of regular classes – December 12. 2014
Classroom clean up - mandatory  on December  15. 2014

 

Class Description

This is the first course in the 3D foundation series, which introduces and familiarizes beginning art majors with formal and conceptual issues of three-dimensional art and design, basic materials and techniques necessary to learn for creating three dimensional design work. This course is intended to extend formal applications of materials and processes, involving constriction, fabrication, casting, reductive and additive sculpture techniques . In this studio-based course students will explore variety of materials including working paper, metal, plaster, plastic and fabric. During lectures and discussions students are expected to engage in topical discussions, group critiques, and begin to establish formal aesthetic vocabulary.

Course Objectives

First Year Studio 3-D introduces students to the basic principles, processes, and materials of three-dimensional form through a series of projects that encourage experimentation, and conceptual development in the articulation of three-dimensional forms. Students explore form, space, and structure through the use of design elements such as line, shape, mass, volume, surface, scale, proportion, material and color.

Course Requirements

  • Timely completion of all studio preparation-assignments, such as preliminary drawings and models.
  • Timely completion of all studio projects; projects need to be completed in a manner that fulfills project requirements.
  • Active participation in all group critiques of studio projects.
  • Active participation in all class discussions and technical demonstrations.
  • Adherence to the Attendance Policy for the course as outlined in a subsequent section of this syllabus.
  • Responsible and safe studio behavior as outlined in a subsequent section of this syllabus.
  • Retrieving information relating to each design assignment from the University department and the class web site on Canvas. 
  • Arriving on time to each class and prepared to work, having necessary project-materials and project-in-progress available to work with in class as scheduled according to course outline
  • Accessing Course Assignments/online Resources

 

Course projects and assignments are posted on Canvas class website: you can find a link to this website in your under http://www.utah.edu and the corresponding course number, or go to http://utah.instructure.com
The basic class schedule can be also found on the Department of Art and Art History’s web site COURSE SYLLABI for the course ART 2350 and the section you registered under.

Keep sketchbook and maintain regular journal and sketches of your concepts for projects and assignments. Take detail notes and ask relevant questions during the lectures and studio time. Print a hard copy of the assignment and projects that you can then bring to class and use as reference during studio working hours and class discussion of the project.
Students are responsible for printing their copy of the projects out and review the information for each project prior to the class discussion of the project. If you do not make a hard copy then you should review the project on the class website (Canvas) and make detailed written notes on the specifics of the assignment that you can reference during class.

Course Readings

There is no required textbook for the class, however reading materials will be posted online or listed in class reserves at the Marriot Library. Readings will be assigned in class on day to day basis so it is imperative you come to each class. If you miss class, it is your responsibility to follow up on missed lectures with your class peers or review the class schedule on canvas for assignments that are due that day and the following day in class. In addition to class reading everyone will do individual research for their projects using library resources. Your sketchbooks with preparatory drawings and research notes will be collected with your projects and graded as part of the project. 

Course Work

This is a studio course and class time will be divided between lectures and studio work on projects and assignments. Students have to bring to class all materials and tools necessary for their projects. The cost of materials for this class is minimal comparing to cost of other college resources. It is unacceptable that anyone should come to class unprepared and unable to work on their project. Students who are not prepared to work on their project in class and/or leaving class to buy materials to work on their projects will  receive an unexcused absence for the day. 

In addition to the class time and to successfully complete all requirements students are expected to dedicate time outside of class for each class hour.

Required Resources. You should have at least these basic materials and resources available:

  • Sketch book, pencils and ruler for drawing.
  • Scissors, Exacto knives.
  • Glue (Elmer’s glue, clear glue), paper tape.   
  • Straight edge ruler 10”, 24”
  • Measuring tape.
  • Protective glasses
  • Sandpaper in sheets 60,80, 100, 120 grid and sending block.
  • Additional materials and tools will depend on the nature of your work. 

 

Responsible Studio Behavior

Students  share the studio areas not only with the other members of this class, but also with other classes. There are set policies that contribute to the safety and good community relations of all and it is required that you adhere to these policies:

Use of tools and equipment

  • Put away ANY AND ALL TOOLS that you use.
  • Do not operate any tool/equipment until you have been instructed in its appropriate use and safety procedures.
  • Operate all tools and equipment in accordance with safety procedures.
  • If you have been instructed on operation of a piece of equipment and are still unsure or feel confused asked to be shown again.
  • Sign out all tools before removing them from the Tool Room – This entails checking the tool out through the Tool Room Monitor in the Tool Room, room 184, Sculpture Bldg.
  • School provided tools may not be taken off campus under any circumstance!
  • Broken tools must be reported to the class instructor immediately: If a tool is working incorrectly or becomes damaged while you have it checked out you must return the tool and alert the Tool Room Monitor or Shawn Porter the Facilities Manager immediately so other we may repair/replace the item.

Classroom management:

WORKS-IN-PROGRESS

  • Store your works-in-progress in your assigned shelving area. If your piece will not fit in the assigned location consult with your instructor.
  • Take care not to disturb/demage other works-in-progress.
  • Remove your finished piece from the room immediately after your assignment has been graded. Remove all your work and supplies at the end of semester. Work and supplies left after the finals week will be discarded or recycled.
  • Access to Studios & Equipment During Non-Class Hours

The First Year Studio 3D Room, room 171 in the Art Bldg. is open for your use except during the times that classes are scheduled in that room. Posted on the front of the door of room 171 is the room’s fall semester class schedule. Also, as a pre-art Major, you are able to have access to the art buildings twenty-four hours a day; a “swipe-card” system is in place on three of the Art Building’s exterior doors. Go to the Art Office, room 161 and ask to have your student I.D. programmed to open these doors after hours. There are, however, restrictions on accessing certain areas of the buildings.

Tool Room:

The Tool Room, room 184 Sculpture Bldg. has set hours that it operates. A new schedule is set each semester and will be poster on the door. Tools from the Tool Room may be signed out overnight and over the weekend, but you will need to use foresight and plan ahead.
Wood Shop: A portion of this course will include learning to use some of the equipment in the Wood Shop. You will be given demonstrations on the safe and appropriate use of certain equipment. All of the equipment in the Wood Shop requires the user to be trained in safety procedures and appropriate operating methods. If course work requires, we will work together in the wood area during class time, however your particular approach to an assignment may require you to use Wood Shop equipment outside of class. Take note, First Year Studio Students may use the Wood Shop only under supervision and may only use the equipment specified by the instructor. The Wood Shop area will be supervised several afternoons and evenings a week and one day of the weekend. These hours will be posted on the Wood Shop door at the beginning of the Fall Semester.
Computer Lab: A portion of the course involves digital video and the use of a computer. Open Lab hours for each semester for the computer lab in room 169 of the Art Bldg are posted on the front of the room’s door.

Attendance Policy

University Attendance Policy

You may not attend a University course unless you are officially registered and your name appears on the class roll.
The University expects regular attendance at all class meetings. You are not automatically dropped from your classes if you do not attend. You must officially drop your classes by the published deadline in the academic calendar to avoid a "W" on your record.
You are responsible for satisfying the entire range of academic objectives, requirements and prerequisites as defined by the instructor. If you miss the first 2 class meetings, or if you have not taken the appropriate requisites, you may be required to withdraw from the course.
If you are absent from class to participate in officially sanctioned University activities (e.g. band, debate, student government, intercollegiate athletics), religious obligations, or with instructor's approval, you will be permitted to make up both assignments and examinations.

Course Attendance Policy

This is a studio class; participation in-class activities, lectures and discussions are a critical component to the class content and cannot be made up if missed. It is expected that you arrive to each class on time, participating in all class activities, making good use of your time in class, and working until the end of the class period.

Attendance is one of the most important aspects of this course. Missing class means you miss lectures, work time and meeting with the instructors and fellow students. As a result, a great deal of work and effort on your part will be required to make up for missed classes, and to keep up with course content. You are fully responsible for following up on missed work and obtaining missed handouts.

Arriving late to class also slows down the tempo of class. Tardy attendance accrues to equaling absences. 2 tardies = 1 absence/participation. Preventing any of these headaches is easy, simply by attending class. Grading is weighted by attendance. 2 absences = 1 grade reduction on final grade (from A to A-), 4 absences by 2 grade reduction (from A to B) and so forth. Unless prior arrangements have been made, more then 6 consecutive unexcused absences will result in course failure (F grade).

Leaving class early without excused is also considered unexcused absence and will effect students’ grade.
Please contact me ASAP if an attendance problem arises. If you are ill or are representing the University, to clear your absence you have to provide doctor’s note proving you had legitimate reason to miss class. It is much easier to take care of a problem if dealt with promptly. Do not wait until the end of the semester, there may be no options other that a failing grade.

Critique days are culmination of each of your projects and may absolutely not be missed and will be excused only by a University Approved absence. Missed project due dates and class critique will lower the project to C.

Course Work:

50% of the course grade will be for your projects. During the semester students will be assigned 5 design-based three-dimensional projects that explore the goals as stated in the Goals and Objectives section of this syllabus.

Grading of these works will consider:

  • The completed work satisfies the project requirements. 
  • How well the work addressed the concerns (both concept and technique) of the particular design problem that has been assigned.
  • The piece as a whole: how the formal and conceptual elements of the piece inter-relate to develop an effective composition (formal and aesthetic development of three-dimensional constructions).
  • Quality and the technical execution.
  • Challenge the piece presents in making and creativity. 

 

Points: 

0 pts. unsatisfactory or does not apply
1 pt. below average, poor execution
2 pts. average satisfies the basic requirements
3 pts. above average, above standard

4 pts. satisfactory, fulfills expectations

5 pts.  outstanding, exceeds expectations


Projects have to be presented on time! Projects that are not presented on due date automatically receive C base level grade. Late projects have to be turned in the latest 2 class period (1 week) after due date to be considered for grade. A week after the due date no projects will be accepted for grade!

10 % of your grade will be a Sketchbook - You will keep a regular sketchbook (at least 8”x10”) for this class collecting ideas, sketches, drawings, images, observation and useful information to help you in developing concepts, design and creation of your work. The more and often you use your sketchbook the easier the process of creating and constructing your work would be. It is also a great satisfaction to see some of your initial ideas realized in actual pieces. When discussing ideas for your work during class meetings I want to see drawings for ideas you have so we can better conversation about technical and conceptual elements of your work.

20 % of your grade will be public art project proposal, research paper and presentations - You will do a research paper (5 pts) and a presentation (10 pts) on 2 artist from a list available on the class website whose work you like, admire or are inspired by (you will only choose from the list of artist since these are some of the names you and your classmates should become familiar with. The research paper will be 3-page, double-spaced, 12pt document outlining your interests in those artists, their works’ direction, conceptual objectives, stylistic choices, influences and major accomplishments.
In the class presentation you will introduce your research to the class using PPT to outline your conclusions and show examples of work. The presentation will be at least 15 no more then 25 minutes long using Power Point application.

20 % of Final Grade: Active Participation in Class Critiques, Discussions and Attendance - Curriculum for this course includes regular group discussions and technical demonstrations concerning the course material, as well as critiques of the assigned problems. All students will actively participate in the discussions on a regular basis. As a group the class will critique the work produced for assigned Studio Projects on the scheduled due date of each assignment. Active involvement in aesthetic criticism is a learning experience for both artist and viewer. Participation in critiques is an absolute requirement for this course.

50 % - Studio Projects
10 % - Sketchbook
20 % - Project proposal, research paper, artist presentation
20 % - Class participation and attendance.

Grade Equivalents:

A  97-100 %
A- 96-93 %
B+ 92-89 %
B  88-85 %
B- 81-84 %
C+ 80-77 %
C  73-76 %
C- 69-72 %
D+ 65-68 %
D  61-64 %
D- 57-60%
F bellow 57%

Final Latter Grade Equivalents

Final Class Grade Evaluation Procedures: Final grade for this course will be determined according to the following:

A = sustained level of superior performance demonstrated in all areas of Course Requirements and Project Assignment Criteria

B = consistent level of performance that is distinctly above average in a majority of the Course Requirements and Project Assignment Criteria

C = level of performance that is generally average and in which all the Course Requirements and Project Assignment Criteria are achieved

D = below average performance and achievement of the Course Requirements and Project Assignment Criteria

F = accomplishment of the Course Requirements and Project Assignment Criteria is not at a level sufficient to receive a passing grade

 

The University of Utah seeks to provide equal access to its programs, services and activities for people with disabilities. If you will need accommodations in this class, reasonable prior notice needs to be given to the Center for Disability Services, 162 Olpin Union Building, 581-5020 (V/TDD). CDS will work with you and the instructor to make arrangements for accommodations.

Course Summary:

Date Details Due