Sample Syllabus 1

Art 101: Drawing for Non-Majors
Mon/Wed 10–12:50
Instructor: Travis Petersen
Email: travisapetersen[at]hotmail.com

 
Course Description

Introductory class to drawing, its formal elements and the fundamental principles of design. Exploring the basic techniques of drawing using a variety of media.
 

Course Objectives

To gain proficiency in observational skills, visual and mechanical measuring techniques, chiaroscuro

To gain an understanding of the basics of composition

To explore abstraction and non-objective imagery

To understand terms and vocabulary


Expectations

Come to class on time, ready to draw.

Be respectful toward me and your classmates; this includes but is not limited to: talking quietly when painting, avoid bringing strong-smelling food into the classroom, maintaining personal cleanliness, listening to the opinions of others during class discussions, responding respectfully to other’s opinions during discussions, etc.

No cell phone use in class; if you need to make or answer a call, step out of the classroom.

No working on homework from other classes.

Clean up your own workspace; this includes personal supplies, classroom supplies, and work area. The classroom is a communal studio space and is shared by several classes.

 
Attendance

Attendance is mandatory. Since we will be having regular lectures, discussions and in-class projects that are done in a successive order, it is important you don’t miss class. You are allowed two (2) unexcused absences. Excused absences are up to the instructor’s discretion. Tardiness is considered an unexcused absence after the first 10 minutes of class. This means that if you are not present within 10 minutes of the start of class, you will be marked absent. Five unexcused absences will result in a full grade reduction. Eight absences will result in an incomplete or fail.

 
Class Discussions

We will spend at least a third of the semester in class discussions, critiques, and lectures. Every student is expected to participate. Participation will constitute part of your grade.
 

Assignments

In-class assignments as well as out-of-class homework assignments will be given on a weekly basis. In-class assignments are due at the end of class on the same day. If you are absent for an in-class assignment you will not be able to make up what you missed.

Homework assignments will be given at the beginning of each week and are due the following week at the beginning of class unless otherwise stipulated. A minimum of four hours per week outside of class should be spent completing assignments in order to pass the class.

You are responsible to find out what is due each week. Late work will not be accepted. If you can’t make it to class, your work still can. The instructor reserves the right to change assignment criteria week to week.

Along with weekly homework and in-class assignments, we will have a midterm project and a final project. The final exam will measure your knowledge of the bones and muscles. You will be expected to draw and label the bones and muscles from memory. Grading will be assessed with evaluation reports.


Grading Breakdown

In-class Assignments & Attendance        30%

In-class Participation                               10%

Homework Assignments                          20%

Midterm Project                                        20%

Final Project                                             20%

 
Grading Scale

A = Excellent. Ability and execution surpasses ordinary standards of what is expected.

B = Good. Complete portfolio that reflects improvement and techniques above average.

C = Fair. Problems with attendance and or incomplete portfolio, erratic performance.

D = Poor. Attitude, attendance, and effort lacking. Not completing objectives.

E = No Credit.

 
Supplies

Canson or Strathmore Newsprint Pad: 18x24

Canson or Strathmore Drawing Paper: 18x24

4 sheets of Stonehenge Heavy Duty Drawing Paper: 18x24

Sketchbook: 8x10 or larger), 100 sheets, white

Speedball India Ink: 2 oz

Graphite pencils: one each of 2b, 4b, 6b, 8b

Generals Compressed Charcoal (sticks)

Blue masking tape or artist tape

Pink pearl eraser

Kneaded eraser

Drawing board or Masonite with clips (big enough for 18x24)

Sharpener

Sandpaper block or strip for sharping

Box or container for the above drawing supplies

A portfolio for keeping your work together


TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

Instructor reserves the right to change this schedule at any time, including topics covered or order in which they are covered.

Week 1 Line

Mon: Class Introduction, Syllabus, Supply List, Ellipses, Cylinders, Bottles, Gesture Drawing Homework 1: Five life-size sketches of different geometric shapes
Bring your supplies and a white bar of soap for next class.

Wed: Soap Drawing Line Weight, Edges, Straight and Curved

Week 2 Shape/Plane

Mon:  Homework 1 Due, Soap Sculpture
Homework 2: Sculpt Soap/Draw Life Size

Wed: Work Day

Week 3 Value/Structure

Mon: Homework 2 Due, Value and Structure
Homework 3: Sphere and Value Scale

Wed: Negative and Positive Space

Week 4 Convex and Concave Shapes

Mon: Homework 3 Due, Convex vs Concave Shapes
Homework 4: Convex and Concave Shapes

Wed: Studio Work

Week 5 Transparent Objects

Mon: Homework 4 Due, Salt Shakers, Glass, Silverware
Midterm (Homework 5): Three life-size objects, transparent and reflective

Wed: Studio Work

Week 6 Reflective Surface

Mon:  Reflective Surfaces, Continue Shakers

Wed: Work Day

Week 7 Midterm Critiques

Mon: Midterm Due, Midterm Critiques

Wed: Midterm Critiques Continued

Week 8 Contour Line

Mon: Contour Lines, Cross Contour
Homework 6: Shoe and Tape

Wed: Work Day

Week 9 Texture

Mon: Homework 6 Due, Texture.
Homework 7: Five Textures

Wed: Activating Our Surface

Week 10 Color

Mon: Homework 7 Due, Local and Optical Color, Final Project Explanation
Homework 8: Apples

Wed: Variation on Local Color

Week 11: Perspective

Mon: Homework 8 Due, Final Project Sketches Due, Two- and Three-point Perspective

Wed: Drawing Buildings
Homework 9: Two-point Perspective Interior

Week 12 Perspective

Mon: Drawing Buildings

Wed: Drawing Buildings

Week 13 Composition

Mon: Homework 9 Due, Composition/ Design

Wed: Make-up Day

Week 14 Holiday Break

Week 15 Studio Time

Mon: Studio Work Final Project

Wed: Studio Work – Final Project

Week 16 Final Project & Critique

Mon: Final Project Due, Final Critique
Turn in Portfolios (all homework, in-class assignments, etc)

Wed: Final Critiques Continued


NOTE:

Students who need accommodations because of a disability should contact the UVU Accessibility Services Department (ASD), located on the Orem Campus, in LC 312. To schedule an appointment, or speak with a counselor, call the ASD office at 801-863-8747, or for Deaf/Hard of Hearing individuals, use the video phone number, 886-760-1819.